Your baby shower (or maybe it’s a baby sprinkle?) will be off the hook with these fabulously fun ideas

When it’s time to plan a baby shower or a baby sprinkle, this is the umbrella you want to stand under. We’ve compiled all of our best articles about baby sprinkle and baby shower themes, games, gifts, and favors to make party planning as easy as possible for you and your host. No matter what type of party you’re planning, we’ve got ideas to match and make the day as special as can be for expecting parents. As they say, let it rain!

Baby Sprinkle & Baby Shower Themes

a pregnant mom dressed in a yellow flowered dress on her way to a baby sprinkle shower
iStock

Everything You Need to Know to Plan a Baby Sprinkle
When it comes to a second (or third or fourth) baby, celebrations look a little different. Read on for tips on how to host a baby sprinkle, a smaller, scaled-back event that’s just as special as the new baby.

12 Stunning Baby Shower Themes You Should Copy
Wow partygoers and the guest of honor with a creative shower inspired by everything from the great outdoors to royal tea parties. Here’s an inside look at 12 showers worth replicating.

9 Gender Neutral Baby Shower Themes to Celebrate Your Surprise
These gender-neutral themes go beyond basic yellow and make not knowing whether it’s a boy or a girl part of the fun.

Baby Shower Games & Activities

10 Unique Baby Shower Games Your Friends Will Love
Baby shower games get your guests laughing and chatting, especially if you step up your party game with these creative activities.

Free Baby Shower Games for Your Next Celebration
Don’t break your baby-shower budget purchasing supplies for games to keep guests entertained. Save a few bucks and still have a fun celebration with baby shower games you can pull together with things you may already have, or by firing up your printer.

The Best Baby Shower DIY Craft Projects
If your baby shower guests are crafty types, these fun projects will help them to get creative—and give mom useful, one-of-a-kind keepsakes that remind her of family and friends.

Baby Sprinkle & Shower Gift Ideas

The Ultimate Baby Registry Checklist for New Parents-to-Be
Who knew a tiny baby would need so much stuff? We did! So here it is, our definitive list of everything you could possibly need when your baby arrives.

Baby Sprinkle Gifts: What to Get the Mom-to-Be Who Has Everything
What do you get the mom-to-be who already has all the baby basics? Read on to find some great gifts even the most experienced expectant mom will appreciate.

19 Useful Baby Shower Gifts Moms-to-Be Will Treasure
We’ve done our research and come up with 19 ideas that you will actually use and appreciate having after your baby’s arrival.

10 Splurge-Worthy Baby Shower Gifts
From the coziest crib sheets to high-tech bassinets, read on to discover something to W-O-W every expecting parent.

Favors for Your Baby Shower

ModParty Etsy Shop

16 Unique Baby Shower Favors to Wow Your Guests
From a floral favor bar to mini bottles of bubbly that are ready to pop just like the mom-to-be, these baby shower favor ideas will make your shower stand out—and show guests they’re appreciated. 

With Father’s Day just around the corner, it’s time to start planning how you and your littles are going to celebrate daddy’s day. Whether you’re ready to head out of the house or stay close to home, we have plans that are guaranteed to please. Read on for our list of father-friendly activities that are sure bets for making everyone’s dad feel special.

A Need for Speed

Matthew Dockery via Unsplash

If he has a need for speed, treat him to the Atlanta Motor Speedway NASCAR Style Driving Experience & Ride Alongs (June 18 & 19) where he can drive over 165 miles per hour on the track. Or check out a 2 or 4 hour, mid vs rear drive program at the Porsche Driving Experience. where dad can experience 1.6 miles of the thrill of the drive. Just north of Atlanta in Dawsonville you'll find the Atlanta Motorsports Park, home of the world’s most unique karting track. Built to Formula One standards and offering 43 feet of elevation change, AMP Kart Racing offers a karting experience unlike any other.

For the Social Dads

Head downtown to celebrate the correlation between true identity and true freedom at Atlanta's Juneteenth Black History Parade/March/Rally (June 18). Or, swing by the Father's Day Flow (June 19) at Fourth Ward Skatepark Playground for all ages yoga meetup. For dads who enjoy staying at home and firing up the grill, sign him up for a Zoom Meatapalooza cooking class with Gunshow owner Kevin Gillespie, where they'll perfect some of his favorite backyard classics over a cold beer and the internet.

