Prizes for baby shower games for women AND men - NEED IDEAS

[laurajetter]

My mom and little sister mentioned to me the other day that they would like to give me and DH a baby shower but for various reasons thought it would be better that I know about it ahead of time instead of it being a surprise (that would've been my preference any way). Both men and women will be invited, some older (family relatives and parents' friends) some younger (my and DH's friends).

Anyway, we were talking about different aspects of the party and one thing that came up is the fact that they want to do a few games at the shower. We all agreed that we won't do too many as they can get tedious, and they will be the type that guest can do once they arrive and are milling around waiting for things to get started.

The question is, what types of prizes would be appropriate for my mom to give out that would be appealing to different age groups, both men and women? I know she doesn't want to spend a ton of money on the prizes. I was having a hard time thinking of any ideas to give her, and thought I'd see if you all had any ideas!

thanks,

Laura

 

[mickeyboat]

This may be tacky for the guest of honor to mention, but I saw on another thread that prizes were baby-related items which the winner would graciously donate to the mother-to-be.

I think candy would also be a good idea - for both men and women.

Denae

 

[christinadei]

Hmm, how about somethig for the house? It could be for the couple. Like a nice picture frame. That or candy is all I can think of. Men love candy and so do women, so that could work.

 

[phorsenuf]

What about car wash certificates. Everyone can uase a free car wash.

 

[Minnie824]

How about gift certificates to someplace like Blockbuster? Everyone can use that.

 

[*Susan*]

I have done this before for a shower prize & it went over really well:

Get an inexpensive (Target has them for around $1-$2) big plastic bowl, like one you'd use for a big bowl of popcorn. Inside put some 'movie' candy (red vines, goobers, m&ms, etc), a packet (or box) of microwave popcorn, a 2 liter of soda and either a DVD (I've done the Wedding Singer for a wedding shower) - sometimes you can get cheap DVD's for $7 or $8 at Target or maybe a blockbuster gift card for $5 or so (enough for 1 rental).

I wrap it up with cello wrap and tie it with a bow (this makes it pretty and also helps keep the soda bottle from falling over).

I usually use this prize with a 'match the couple with the movie' game, if you want that game info let me know.

 

[Aimeedyan]

At every baby shower I've attended or planned, the prizes were small baby items that the "winner" in turn gave or left for the parents to be. I've never heard of actually giving away prizes to people...

 

[Kim&Chris]

We just did the same thing a few weeks ago, only difference was that ours was a bridal shower. We gave away little gifts if people completed a TV & Disney trivia 'quiz'.

Prizes were mostly things we picked up at our local ACMoore store & Bath and Body Works. Both had TONS of very appropriate things around $3. Because all the guests were women, we gave away candles, picture frames, tubes of hand cream, etc. I also went to the dollar store and got some small gift bags to put them in. The guests really seemed to like it!

 

[laurajetter]

At every baby shower I've attended or planned, the prizes were small baby items that the "winner" in turn gave or left for the parents to be. I've never heard of actually giving away prizes to people...

You aren't the first person to mention that on this thread, even though I hadn't heard of it before! Every shower I've been to the guests get prizes, nothing too spectacular, just as a fun thing for playing along and coming to the shower; I guess different areas have different customs. Since it doesn't seem to be the norm where I live, I think I might feel a little awkward suggesting that option, but thanks for suggesting it anyway. A lot of of the showers I've been to had mostly women so those prizes would be easier to figure out. Being coed makes it a bit harder...

Thanks so far to the rest for your suggestions, I'll pass them along! Anyone else have any other ideas to add?

Laura