How To Host A Virtual Baby Shower

Connecting Family and Friends to celebrate your baby shower.

We’ve collected all of the best ideas to help you plan your online Virtual Baby Shower!

When we think of baby showers, we typically imagine a group of a dozen or so close relatives and friends all gathered together celebrating the approaching bundle of joy! Although celebrations around the world can be postponed- some things can’t be- like the birth of a baby! Due to Covid-19, your in-person baby shower plans have probably changed or even canceled, but let’s face it, one of the best parts of the baby shower is getting some gifts that you are in dire need of day 1 of the baby’s arrival. We are coming up with solutions for mom’s to be so you can still celebrate the upcoming arrival.

Introducing the virtual baby shower. That’s right: virtual. All online, no matter the distance. The concept of virtual baby showers is not new, we have been including our loved ones who can’t be there for some time now by virtually. having them on video chat here and there. The difference is now it is just not Aunt Becky in Georgia, it is pretty much everyone that will need to attend online. So it takes a bit more organization and effort so it’s enjoyable for everyone.

What is a Virtual Baby Shower?

Virtual or online baby showers are generally the same concept and usually will happen before the baby arrives The difference is you will only have one or two people attending in person with you vs. 10 or 20, and more than likely, they are living in the house. Once the baby is born, it is a great time to have Virtual Sip and See, which we will cover in a later post.

We should acknowledge mom-to-be’s feelings now- a virtual shower isn’t going to totally replace the one you have been dreaming and planning since you found out you were expecting. This situation isn’t normal, so if you are feeling a bit down or disappointed—it is ok, that’s normal. It will be different, but that does not mean you can’t celebrate, register, have a theme, open gifts, play games, and everything else you dreamed of!

If you are thinking of taking your baby shower virtual, here’s our expert guidance on how to pull off an amazing and unique virtual baby shower.

Who Hosts a Virtual Baby Shower?

The nice thing about Virtual Showers is the rules are thrown out on hosting. Here are FOUR options

1) The expecting parents to host their own shower. Start planning your shower for free at LYFETYMES, -everything you need in one place to plan any party or shower.

2. You can also have a close friend or family member help you host.

3. But even if your Co-host or Co-Hosts live far away, it’s still totally possible to coordinate via LYFETYMES, since the party is entirely virtual anyway and you can be added as Guest Of Honor.

4. Check out our LYFETYMES Vendor Marketplace to find party services such as event planning, balloon stylist, photography, catering, and more.

Steps to Hosting a Successful Virtual Baby Shower



Virtual Showers can still be festive and engaging. It does not just have to be a Face-time call, you can make it as memorable as you want, but if you want it to be as successful as possible, then it does require some planning and effort. Here is a quick rundown of how to get it done!

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• Start Planning Your Party at LYFETYMES -It is a free one-stop-shop for all thing parties.

• No more Paper Invites-Create your Free Party Website to text/email to guests to RSVP to your party, you can add a virtual party link, so all they have to do click and party with you! Digital invitations are super popular and totally boring. At LYFETYMES, you can create your Shower Website in a few clicks, add links to your registry and personalize with any picture or short video. Guests can RSVP and get all the party details from your site and just simply click on the virtual party link when it is Shower time! We also have Digital Thank you’s you can email once the shower wraps.

• Add an easy registry link for guests to send gifts to your door! Including a registry is a great way to receive cash or gifts directly.

• Determine where in the house, backyard, or space you will use for the party, a fun backdrop can be great for gift opening, a central focus of the room for photos. Zoom just launched backgrounds you can add to virtual call which is fun or you don’t want to worry about decorating.

• Determine Theme and Decor and order to your door ahead of time there are a ton of delivery solutions, like yard signs, food, cake, and balloons that can be dropped outside your door. Tableware isn’t really necessary. Streamers and balloons? Definitely be camera-ready. Check out the best Balloon Bar we have found yet here.