Give Him Some Fresh Air

Anupam Mahapatra

If the man of your house prefers to spend his time outside it, support his heart-healthy efforts by cheering him on—or better yet—joining in on the fun. Head to Halcyon for Goat Yoga on the Green (June 19), or perhaps head to Chattahoochee Nature Center (June 20) to celebrate dad with exclusive access to CNC’s Butterfly Encounter, where you can enjoy a light breakfast, experience various butterfly species, and explore the grounds prior to opening. Cheer on the Braves as they battle the Cardinals at 1:20 p.m. (June 20), then enjoy a 20-minute game of catch on the field with your dad (advance registration required).

 

Get Out and Go

Still searching for something special? Try a picnic at one of Atlanta’s best parks and playgrounds. Go for a spin on one of the city’s best bike trails, or go berry picking at an area farm. If you are feeling adventurous, head out for a horseback ride or take it to the trees at a nearby zipline park. No matter how you fête father’s day, be sure to shower dad with many acts of love!

Featured image by iStock.

—Shelley Massey

 

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Why celebrate National Donut Day with a boring ole glaze or powdered treat, when you can sink your teeth into something with sustenance? That’s where the DiGiornut comes in.

The pizza and donut combo is everything you want in a mashup: mozzarella cheese stuffed and topped with DiGiorno sauce, cheese and toppings. Now you don’t have to pick savory or sweet to satisfy that craving!

photo: Courtesy of DiGiorno

Kimberly Holowiak, DiGiorno Brand Manager at Nestlé, “At DiGiorno we like to push the boundaries of what’s possible for pizza, and the DiGiornut is something we’ve been dreaming about for a while. At the same time, we’ve seen out of the box thinking from our fans on social media – connecting pizza with donuts. So we thought, why not have some fun and make this mashup a reality to celebrate National Donut Day.”

If your tastebuds are firing on all cylinders, then you’ll want to keep reading. The only way to get the DiGiornut will be through a Twitter sweepstakes on National Donut Day which is this Fri., Jun. 4. To enter, just reply to @DiGiorno’s tweet with #sweepstakes for a chance to score a half-dozen box!

––Karly Wood

 

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Breastfeeding and pumping away from home comes with many challenges, not the least of which is finding time and a clean, private place to do it (no, a bathroom stall does not count as a lactation room). But, according to new research highlighting the need for more workplace protections for nursing moms, it can even lead to job loss.

An eye-opening new study conducted by Pregnant At Work, an initiative from the Center for Work Life Law, has revealed that over the last ten years two-thirds of cases that allege breastfeeding discrimination in the workplace have resulted in a mom losing her job through firing or being forced to resign.

photo: Rawpixel via Pexels

The definition of breastfeeding discrimination in these cases includes denying break requests to women who are in pain from needing to pump, firing employees for asking for breaks to pump, and refusing to provide privacy for employees needing to pump. While these discriminatory practices were already linked with nursing moms weaning early, diminished supply and infections, the researchers were shocked to learn that they also had a significant financial impact in moms as well.

The study also found that three-quarters of working moms experienced some type of economic penalty, either by being forced to work reduced hours or by going unpaid for their 15 minute pumping breaks. The researchers also determined that breastfeeding was the worst in male dominated industries and that 43 percent of discrimination claims came from those industries despite the fact that only 16 percent of women work in an industry that is considered male-dominated.

“The thing breastfeeding discrimination has in common with sexual harassment and pay inequity is that it jeopardizes women’s economic security,” Morris says. “Women are literally losing their jobs over feeding their babies, and job loss can have harsh economic consequences for years to come in the same way sexual harassment and unequal pay can have harsh economic consequences for women.”

