If you don’t know, a baby Sprinkle is held when someoneis pregnant with her second, third, or fourth child. Since the Sprinkle is a fairly new addition to the party world, there isn’t much guidance explaining the etiquette of this occasion. So today I’m sharing a few pointers and ideas as well asa lovely Sprinkle my friend recently held for an expecting mother.
A Sprinkle is typically a lower key affair than a shower (hence the name “sprinkle”!) andusuallyjust the mother’s closest friends and family are invited. Generally, it is a celebration of the mom and arrival of her newest bundle of joy, and not a “stock the nursery” kind of gathering. In other words, registering for sprinkles is a big no-no.
The biggest question I receive about Sprinkles is : Should guestsbring presents? Generally, the answer is no or something small.
Now some pregnant momswill retort, “But my friendsreallywant to bring me a gift.” That may be true, and they might bring one, but the event itself shouldn’t be regarded as another shower. Most likely this same group of people already helped stock your nursery with gifts at your baby shower. Asking them to bring a whole slew of gifts, especially if it hasn’t been that long since your previous baby, seems a bit much to ask of them.
Let’s also not forget that your friends in this same stage of life are probablyattendingmultiplewedding and baby showers a month and, frankly, the costsadd up. (No one wouldever say that aloud,but I guarantee most people feel that way!). Most people will probably be relieved that this sprinkle is just a fun get together and not something in which they have to bring one more gift.
I would suggest specifying “no gifts, please” on the invitation. The friends who wantto bring a gift can do soon their own time. A few possible exceptions in which you might want to encourage some kind of theme gifting:
- It has been 5+ years since the birth of her last baby (and her baby stuff is outdated or been given away!)
- She has multiplechildren of the samesex and now is having the opposite. For example, the mom honored inthis Sprinklehas three girlsand is nowpregnantwith a boy.
- The Sprinkle is just among family members.
- Guests are asked to bring a very small themed gift as listed below.
Here are some more low key ideas for a sprinkle:
- ASprinkle at a favoriterestaurant. Remember, if you send paper invitations people will generally assume you are treating. Please note “dutch” if otherwise.
- A“Dutch” Sprinkle. The organizer is not the host. She will just send a Paperless Post or cardinvitation to the guests (or just email!) and specify the date/time/location. I have been to several of these where the organizer didn’t specify that people were to pay for themselves. Be sure to clarify that so there aren’t anysurprises at the dinner! You could sayit’s a “Dutch Sprinkle” or “Let’s Take Lisa to Dinner” Sprinkle. Tell the restaurant before you sit down that you want the guest of honor’s check split up among everyone else.
- Have a Book Sprinkle. My friends did this for me when I had my third child and I’m sure you won’t be surprised that I LOVED it. It gave the guests an opportunity to bring a little something, and it was meaningful.After two children, a lot of our favorites like Pat the Bunnyand The Runaway Bunny were a little tattered, so this was a good chance to restock our baby bookshelf!
- Hair Bow Sprinkle. After having two boys, one of myfriends became pregnant with her first girl. Since sheinsisted on no gifts, we (secretly) asked each guest to bring a hair bow. (I mean it’s like $5 for a baby bow so not a big deal.) I bought a cute bow holder to put them all on and she loved it. Simple is the key when it comes to a Sprinkle.
- Diaper Sprinkle. Because these are much needed and much appreciated!
On this note: if you are invited to a sprinkle that says “no gifts,” please don’t bring awkwardness to the party by bringing a gift; drop it off later!
Furthermore, if you want to hosta Sprinkle, it doesn’t have to be on par with the effort you might put intoa baby shower. My friend hosted a lovely eventin her home with many of the things she already owned, with a few decor and DIY items to make it super cute. (See sources at the bottom of the post!).
And tomake it easier on herself, she ordered the food from the fabulous TheHospitality Sweethere in Dallas and voila: A lovely Sprinkle amongst the mom’s closest friends.
Would love your thoughts on mySprinkle etiquette recommendations!
Happy Hosting!
Sources: Invitations (Swoozie’s- Dallas) / Pom Poms (White/Blue) / Placemats (Similar: Pottery Barn) / Straws/ Similar:Chevron Ribbon/Wreath /Wooden “W” / Similar: Chalkboard Easel) / Chalkboard Pens (Must Have!) / White Plates (Similar: Crate and Barrel) / Petit Fours (Stein’s Bakery) / Chicken Salad and Orzo (The Hospitality Sweet)
More Party Supplies:
DIY:
Wreath:
Hot glued wooden letterson the wreath and added a bow! The mom took it home and will hang it on their door when the baby is born!The bow is so good because my friend has her own hair bow company! See pics below.
Tassels How To (Or buy here):
Bow napkin rings/Wooden Name:
Made a bow out of white ribbon (any craft store) and glued it on a piece of ribbon. Then I tied it around the napkin like a napkin ring.
Bought wooden letters from craft storeand glued on another piece of wood!
And if you need a good “big bow” for your older girls, check out my the hostess’ cutehair bow company on Facebook!