• Make an agenda, especially for your video call - make sure you have put some thought into the shower flow- the last thing you want is a boring virtual party with no structure!

• Cue The Music! Get in the mood with our favorite Baby Shower Songs here!

• Drinks! Check out the Parents 20 Fun Baby Shower Cocktails and Mocktails Recipes.

The Tech- Video Chat Services

There are lots of solutions out there to choose from, we recommend going with a free video service like Zoom, Skype, Facebook messenger rooms, or Google Hangouts. As long as you and your guests have an internet connection and a phone or computer with a webcam, then they can join. These are the top four easiest video solutions we have found:

• Zoom: Zoom is free for everyone to use, allows up to 100 connected devices (500 for an extra charge), and doesn’t require you to download an app, though there is an app option. All you need is an internet connection and a web browser (you can use a computer, tablet, or smartphone). The host sets up a virtual room with a unique ID and password, then sends out the information to guests. Guests don’t need an account to gain access to the party. Keep in mind: The free version of Zoom allows up to 40 minutes of meeting time per room; additional time is available for purchase, but you can also close out the room and start a new one, with that said, if some of your guests are not technical, this could prove to be trying exercise. Additionally, Zoom has come under fire lately for privacy concerns, but they claim they’re taking measures to increase security.

• Facebook Messenger Rooms- Facebook is launching this feature to compete with Zoom. Messenger Rooms make it easy to spend quality time with friends, loved ones, and people who share your interests. Create a room right from Messenger or Facebook, and invite anyone to join your video call, even if they don’t have a Facebook account. Rooms will soon hold up to 50 people with no time limit. Facebook plans to add ways to create Rooms from Instagram Direct, WhatsApp, and Portal as well. Features will include 14 camera filters and changeable backgrounds. 

• Google Hangouts: This service only works if you have a Google/Gmail account, which is free and fairly easy to sign up for. Google Hangout video calls allow a maximum of 10 devices, but up to 250 participants if the call is audio/phone only. They just launched the tile view comparable to Zoom and planning on adding noise-canceling features.

• Skype:  One of the most well known and been around a while. Skype is free to use on any computer, tablet, or mobile device, and it doesn’t require you to download the app if you’re using a computer web browser. The key differences: it allows up to 50 devices, and there’s no password protection.

Gift Opening at a Virtual Baby Shower



So with any Virtual Celebration, we suggest you flip around the traditional agenda! People love to see their gifts opened and you want to keep the shower engaging and not everyone can stay on for over an hour so start your first activity with drinks and gifts! You open the gifts sent to you (because you provided the information on your LYFETYMES Guest Website) on camera for everyone to see. Or you can have guests hold onto their gifts during the shower and open them for you on camera so you can see (then they can send them to you later). Or you can do a combination of both! We are seeing delays in shipping due to Covid-19, so the earlier you plan and get the word out, the better!

Virtual Baby Shower Games

You can still have a ton of fun playing Baby Shower Games with your guests- but keep it simple!

• The Price Is Right: Have guests take a moment to fill out a card with their best guesses for the price of each item as they join. Toward the end of the shower go through the list and the person with the closest price of each item scored one point. The guest with the most points won bragging rights! Get copies of the game card that you can download and print for free HERE from https://realhousemoms.com/ Tip: Look up prices ahead of time!

• Baby Bingo- Everyone loves bingo—and when it’s baby-themed, it’s even better. Use these printable bingo cards to get the party going when the mom-to-be opens presents. Instructions: Have Guests print out bingo cards ahead of time. Each gift that the mom-to-be opens at the shower becomes a clue for bingo. You can download a free set of 24 Bingo Cards to print HERE.

If you are wanting to be more adventurous, check out our How To Throw A Drive-By Baby Shower article here!

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Virtual Happy Hour Cocktail Guide

The Happy Hour Guide

by Carmen Lopez

You're invited to a Virtual Happy Hour!