While there are laws in place protecting a mother’s legal rights when it comes to breastfeeding, they are inconsistent between different states, which makes it difficult to enforce in court. According to the report over 9 million women are not covered by the Break Time for Nursing Mothers law, the federal law that provides break time and privacy for pumping. Excluded workers range from kindergarten teachers to registered nurses to farmworkers. The authors of the report are urging that new federal legislation with universal coverage and no employer exemptions be put in place.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

 

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Nothing beats a rainy afternoon like paint-your-own pottery studios, where you can paint the town (well, your figurine) red, blue or any other color under the sun. Your little artists-in-training will see their vision of cute animal statuary realized whether they create from clay or paint on a ready-to-go ceramic pottery. Click through our album to see our eight favorites, from Logan Square to Highland Park.

Glazed Expressions

The 411: With more than 300 pieces to choose from, this cozy space includes a vast selection of everything from dishes to cat figurines. And did we mention the glaze? When your child has applied all the color, the studio will add that clear and thin finish that screams “display me prominently with your family heirlooms.”

Kid appeal: After being fired in the kiln, all the items are food-safe. That’s right, your kids can eat off their masterpiece whether it’s a bowl or—if you have a silly sally—a cat’s paw.

Extra touch: The studio offers customized teacher gifts from planters to plates to plaques.

717 W. Armitage Ave.
Lincoln Park
312-867-1792
Online: myglazedexpressions.com

 

What is your favorite pottery studio? Talk it up in the Comments below!

— Kelly Haramis

Whether it’s made with Mod Podge or maybe just mud and sticks, anything your kid crafts is a work of heart. With Mother’s and Father’s Day around the corner, we wanted to brush up on some spots where kids can create a keepsake worth keeping. Check out these six spots where your whole gang can get fired up about art.

Art and Soul Pottery Studio
Art and Soul offers up everything from glass painting to canvas, mosaics and tie-dye. Note that their prices for pieces range from $2.50 to $120 so be sure to pick your pottery carefully.

Address: 4920 Roswell Rd.
Phone: 404-303-9959
Online: www.artandsoulpotterystudio.com
Let’s Party: Art and Soul offers a wide range of project-based party packages ranging from Finger Painting ($13.50 per child) for the wee ones to tie-dye t-shirts ($17.50) for your tweens.


That Pottery Place
No appointment is needed for this open studio spot. Or, if you are searching for something more structured, try one of their pre-selected project classes. If you have a group of four or more, you can even schedule your own class and select from their portfolio of projects making for a perfect playdate.

Address: 2569 N. Decatur Rd., Decatur
Phone: 404-371-4557
Online: www.potteryplacedecatur.com
Let’s Party: Party packages include two hours of paint time in their private room (for a minimum of five painters) with a price of $15 per child. Each child gets to select one item to paint from their party shelf selection.

All Fired Up
If you are going to make this a regular habit then All Fired Up’s three Atlanta-area locations are the way to go with their punch cards that earn your a free piece to paint. With over 800 different items of pottery, they have something for everyone. Don’t miss their summer camp offerings that tackle a different project each day.

Address: 1563 N Decatur Rd.
Phone: 404-270-9048
Online: www.allfiredupinc.com
Let’s Party: Book their Van Gogh Party ($16 per painter) for an hour and a half of studio time, or their Picasso Party ($20 per painter) which includes higher priced items to select from and a birthday plate for guests to sign.

Just Kiln Time
As well as paint-your-own pottery options, Just Kiln Time also offers Kiln Time On Canvas classes that give step-by-step instructions working with acrylic paint where you leave with your own masterpiece.

Address: 27 Atlanta St., Marietta
Phone: 770-428-9699
Online: www.justkilntimeshop.com
Let’s Party: Twenty bucks per painter buys and hour and a half of paint time in their party room.

Sip and Stroke
Sip and Stroke’sSaturday morning kid’s canvas classes are a true stroke of genius. Two hours to run errands? Yes, please. We also love their mixed media approach to parties offering a variety of pottery, canvas, bead or mosaic themes.

Address: 4401 Shallowford Rd., Roswell
Phone: 770-641-9833
Online: www.sipandstroke.net
Let’s Party: Prices vary depending on theme ranging from $15 per child for pottery painting to $20 per child for a “Crazy Mosaic Party.”

Mud Monkey on Peachtree
This new neighborhood spot located in the Peachtree Battle shopping center is already abuzz with Buckhead bitties.

Address: 2385 Peachtree Rd. NE, #105
Phone: 7404-812-1750
Online: mudmonkeyonpeachtree.com
Let’s Party: Call for more information on party packages.

