Having a baby is not cheap. You have to buy the crib, the car seat, the stroller, the carrier, the dresser, the changing table, the clothes, the bottles, the diapers, the blankets, and the bedding. With all of those things on your mind, I'm sure the last thing you want to do is spend a fortune on baby shower invitations. Listed below are just some of the ways that you can save money on the invitations to your (or anyone's) baby shower.

When I think of saving money, the first thing that comes to mind is DIY (do-it-yourself). If you have a printer or know someone that does, then you can print your own invitations. Some computers come with a word processing program preloaded. You can create your own baby shower invitations using pictures and different colored text.

If you would like more options with clipart or creative text, there are various printing software programs available on the Internet. With a simple search on the World Wide Web, you can even find programs for free, or free trials. Be sure that you are buying or downloading from a trusted Web site, though. You don't want to install a virus with your program.

You'll need to decide what you want to print your invitations on. Pretty paper with pink or blue vellum tied over the top of the invitation? Or maybe cardstock with a border of crawling babies? With the trends shifting toward DIY to save some money, some stores now carry boxed sets of blank invitations. All you have to do is pick your design, type up what you'd like to see on the invitation, feed the paper into your printer, and print. This will be cheaper than having professional invitations done, but most stores carry a limited selection.

To make cheap baby shower invitations, you really don't need a printer at all. Another DIY idea is to cut out cute baby designs from cardstock. You can handwrite the shower information with markers, glitter pens, paint pens, or even crayons for a cute touch. If you'd like something more finished, purchase an invitation template stamp. Stamp one side for the information and decorate the other side as if it were the front of the invitation.

Once you have the basic layout of your card thought out, then you can add fun embellishments. Adding ribbon or buttons on an invitation will give it a 3-D effect and add that extra WOW factor. Check the scrapbooking aisle or section to see what's available. These days you can find just about any kind of sticker or add on.

Don't limit yourself to paper or card stock, either. Try craft foam, felt, magnets, or even colorful paper made for scrapbooking. For example, if you are having a ladybug themed shower, you could use red and black foam to create ladybug invitations. Use red for the body and wings. Cut black circles to attach to the back. On the belly side, you can write in the information you want your guests to know. Use a light colored gel pen for a fun look. Foam footballs, basketballs, soccer balls, and baseballs would be cute for a boy's sports themed shower.

Doing your baby shower invitations yourself may be the cheapest way to go, but that's not always an option. Some people do not have time to devote to making the invitations. Some people (like me) may just be downright un-crafty. If you find yourself short on time or skills, talk to a local printer. They usually have sample books in their shop that you can go through to get ideas. Going this route may limit your options to a more formal-looking invitation but money saved is money saved. Talk with your printer about what you have in mind. Ask if he or she will give you a discount if you provide your own printing paper or cardstock. They may also offer discounts if you order over a certain amount of invitations. Don't be afraid to ask for the lowest price.

And finally, the last suggestion I have for cheap baby shower invitations is the Internet. There are Web sites devoted to crafts and some companies will even work with you to create custom designs. The custom designs will cost more than a basic design invitation. Use a search engine to look for keywords. Try searching for baby shower invitations in bulk. Any invitations you have left over, you can save for the baby book, or try to incorporate them into a baby shower game.

Cheap baby shower invitations are not impossible to come by. You just have to be thoughtful and open to changes. If you see something on the shelf or on a Web site that you like, try to figure out how you can recreate that same look but without the high price tag.