With the kids being home during this Pandemic, we could all use a break now and then. Take a sip, sit back, and catch up with some of your best friends through Livestream. We have put together some delicious and simple Vocktail -Virtual Cocktail- recipes for a fun night to unwind while practicing social distancing.

Step One:

Choose your platform. The best part of a virtual party is the guests. Picking a platform that works best for everyone is crucial. With the growing technology, there are plenty of options like Zoom, FaceTime, Skype, and Google Hangouts. Though they all are used for the same thing, each platform has its unique features, so make sure to do your research before going with one.

Step Two:

Now, this is the fun part! Choose your Quarantine Cocktail of choice.

Mango Rita

This Margarita concoction is one of my personal favorites. Super easy to make, and the mango adds the perfect touch. You will need:

• Ice

•  A fresh mango- diced

• Mango juice (I use Jumex- Mango Nectar)

• Lime juice

• Tequila of choice (I used Silver Tequila)

• Jalapeno slices – OPTIONAL (if you want to add some spice)

•   Chili powder and salt for rim

To start, grab a shaker, add the mango slices and jalapenos (optional), add lime juice, and muddle together.

1. Add ice

2. Pour in ½- 2 oz. of tequila

3. Add 3- 4 oz. of mango juice

4. Add ½ of lime, juiced

5. Shake it all up

6. In a plate mix together chili powder and salt for rim

7. Dress rim on the glass, add some more ice and pour in your mixture. 

If you don't want to add the muddled mango and jalapeno(optional) slices, make sure to strain when pouring. You can add diced mango to glass as well as sliced jalapeno slices if desired. If you're a mango lover, this is the perfect drink for you.

White Claw Sangria

By now I'm sure everyone has heard of White Claws. If not, they are flavored Seltzers and millennials drink of choice. It turns out you can make any drink with a White Claw in place of club soda. This Cocktail is excellent for a Virtual Brunch with the usual Brunch squad.

What you'll need:

• One bottle of dry white wine (I chose Pinot Grigio)

• Apple Cider

• A Raspberry White Claw

• Raspberries, to taste (you can select a variety of fruits)

• Orange Liqueur (Triple Sec, Cointreau)

How to make it:

1. Combine apple cider, raspberries, Rasberry White Claw, orange liqueur, and a bottle of wine.

2. You can also add apple slices and a cinnamon stick to garnish.

3. You can cover it up and refrigerate for 4 hours up to two days to mix to let all the ingredients infuse together.

4.  Serve chilled.

The next three cocktail recipes are courtesy of @JessieJamesDecker on Instagram. Watch her IGTV to see how easy these recipes are to make.

The Quarantini

To create the Quarantini, you will need:

• Ice

• Your favorite glass

• The sparkling water of choice- (The original recipe used La Croix Berry flavored.)

• Pedialyte of choice- (the original method used grape flavor.)

• One sugar packet (or sugar substitute)

• One lemon

• Red wine of choice

Now that you have all the ingredients, lets put it together.

1.   Fill glass with ice and red wine.

2. Add flavored sparkling water.

3.   Top off with Pedialyte

4.   Finish with sugar (or sugar substitute)

5. Lemon to taste

6. Mix all together and ta-da!

The Quaranita

To create this Margarita with a twist, you will need:

• ·         Two oranges

• ·         Lime juice

• ·         Salt for the rim

• ·         Tequila of choice (I used Silver tequila)

• ·         Ice

• ·         Two squirts of agave nectar

Now, lets put the mix together. For this Margarita recipe, you will need a shaker.

1. Fill shaker with ice

2. Squeeze one orange into shaker

3. Add four shots of tequila

4. Add five tablespoons of lime juice

5. Mix in the Agave (you can always add more to taste)

6. Shake it all up

7. With a slice of your second orange rub it around the rim and salt rim

8. Add a bit more ice to the glass

9.   Pour in the mixture from the shaker and add orange slices to glass for garnish

Beware this drink packs a punch, but tasty. You can always substitute ingredients to your liking.