Did we miss a spot? Tell us where you and your kids like to get crafty in Atlanta!

—Phebe Wahl

Photos courtesy of Art and Soul via Facebook, That Pottery Place via Facebook, All Fired Up via Facebook, Mud Monkey via Facebook

Ah, New York. So full of creative types — including, it turns out, your kid! If you’ve got a little one more interested in sewing than soccer, pumped for origami not overnights, or way into weaving instead of water sports, check out these summer camps for all kinds of artisans. With the right planning, June, July and August will each offer their own handmade project experience and by the time September rolls around, you’ll have a school year’s worth of unique birthday presents in your closet! Click on through to see our carefully-crafted picks!

For Those Who Like to Throw: La Mano

At La Mano’s Summer Pottery Course in Chelsea, experienced potters teach kids the basics of throwing on the wheel (like Demi Moore in Ghost) and hand building techniques (like pinching, coiling, and slabs). Project ideas are left up to the students and pieces will be fired and ready for pick up 4 weeks later. La Mano is a full service adult pottery studio, too, so by the time camp ends you might be ready to throw a few pots of your own.

What: Summer Pottery Course
Where: La Mano, 110 West 26th St, Chelsea
When: Two-week sessions begin June 22nd, 10a.m.–12p.m.
Ages: 11+
Cost: $300 for each 2 week session, plus $30 Materials Fee (per each session)

You know the importance of exposing your kids to creative endeavors, so you offer up drawing and painting, maybe even a little sculpture. But what do you do when your little ones says, “mommy, I’d like to learn how to knit an infinity scarf,”  or “can I take a farm-to-table cooking class?” Don’t stress. With our list of quirky craft classes, you can help your little artist learn things like jewelry-making, photography, spinning and fused glass design.

Photo: The Art League via Facebook

Silk Screening at The Art League
The Art League offers classes and summer camps for ages 5 to 15 in everything from painting, drawing and ceramics, to photography, jewelry making, fiber arts (knitting and the like) and clay animation. Silk screening is a fave for the kid-set since it’s super actvie. They also have a basic summer art camp that exposes kids to a variety of different mediums, which is a great option if your little one is creative, but not quite sure what she wants to pursue.

Torpedo Factory Art Center
105 N. Union St. Room 216 (Alexandria, Va)
Online: theartleague.org

Cooking (for Toddlers!) at Creative Kids Kitchen
Yes, cooking is an art and involves a huge amount of craftsmanship. It also involves a whole lot of mess, which is why many of us find so many reasons why we can’t do it with our little ones at home. The solution? Outsource it!  Creative Kids Kitchen offers food crafting classes for kids as young as two. Yep, you read that right.

Lorcom Ln. and Nellie Custis Ave. (North Arlington, Va)
703-664-0922
Online: creativekidskitchen.com

Fashion Design at Bits of Thread
If you have an aspiring seamstress or fashion designer on your hands, Bits of Thread is the place for you.  Featuring all things sewing related, the shop offers children’s classes in beginning sewing where they learn how to safely use a sewing machine, practice design skills, and complete simple projects such as garments, bags, accessories, stuffed animals, and other toys. They also offer fashion design camps.

1794 Columbia Rd., NW #6 (Adams Morgan)
202-642-9622
Online: bitsofthread.com

Spinning at Fibre Space
Your little yarnista will find a home at Fibre Space, which offers introductory classes and private lessons for kids in knitting, crocheting and spinning. And if you have no idea what spinning is, listen up:  it’s learning to spin yarn on a drop spindle. If you learn to spin, you can make your own yarn!

1219 King St. (Alexandria, Va)
703-664-0344
Online: fibrespace.com

Fused Glass Design at All Fired Up
While your little ones won’t get to sit down at the pottery wheel and create something magical out of clay at All Fired Up, they will choose from a huge selection of pottery to paint, ranging in prices from $2 to $60. They can also learn to mosaic just about anything, from animals, to boxes, to mirrors and tables. A newer option that is popular among kids is fused glass. Choose from hundred of colorful glass pieces to help create your own design. Then fuse it together in the kiln for a gorgeous piece to take home.

