It’s an accepted fact that baby showers are celebrated to give a show of support for the mommy-to-be and to revel in the joy of a new life in the world. Although if you’re the one getting all the support, you would of course feel that you should give your guests something in return for all that care and concern.
One way to do that is to create special gift bags for your guests. They can of course be made of many materials, whether of cellophane, fabrics like organza or even recycled fabrics, and paper in unique textures. Fabric bags are wonderful choices since they can get reused in multiple ways. These can either be made or purchased and simply embellished on.
To do this, choose bags which are already in your color scheme or a parchment color to make it easier. You simply need to fold over the top and punch two holes in the folded area. Pull a ribbon through these holes and tie into a pretty bow. You can use other things, too, like a bracelet in the same colors or a necklace with a pendant in the shape of the icon for the baby shower.
If you’ve decided to make your own paper bag, it’s easiest when you make it around a book or box that acts as the form for the size of bag that you want. Use a sturdy paper (the Japanese mulberry paper is fantastic for this) and double-sided tape to hold it together. Wrap the paper around the book, leaving allowance above and below. Close up the bottom and sides, like you do when wrapping a gift. Slip the bag off the form and fold in the sides.
When making your bag out of cloth, it’s best to start with a piece of cloth that is twice as wide as you want the finished bag to be. So if you want a bag that comes out to 5” x 7” you would want a cloth that’s 6” x 14” to start. After sewing a hem on top, fold the right sides together and then just sew up a simple seam on the open side and the bottom. Turn it right side out and you’re done.
Tie it shut with ribbon after you finish decorating the bag. Why not glue on sparkly rhinestones or pretty silk flowers, feathers, or patches as décor? These are the things that make your bags really personalized.
But gift bags aren’t complete without the gifts inside! For the female friends, the choices are so numerous they’re simple. Why not give personal sized tubes of body polish, spray bottles of lavender water, or pretty bead bracelets? However, a couples’ shower is a little more complicated. A split of wine, or even a jar of specialty jam would be much appreciated. For those on a diet, why not give a couple of movie tickets, scented candles, or a set of special stationery?
Add a little gift that is personalized only for this special occasion. Why not add a sachet of tea that comes in a custom package?
To make it truly personal, add something that expresses you and you alone. Are you considered “green?” Why not put in a little pamphlet that teaches green ideas? Or add a paper fan – a perfect substitute for air-conditioning! Do you like to pamper yourself? Give your friends a little luxury by throwing in a small jar of delicious-smelling hand cream. It’s touches like these that make baby shower gift bags all your own.