The Quarantea

What's better than a nice mason jar full of iced sweet Tea on a hot day? Not much, but this twisted tea cocktail is a close second. You will need:

• Simple syrup (if Tea is unsweet)

•   Vodka -of choice

•   Rum- of choice

•     Lemon juice

•    Ice

•   Iced Tea- of choice- (black iced Tea was used for original recipe)

• Lemon slices or mint leaves for garnish

Get your ingredients together, grab your mason jars, and let's get to mixing.

1.   Fill a cup with ice

2. Add an ounce of Vodka

3. Add a splash of Rum

4. Add a splash of Simple Syrup (if Tea is unsweet)

5.   Add a splash of lemon juice

6. Top it off with Iced Tea

7. Add your lemon slices and Enjoy!

This Quarantea might be not only your Virtual Cocktail favorite but also your drink of choice for the summer.

Step Three:

Get dressed up to set the party mood. Put on a pair of new clothes that you have bought online during the quarantine. A Virtual Cocktail Party is the perfect excuse to serve some looks online.

Step Four:

Enjoy yourself! You deserve this moment to yourself. Share some laughs and cheers your friends with your Vocktails. If your group is feelings some fun games, check out (Virtual Party Games Blog.) For some fun ideas.

What will be your first Virtual Celebration?

So At-Home and Virtual Parties can still be festive and engaging. It does not just have to be a Face-time call, you can make it as memorable as you want and it is important to celebrate those milestones and recognize they have been accomplished. You can plan for free at LYFETYMES or if you don’t have the time or non-technical, check out the LYFETYMES Vendor Marketplace to find party services to help you plan, style, and more for your next event.

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7 Must-Try Virtual Party Games

7 Must-Try Virtual Party Games

By April Sharer and Carmen Lopez

So you've settled on hosting a virtual celebration but have no idea what to do during the live stream? What about a few party games to keep things fun! Check out these five completely VIRTUAL party games with little to no prep work!

1. Two Truths and a Lie

Two Truths and a Lie is the perfect ice breaker for a virtual party! It can be played with any number of people. As the host, ask guests to prepare two truthful statements about themselves and one lie. Each person in the group gets a turn. When it Is your turn, tell the group two things about yourself that are true and one untrue thing (your lie). Be sure not to say both of your truths first and then the lie because that makes it easier to guess. Mix the order up each time it is your turn. Everyone in the group has an opportunity to try to guess which statement was the lie. Once everyone in the group has guessed, the person will reveal what was true and what was false. The person that answered correctly can go next. This game can go around as many times as you would like or so that everyone gets a chance to go once. You might learn some surprising things about your party guests!

2. Charades

Most everyone knows the rules to this game, so little explaining will be necessary! For those that are unsure how to play, virtually Charades requires the player to mime or imitate a specific action or subject that the rest of the team has to figure out.  Direct your guest to a word generator for their word. Taking turns, each guest acts out the word from the generator as all other guests shout out their guesses. This tried, and true party game will be a favorite at your virtual celebration!

3. Minute to Win It Challenges

Minute to Win It started as a game show where contestants had to complete a task using household items in less than a minute to move on. It is now becoming a simple but fun party game. As the host, come up with a list of challenges that can be completed with everyday household objects. It might be a good idea to send out a supply list for each guest before the party to help guests prepare. Also, to ensure that everyone can be included in the challenges. Frugal Fun 4 Boys is another great resource.

Man Vs. Clock

In this version, one player will be trying to beat the clock for each challenge you created. They will have to complete that challenge within a minute. It's best for you to keep track of the time on your end. For this game, I recommend choosing a different person for each challenge. You could also divide your guests into teams.

MINUTE TO WIN IT FOR TEAMS

Split guests into teams.  For every game, choose one player from each team to go head to head. For example, one person from each team will be given the list of supplies and game instructions. When you say go, the first players to compete will start the challenge. The first team to complete the challenge receives a point.  The guest or team that accomplishes the most challenges wins! These games are fun, inexpensive, and typically hilarious!

