A new baby is a memorable time for both the new parents and extended family. You can record the memories of the baby shower and all of the events surrounding the pregnancy and birth in several ways. There is video tape, photo albums, scrapbooks, and baby books, and calendars. All of these together will create a comprehensive collection of treasured memories.

NOTE: Some of these have to be planned in advance so you might have to ask for something in the invitations themselves. Put in BOLD LETTERS what they need to bring. Be sure you have your Guest Checklist filled out properly in case you have to contact every one again to fulfill a new idea you might come up with! (And don't be afraid to ask for extra help.)

Some activities can create something very special. An example here is the "Labor Necklace."

Labor Necklace: On the invitation, ask everyone to please bring a bead, trinket, charm, or item suitable for stringing for the making of a "Labor Necklace". Ask them to have a little story about whatever 'bead' they bring that will show their love and support and well wishes for the mom-to-be. You can also by a handful of beads for people to use if they have forgotten. Then, at a point in the party, ask everyone to sit around the mom-to-be. Have a leather strand or special string to make the necklace and explained to the mom-to-be that you are making a necklace to focus on in the birthing room, and that each bead or item would remind her of all of her friends here, their support and their love and their good wishes. One by one, have the guests bring up their item, give their little story about it, express their love and wishes, and hand it over to you for stringing or have the mom-to-be do the stringing.

Here are a few examples: One guy (Yes a guy) brought his daughters hair beads, saying that every time he saw them, he was filled with joy, and to remember you are on a joyous path. Another brought a stagecoach charm, to symbolize the travels and journeys ahead. A niece brought a money charm, to symbolize how much money she would make babysitting! Her mother brought a heart, as she has hers, and has created another.

Don't be surprised if the mom-to-be is moved to tears with each and every blessing and really loves the necklace.

Photographs and Video

Prior to the baby shower, a specific person needs to be assigned to take still photographs and video. The best way to do it is to take as many and much as possible. The video can always be edited and digital photos allow you to print only the best shots. This way you will have more than enough to make all of the albums and scrapbooks you want. Choose someone who is a friend, but not the closest friends or family members to do the picture taking. By using a friend to take pictures, closer relatives will be in the pictures and able to focus on enjoying the party.

A common practice at most wedding receptions now is also a fun idea for a baby shower. Put a disposable camera on each table and let the guests take pictures of each other then drop their camera in a basket on their way out. You can also involve guests in gathering photos throughout the pregnancy and from the parent's childhood to use in creating a photographic family tree for scrapbooks and albums.

Scrapbooks

Scrapbook making has become an extremely popular hobby across the United States in recent years. This is one way to organize keepsakes from the baby shower in a way that will get looked at over and over again throughout the years.

Beginners can purchase complete scrapbook kits just with a baby theme from any scrapbook store. These kits make it easy to simply add your photos to the pre-printed backgrounds and add your handwritten journal entries.

More experienced croppers (the name for scrapbook fanatics) will know just how to place each napkin, matchbook, ribbon, or gift wrap scrap to make a beautiful background for the photographs. Just be sure to collect and keep a copy of everything from the invitations and game rules to the flowers so they can become a part of the book.

If you are not at all into expending the amount of time and creative energy a scrapbook takes then photo albums are also lovely keepsakes. You can choose a fabric covered album that matches the gender of the baby or nursery theme then fill it with photos of everything from the pregnant mom to baby's first bath. Of course, you can always delegate this creative task to someone else with the time and talent to create a great memory book.

Keepsake Keepers

You don't have to limit yourself to albums or books for storing keepsakes. A sterling silver box can hold a lock of baby's hair. Shadow box frames can display Christening gowns and baby bracelets or safely hold that first precious stuffed teddy bear. There are also available for purchase silver plated tubes that hold the rolled up birth certificate securely. This also makes a thoughtful shower gift.

A journal can hold a wealth of keepsake words of wisdom and advice from shower guests. Passing a fabric covered or leather book around as guest eat and mingle, you can ask that they offer their best advice to the new parents in writing. One wise grandmother might write that you should always sing to your baby, while an experienced young mother may tell you to be sure to take time for doing your nails each week, as it will make you feel like your old self even when there's spit up on your shoulder! Be sincere, creative and have fun!