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What is a drop by baby shower?

A drop by baby shower is a type of baby shower where guests are free to stop by the party at any time during the specified hours, rather than arriving all at once for a more traditional baby shower. This relaxed format gives guests the flexibility to come and go as it fits into their schedule.

When are drop by baby showers held?

Drop by baby showers are usually scheduled for a 4-6 hour block of time, such as 10am to 4pm or 12pm to 6pm. This gives guests plenty of time to drop in at their convenience during the party. The expecting mother may choose a Saturday or Sunday afternoon for the shower to make it easier for friends and family to attend.

Where are drop by baby showers held?

Drop by showers are typically hosted at the home of the expecting mother or a close friend or family member. The host’s home should be able to comfortably accommodate guests coming and going throughout the party. Other options include reserving a private room at a restaurant or renting a community space.

What happens at a drop by baby shower?

While guests are free to arrive and leave as they please, the general structure of a drop by baby shower is similar to a traditional shower:

  • Guests sign in and leave gifts upon arrival.
  • Light refreshments like fruit, veggies, cheese and crackers are available throughout the party.
  • Some guests may stay and mingle for a while, while others pop in quickly to congratulate the honoree.
  • Any planned activities or games occur on an informal, drop-in basis.
  • The mom-to-be opens gifts toward the end of the shower so guests can watch if they are still there.

Why have a drop by baby shower?

There are several reasons a drop by baby shower may be preferable to a traditional shower:

  • It accommodates busy schedules – Guests can come and go as their schedule allows.
  • Shorter time commitment – Guests don’t have to stay for a full 2-3 hour event.
  • Relaxed atmosphere – Guests can drop in, mingle a bit, and head out without a rigid schedule.
  • Easier for hosting – Less formal planning is required, and food can be kept simple.
  • Inclusive guest list – More guests can be accommodated with flexible timing.

How do you invite guests to a drop by baby shower?

Invitations to a drop by baby shower should clearly communicate the relaxed timing of the event. Key details to include are:

  • Date
  • Start and end time frame (e.g. Saturday, March 7 from 11am to 3pm)
  • “Drop By” or “Come and Go” in the event name
  • Location and address
  • Casual dress code
  • RSVP details – online, phone, etc.

This gives guests the info they need to come and go at their convenience. Following up with Evites or text reminders in the days before is also helpful.

What are some ideas for drop by baby shower games?

Some games that work well for drop by baby showers include:

Game Description
Advice cards Guests fill out cards with parenting tips and well wishes for the mom-to-be to read later
Baby bingo Guests can play baby bingo rounds on arrival or throughout the shower
Guess the baby food Sample different baby foods and have guests try to identify the flavors
Guess the candy bar game Melt different candy bars into diapers and have guests guess the candy types
Left/right baby shower game Pass a gift left/right as you read a story about a silly baby shower

How do you decorate for a drop by baby shower?

The decor for a drop by baby shower should have a cohesive theme or color scheme but be simple enough that guests feel relaxed dropping in. Some ideas include:

  • Balloons in coordinating colors
  • A small chalkboard or printed sign with the shower theme or honoree’s name
  • Vases of fresh flowers like daisies or babies breath
  • Tablecloth and napkins in a matching print or color
  • Accent decor like cling cut outs of baby animals or pacifiers

The focus should be on minimal, tasteful accents that don’t require hours of planning and decorating before the event.

What food is best for a drop by baby shower?

Food for drop by baby showers should require minimal preparation and be able to sit out for several hours. Finger foods and snacks are ideal so guests can nibble as they mingle. Great options include:

  • Fruit tray or fruit skewers
  • Cheese and cracker platters
  • Bruschetta
  • Mini sandwiches or wraps
  • Vegetable crudités
  • Chips and salsa
  • Hummus and pita
  • Cookies, cupcakes or other bite-sized desserts

Beverage stations with lemonade, iced tea, and water are easy for guests to serve themselves. Having a coffee urn with mugs is nice for longer showers too.

How is a drop by baby shower different from other types of showers?

A drop by baby shower has a more casual, come-and-go format compared to other common baby shower types:

Shower Type Format
Traditional baby shower All guests arrive and leave at the same time for a dedicated 2-3 hour event
Sprinkle shower Similar format to a traditional shower, for moms having additional children
Couples baby shower Male partners are included in traditionally female event
Drive by shower Guests drive by and drop off gifts without staying

The flexible timing and drop in style of a drop by shower sets it apart from other baby shower themes and formats.

What are some tips for hosting a successful drop by baby shower?

Here are some tips to help hosts plan a smooth, enjoyable drop by baby shower:

  • Provide ample comfortable seating throughout the space so guests can sit and mingle.
  • Have signage directing guests to food, drinks, and the gift area.
  • Keep extra pens/markers near the guest book for easy sign-in.
  • Replenish food and drinks frequently as they run low.
  • Make sure trash cans are easily accessible.
  • Have extra giveaway bags so guests can bring home favors or leftovers.
  • Send digital thank-you notes after for gifts and attendance.

How do you thank guests after a drop by baby shower?

There are a few ways the mom-to-be can express her gratitude after a drop by shower:

  • Personalize thank-you cards and mail them to each guest within a couple weeks.
  • Send a group text or email to guests thanking them for attending and for the gifts.
  • Post thank-yous on social media with a group photo from the shower.
  • Have small gift bags with candy or baked goods for guests to take home.

Taking the time to thank each guest after the shower is always appreciated. For a large drop by shower, digital thank-yous help simplify the process.

Conclusion

A drop by baby shower offers expecting moms a casual, flexible way to celebrate their upcoming arrival without the time constraints of a traditional shower. Guests love being able to come and go on their own schedule and hosts enjoy the simpler party planning. When hosted with care and grace, drop by showers let friends and family share their well-wishes with the mom-to-be while accommodating busy lifestyles. The relaxed vibe keeps the focus on fun, community, and making memories.