4. Thumper

This game will keep you on your toes and get your brain working! Each guest chooses a silly face or hand gesture as their "symbol." The host can choose to be the leader and start the game or pick a guest to lead. Make sure every guest shares their Symbol with the party. The leader then performs their Symbol, immediately followed by the Symbol of another player. This player then performs their own gesture, followed by another player’s gesture. Symbols continue to be passed from guest to guest until someone responds too slowly or misses their cue. To take this up a notch when someone makes a mistake, everyone must drink, and that person then becomes the leader for the next round.

5. Most Likely To

This casual game is fun to play with a group of longtime friends. Take turns creating "Most likely to ________" statements and ask guests to cast their votes using the chat function on the video call. The person with the most votes can take a drink or do a dare. There are no winners or losers in this game, but should definitely be shared laughs! You can have guests download the Most Likely To app on the App Store, or come up with your own. Beware the app is 18+.

6. Spin A Tale

This game promotes creativity and will have guests thinking on their feet. To start the game, make up the first line of a story. Then choose a guest to add a line to your sentence. Members take turns adding to the story until the whole plot develops! Let the story go along on its own route, that is what makes the game fun; you never know what each guest is going to add and where the story will end up.

Here are some ways you can start your tale…

·         Today I woke up at 8 a.m. and saw….

·         Sofia woke up on the couch this morning and tried to remember how she got there…

·         I was supposed to have a virtual meeting today, but…

·         When I looked outside my window, I saw…

·         Today during quarantine, I started discovered my hidden talent…

7. Online Games

I'm sure you've heard of JackboxTV offering plenty of games to play online. However, besides Drawful2, most of the games have to be purchased to play them. Playingcards.io offers free card games that can be played virtually with your guests. They have also added an online version of Cards Against Humanity.

Feeling overwhelmed with party planning? Check out our LYFETYMES Vendor Marketplace to take the stress away. Find vendors that offer party planning, decor, catering, photography services, and more.

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How To Host An Incredible Graduation Party Quarantine Style

How to Host a Graduation Party Quarantine Style

by April Sharer and Katie Cunningham

So you set a goal, put in years of work to accomplish it, and now a global pandemic has canceled your moment of recognition? COME ON! You deserve this moment to shine and to celebrate that goal you crushed. You did NOT put in YEARS of all-nighters, stress, and studying to accept your diploma via email and call it good-- you deserve a celebration grad! 

Was the Tassel Worth the Hassle?

Unfortunately, this major milestone that so many friends and family look forward to will not happen in the traditional way of years before. Our graduates will not walk across the stage, almost a parent’s visual representation of our children transforming from a child to an adult. The big graduation parties that people travel to will be postponed, or worse canceled

And all that money those seniors dream about envelopes stuffed with cash, like the opening Wedding Scene in the Godfather, are slipping away. Those funds are used for college and to jump-start their adult journey. We are not going to lie to you, it is disappointing for everyone. Thankfully there are still many ways to celebrate our graduates, and even though we may plan a big party later, it’s important to celebrate the moment, the accomplishment, and recognize the graduate!

Let’s walk through some creative ways to Celebrate!

Now introducing the graduating class of 2020! (Quarantine Style)

Make it a Virtual Graduation Party

Virtual parties are all the craze right now. This moment should be shared. It does require some planning and effort to make it great and differentiate between just another Video call. Here is a quick rundown of how to get it done!

• Start Planning Your Party at LYFETYMES -It is a free one-stop-shop for all thing parties.

• No more Paper Invites-Create your Free Party Website to text/email to guests to RSVP to your party, you can add a virtual party link, so all they have to do click and party with you!

• Add an easy registry link for guests to send gifts to your door or a cash link to get cash gifts! Including a registry is a great way to receive cash or gifts directly and can be included on your website.

