The Shower Diva: Where Fun Reigns!

Trista Sutter

She's the most famous Bachelorette, a Mommy, and now a successful business woman. Obviously, Trista Sutter knows a few things about creating magic. She's awaiting the birth of her second baby right now, but agreed to share a few of her gift giving ideas for Divas planning an award-winning Baby Shower!

A Baby Shower is always wonderful because it gathers close friends and family in order to celebrate the pending arrival of a precious life. One of my favorite gift ideas for the Mother-to-Be actually comes from the baby shower we had for my son, Max. The hostesses created a "banner" of sorts that was made up of cards. Each guest had written either some advice or a note for our precious bundle on a card. It was a really special gift that I still cherish.

You could create a similar gift using pre-printed Notes of Advice attached to a ribbon or cord. Your Guest-of-Honor is sure to be touched by all the special messages she will receive.

Good for the Planet is Good for Babies

My husband Ryan and I are very passionate about the environment and try to do what we can to keep our carbon footprint at a minimum. That includes buying eco-friendly gifts for friends.

If you're looking for clothing and nursery items, I suggest browsing GreenNest.com. I'm a big fan of their site because everything is eco-conscious and they've put together some wonderful gift sets. You can give pre-packaged sets that encourage good health, earth-friendly layette sets, or sweet little organic pajama sets. They also have a wide selection of items for furnishing your home and nursery with non-toxic, eco-friendly items.

Anything from Seventh Generation makes a great gift. In addition to non-toxic cleaning products, they have chlorine-free baby diapers. For a new Mom, you can't go wrong giving diapers!

Gifts Babies Love

Born Free or Adiri bottles are also excellent gift choices because they're made without polycarbonates, bisphenol-A, and other dangerous chemicals. They are also designed with air vents that reduce colic symptoms, so Baby is more comfortable. I used them with Max and will definitely use them with Baby #2.

As a baby and even more so now, Max has always been a fan of books. A bundle of your own childhood favorites or books your kids love makes a wonderful Baby Shower gift.

Sprinkle Solutions

I had a Baby "Sprinkle" instead of a Shower this time around because we have all the essentials and didn't really need much. Still, we wanted to celebrate Baby #2's arrival with friends and family. If you're invited to a Sprinkle, that means the Guest of Honor already has her nursery furniture, strollers, car seats and other big items. So, gift her with consumables such as baby lotion and no-tears shampoo, or choose other small items that the Mother-to-Be can use. In my case, we happen to know we're having a girl and we didn't have any girl clothes! At my sprinkle, friends and family brought clothing items for Max's soon-to-arrive little sister.

Susan "The Shower Diva" sent me some clothes too, a "Life's a Kick!" t-shirt. It's adorable!

It's All About the Love!

Ultimately, as long as you choose something with loving intention, you can be sure you've picked the right gift. As Susan "The Shower Diva" always reminds us, Baby Showers are really about showing love for the Mother- and Father-to-Be and the new baby. Yes, it's great to be prepared and have everything you need when your baby arrives, which is why we bring gifts. But take it from a Mother-to-Be-Again, showing off your growing belly and knowing that you have the support of your friends and family is priceless.

About Trista Sutter

Trista is a name you may know from ABC's hit television series, "The Bachelor," as well as its successful spin-off, "The Bachelorette," during which she met, fell in love with and got engaged to her handsome Colorado firefighter husband, Ryan Sutter. Not only was their romantic engagement part of television history, so were their nuptials. Over 20 million people tuned in to share in their extraordinary wedding. After enjoying over five years of wedded bliss in Vail, Colorado, the couple welcomed their first baby, Max, in July 2007 and are expecting a baby girl in April 2009.