A baby shower is a party of gift-giving or a ceremony that has different names in different cultures. It celebrates the delivery or expected birth of a child or the transformation of a woman into a mother. A baby shower is basically a party which is thrown to celebrate the impending birth of a new baby. It's also a way for friends and family to celebrate with fun games, fun shower themes, gift-giving and most importantly, making memories. Aside from decorating onesies for baby and collecting advice cards, there are plenty of ways to help loved ones share their joy with mom-to-be.

The modern baby shower originated during the 1950's baby boom in the USA. The purpose of the celebration was (and still is) to give the mother-to-be much-needed baby items. The name baby shower comes from 'showering the mother with gifts and love'.

Still, many moms-to-be report a sweet spot of the early- to mid-third trimester, when they are far enough along to be showing and have finished setting up their registry, but not so close to their due date that they're feeling overly tired or rundown. Although baby showers were traditionally a chance for friends and family to provide the mom-to-be with the essentials she needs for her first baby, she may now already have the basics. However, even if it's the mom's second or third baby, a shower can still be held to celebrate the new addition to the family.

Do dads have baby showers?

Sometimes referred to as the “Manshower” or the “Dad-chelor,” the male version of the baby shower has, in recent years, become a thing. (Really.) In some ways, the all-male version of the baby party resembles its female counterpart: Manshowers involve a group of (usually) friends.

What is the first thing you do at a baby shower?

Open Gifts: 
First, you can have guests send their gifts to the expectant mom ahead of time. Then, during the shower, she'll open all the goodies for everyone to see. If you go this route, think carefully when picking a date for the shower and sending invitations.

Guests have taken a lot of care in selecting their gifts, and part of the fun is watching the mom-to-be open presents. Proper etiquette suggests that gifts be opened toward the end of the shower to avoid the impression that presents are the primary purpose of the party.

Though a gift is expected if a guest attends, guests should only be invited to help celebrate the upcoming arrival, not for the gift they bring. If a guest is invited to a shower but can't attend, there is no obligation to send a gift, though they certainly may if they want to.

Baby showers last on average 2-3 hours, depending on what's planned for the celebration. Plan for enough time to enjoy all of the baby shower games and activities you have planned for the day. Factor in things like the opening of gifts, snacking on hors d'oeuvres and cake, and catching up with friends and family.

What should you not do at a baby shower?

These first tips are for the lovely hostesses. Remember, this event is about what the mom-to-be wants.

• Do not forget to go over the menu with the mom-to-be.
• Do not let the mom-to-be do any work!
• Do not play the measure the belly game.
• Do not forget to pre-approve games with the mom-to-be.
• Do not forget to take pictures.

A new baby is a great reason for a party.