• Determine where in the house, backyard, or space you will use for the graduation party, a fun backdrop can be great for gift opening, a central focus of the room for photos. We love balloon decor that spells it out!

• Determine Theme and Decor and order to your door ahead of time. There are easy party sets offered here for small parties that ship right to your door, make a few graduation themed treats and stock up on the confetti.

• Wear The Cap and Gown, if you have them, if not improvise the walk, diploma, cap, and gown. Go outside and toss that cap while your squad showers you with confetti! 

• Front yard and Porch Decor, like yard sign decor, or balloon garlands that can be shipped to your door. Most good neighbors will honk for the Graduate if you are telling your neighborhood you are celebrating a graduate via yard sign.

• Make a mental agenda, especially for your video call - make sure you have put some thought into the call- the last thing you want is a boring virtual party! Incorporate game activities, have folks dress up in theme costumes, and keep the party moving. You may want to start with cake and gifts.

• Make a video memoir for the grad sharing photos and videos from birth- present. Ask your guests to each submit their memories or well-wishes for the grad and incorporate those in the video. This is sure to make the grad feel special and probably on one of the parents’ to-do list for a while! in your virtual party, you can share your screen with the other guests to enjoy!

• Don’t make it crazy long. Zoom’s free accounts host parties for up to 40 minutes.

Drive-By or Drive Thru Graduation Party

Drive-By Parties are gaining momentum as a way to get out of the house and social distance safely. It is a great way to feel like you have participated and gone to a party- see each other say hi from a safe distance and show some love!

• Start Planning Your Party at LYFETYMES -It is a free one-stop-shop for all thing parties.

• No more Paper Invites-Create your Free Party Website to text/email to guests to RSVP to your party, you can add your home as the venue, the time it begins, and title it is a “DRIVE-BY GRADUATION PARTY” so everyone knows. You can even add a comment on your website to further explain if needed.

• Add registry links in your party for guests to know where to buy gifts your graduate needs so they can drop off and/or a cash link to get cash gifts! Including a registry is a great way to receive cash or gifts directly and can be included on your website, not everyone is going to be able to participate based on location so it’s a great way for them to send gifts they know you need or will love.

• Create a “drop-off zone” Determine where guests can safely drop off gifts and decorate the space with balloons so they know where to drop. we have seen a ton of ideas from decorating the trunk of a car, back of a pickup, decked out tables to recycling bins!

• Create the appropriate socially distancing space where you will be located, waving from your spot- may be on the porch or lawn chairs from the front yard or window

• Don’t forget the Front yard and Porch Decor, yard signs, Garage door signs, decor or balloon garlands-all these can be shipped to your door.

• Dress up for your well wishers-Wear The Cap and Gown, if you have them, if not just put on pants, please.

• After everyone goes, grab your loot and go inside and celebrate more! Open gifts, have food, decorate inside, record the grad opening gifts to keep for you or share. Shop small themed party sets and awesome balloon garlands offered for small parties right here.

Graduation Party Parade

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Similar to a Drive-By Party, this is a bit different. Here are a few differentiators to consider:

• The point of the parade is all the participants meet and start following each other at an agreed location (usually not the grads home) and time, so it looks like an actual parade!

• Guests pretty much will stay inside a vehicle at all times and may jump out to give a gift quickly and jump back in, so it is helpful to have a close “drop-zone”.to the parade-goers.

• It’s a high energy event, expect a ton of honking! It is great fun for guests to decorate vehicles with signs, balloons, and decor- get engaged and have a “Best Decorated Car Float” winner

• This is a great idea for teachers and parents who want to celebrate several students with one parade party by visiting multiple grad’s homes.

How will you celebrate your Grad this year?

So Graduation Parties can still be memorable and engaging. Whether you have a small at-home gathering, drive-by parade, or a virtual celebration, throwing a graduation party is no small task. DIY lovers can use our amazing free party planning tools on LYFETYMES or allow  our LYFETYMES Vendor Marketplace for help planning, styling, and more services.