A baby shower is a celebration with friends and family in honor of an arriving baby. This is the chance to give parents-to-be gifts and support before their great day.

In the past baby showers were women only gatherings, but increasingly it's both Mum and Dad. The tradition has been around for a very long time: as far back as the ancientt/ Romans and Egyptians celebrating births, all the way to Victorian era tea parties for expectant mothers.

Nowadays the traditional ways to have a baby shower are open to interpretation. Today the sky is the limit on themes and games played.

It really pays to do a little research on gift and party ideas. This can make your baby shower a truly memorable event for yourselves and your guests. The idea is to forget the stress of an upcoming birth and enjoy your friends company.

The first place to start when planning your baby shower is to set a fun atmosphere. This can start with a colorful and funny invitation that perfectly explains your intended theme. And don't forget to choose a date that gives everyone plenty of time to prepare and buy gifts.

The big secret is, this is a way to rediscover your childhood. Be light hearted and imaginative. One mother I know requested all the guests to appear dressed in pajamas and dressing gowns!

Always keep in mind the things ‘you used to do' when you were young and let your creativity run wild. You could have invitations written on (color-photocopied) cartoon teddy bears or an individually addressed invitation on a party hat to be worn only once the guest has arrived.

There are several ways to plan a baby shower. If some of the friends and family attending are from different financial backgrounds you could have a set gift fee of $20. You then pool this together to buy one really special gift. Or you could limit the gifts bought to not more than $20 each.

One phenomenon is that often all your friends will have baby showers within a close period of time. This means that putting limits on gift sprees can make it easier and more fun for everyone to attend.

After all, your baby shower is really all about good company and the celebration of life.

Nature Beds believe a ‘baby gift tree' is a very eco-friendly way to celebrate a baby shower. Expecting parents can buy a special tree to plant on the birthday of their child.

This has two advantages. The first is helping the environment. Your baby's tree absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen as it grows. The second advantage is to allow guests at the baby shower a handy place to attach their gift vouchers onto the tree's branches.

A continuation of the 'baby gift tree' concept is a clothes horse or line that can be set up in the party room to which guests attach organic baby bedding or clothes.

Above all remember to have fun and really celebrate the arrival of your wonderful child.