What Is a Baby Shower? French Customs and How to Celebrate | Sophie la girafe as a Gift for Baby

A "baby shower" is a gathering of family and friends eagerly awaiting the birth of a baby, celebrating the expectant parents and the baby in the womb.

It has gradually become more popular in Japan, with more people enjoying memorable moments with friends and family over meals, preparing gifts for the baby, and taking photos.

How exactly is a baby shower enjoyed?

This time, we will introduce the meaning, timing, ways to enjoy, and how to choose gifts for a baby shower.And how do they celebrate the birth of a baby in France, where baby shower culture is well-established?We will also introduce the wonderful relationship between "Sophie la girafe," France's first toy, and baby showers.

What is a baby shower?

A baby shower is a party to celebrate the expectant parents before the baby is born.

Family and close friends gather to enjoy food and conversation, give gifts for the baby, and play games, all sharing the time of anticipation for the baby's arrival.

The name "Baby Shower" signifies showering the baby and family with many blessings and gifts.

Originally a custom popular in America, it is now enjoyed in various countries, including Japan and Europe.

Recently, there are various styles, such as not only women but also dads and male friends participating, or enjoying a leisurely meal with a small number of people.

What's important is not to conform to a fixed format. Like a home birthday party, family and friends can gather and enjoy it in their own style. Even without elaborate decorations or special performances, if there's a heartfelt wish for the baby, it will be a wonderful baby shower.

Thinking about the baby yet to be born together, and conveying to the parents-to-be the feeling of "we're looking forward to the baby's arrival."That is the most wonderful part of a baby shower.

When should you have a baby shower?

Baby showers are often held around the 7th to 8th month of pregnancy.This is the time when the belly starts to grow, and the baby's birth gradually approaches.It's the perfect timing to share the feeling of "we'll meet the baby soon" with family and friends.

However, there are individual differences in physical condition during pregnancy.There's no need to make it a long party.

If you enjoy it for a short time, such as afternoon tea or brunch, it will be less burdensome for the pregnant woman and she can relax.

Most importantly, the mom-to-be should feel comfortable.Choose a schedule that suits her physical condition and plans, without overdoing it.

In France, it's "Fête prénatale"

In France, a baby shower is sometimes called a "Fête prénatale."

"prénatale" means "prenatal."

It carries the meaning of celebrating the baby who is about to be born, with all family and friends.

In France, baby showers are often enjoyed as casual gatherings, such as "goûter" (afternoon tea) or brunch.

They might prepare cute table settings, play baby-themed games, or make handmade items together.It's a vibrant yet unpretentious style, enjoying conversation, which is very French.

Also, they don't necessarily stick to celebrating before birth; they sometimes celebrate after the baby is born as a welcoming party.

There's no fixed rule to "do it on this day," but rather to celebrate the baby's arrival at a time that feels comfortable for the mother and family.That's how baby showers are enjoyed.

What do you do at a baby shower?

There is no fixed program for a baby shower.

Simply talking over a meal or tea can be a wonderful time.

If you want to make it a bit more event-like, try incorporating baby-themed games and activities.

Games imagining the baby's future

"When will the baby be born?"
"How much will the baby weigh?"
"What color hair will the baby have?"

It's fun to make predictions about these things together.

Games like guessing the baby's name or imagining what kind of child they will be are also recommended.

Spending time talking about the baby no one has met yet is a unique pleasure of a baby shower.

Leave a message for the baby

It's also a wonderful idea to have family and friends write messages to the baby yet to be born.

"We're looking forward to your arrival."
"Let's play together when you grow up."

If you save these individual messages, they will become precious memories to look back on when the baby grows up.

Enjoying DIY

Making small bouquets, cards, candles, etc., together is also recommended.Enjoying conversation while creating something together makes the party itself a memory.

The popular "Diaper Game" in America

Baby showers also include some mischievous games. Popular in America is the "Diaper Game" using chocolate.

Different types of chocolate are placed in several diapers, and participants rely on sight and smell to guess, "What kind of chocolate is this?" The sight of everyone peering into diapers and earnestly sniffing is quite amusing and makes everyone laugh.

This game also has a slightly dark humor, saying, "When the baby is born, you'll start dealing with real diapers."

Baby showers aren't just about pretty decorations; creating time for everyone to laugh like this is also wonderful.

Baby Shower Decorations

There's no need for elaborate decorations just because it's a baby shower.Even just adding seasonal flowers, candles on the table, or a few garlands and balloons can create a special atmosphere.It's also lovely to choose themes like stars, clouds, flowers, or animals, inspired by babies.

Recently, styles that coordinate with natural colors like white, beige, and green, instead of just pink and blue, are popular.This is also recommended if you don't know the baby's gender, as it can be enjoyed by all genders.

If Sophie la girafe is your theme, subtly incorporating giraffe motifs or Sophie's signature colors would be cute.

What kind of gifts should you choose for a baby shower?

Giving gifts for the baby is one of the joys of a baby shower.It's a good idea to choose items that can be used after the birth, such as baby clothes, bibs, swaddles, or towels.Alternatively, giving a "first toy" that the baby will encounter for the first time is also recommended.

Precisely because you haven't seen the baby's face yet,

"What will the baby be like?"

"What kind of daily life will begin?"

A gift chosen with such imagination has special meaning.

It's also lovely to choose something that can be given regardless of gender or something that will remain a cherished memory even after the baby grows up.

Sophie la girafe, the first toy from France

Perfect for a baby shower gift is "Sophie la girafe," from France.Sophie la girafe was born in 1961.

Since then, she has been loved by babies in France and around the world, cherished across generations.In France, there is a custom of gifting Sophie when a baby is born, and she has long been chosen as a baby gift.

If you're giving it at a baby shower, it's the "first toy" for the baby yet to be born.If it's a baby gift, it's a first toy that can be enjoyed from the day the baby is born.

It's the perfect gift for both occasions.

Why is Sophie chosen as a first toy?

Sophie is designed to be easy for a baby's small hands to grasp.When squeezed, it makes a sound, and babies can discover how to play with it by touching, looking, and putting it in their mouths.

And it has a cute, simple design that is easy to gift to both boys and girls.It's attractive because it's easy to choose even if you don't know the baby's gender yet.

Above all, the fact that Sophie has been with babies around the world for over 60 years is a huge part of her charm.

"When the baby is born, I hope they play with this Sophie."You can give it with such a feeling.

The time with the baby that begins with a baby shower

A baby shower is a time to celebrate the baby's birth together, even before the baby arrives.Even without a grand venue or many decorations, if there's a heartfelt wish for the baby, it becomes a wonderful memory.

And the gifts given at the baby shower will remain with the family's time even after the baby is born.

"We're looking forward to meeting you."
"Let's play a lot together."

The first gift for the baby, chosen with such feelings.How about choosing Sophie la girafe from France as a special baby shower gift?