3413 Connecticut Ave. (Cleveland Park)
202-363-9590
Online: allfiredup.com

Do you know of any cool craft classes around the DMV? Tell us about them in the Comments section below. 

—Jamy Bond

Located in the heart of kid-friendly downtown San Mateo, this brand new Italian restaurant fits right with the existing local family favorites. Tomatina’s boistrous atmosphere, surprisingly eclectic kid’s menu and delicious grown-up fare make it a can’t-miss for your entire family. Plus, with seven locations all over the Bay Area, you won’t have to drive far to get in on the goodness, no matter where you live.

Photo: Tomatina

No Silent Suppers
Like any authentic Italian dinner, things can get loud—in the best way possible. The atmosphere at Tomatina is lively, a bit noisy, and totally casual—you won’t get any sideways glances when a fork (or plate, or glass of water) inevitably crashes to the ground. Best of all, the menu and service are very accommodating to families with small children, and if you’re bringing the whole brood, you’ll likely be in good company, as families with young kids are plentiful here. If it’s not insanely busy, bring your kids up to the pizza-making station, where they can watch dough being tossed around and pizzas bubbling in the giant hearth.

Photo: Tomatina

Choices, Choices, Choices
The menu is massive, so while ordering may not be an easy decision (for you or your bambino) it’ll be hard to mess this up, as everything is so tasty. Our advice is to just go nuts and try a little bit of everything. If you’re the lucky parent of a kid who craves crudité, start with the veggie dippers or Caesar salad from the kid’s menu to keep hungry tummies happy while the mains are being prepped. Got kids who are more into carbo-loading? Go with a round of a Tomatina’s specialty—garlic rolls—fresh baked and swimming in olive oil and fresh garlic. For your entrees, count on classics like lasagne, ravioli and spaghetti but do try what Tomatina has come to be known for: Piadine. What is a pee-yah-dee-nay? It’s basically a delicious mound of cool salad atop a fresh baked flatbread. Fold it up, eat it like a pizza, or eat it like a salad. However you eat it, it’ll be scrumptious. Also worth a mention are the oven fired pizzas. You just might want to order a large, because you’ll probably end up sharing this one with the little mouths at your table.

Photo: Tomatina

The Perks
There are even more good reasons you will want to frequent Tomatina, aside from the great atmosphere and delicious food. They have a loyalty program that’s easy to manage, and will quickly reward you for dining with them. Get one point per dollar spent, and after your first 200 points, you will automatically get $10 deducted from your next bill. No coupons necessary. Plus, every Thursday, kids eat free during dinner hours.

Photo: Tomatina

So, make an afternoon of it. Tomatina is just a few doors down from Talbot’s Toyland, where your kids can play throughout the display of outdoor toys and race cars around their electric racetrack. Next stop, and next door, is Scribble me Happy, which offers open studio from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. on Thursdays. Now, you’re only steps away from dinner. Shop, play, paint, then eat up the rest of your afternoon at Tomatina!
401 S. B St.
San Mateo, Ca
650-918-5030
Hours: Mon.-Sun., 10 a.m.-11 p.m.
Online: Tomatina.com

—Heather Rodgers

What’s your favorite thing on Tomatina’s menu? Let us know in the comments below.

So far this summer you’ve splashed in the spray parks, mulled over museums and frolicked at farms, and now the kids need hands-on down time. How about an art project? We’ve rounded up our area’s best places to paint your own pottery (with some glass fusing and crafting thrown in for good measure). Click through the gallery to find out where to get your art on this summer.

Paint the Town

How it works: This ideally located paint your own pottery place in U Village offers up a wide variety (as in 250!) do it yourself painting options, from mugs to bowls, figurines to picture frames, in prices ranging from $6 to $60. One price includes the piece you choose, and all paints, glazing and firing of your piece. Best of all, you can drop in anytime during business hours to create your masterpiece, and when you’re done, they’ll glaze and fire it for you—just return in seven days to pick up the finished product.

Camps and classes: This place is summer camp central. Running almost weekly through August 29, 2014, (Mon.-Fri. 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.), these camps will thrill your little artist, with fun creations like fairy houses and tote bags, dragons and pirate ships. Drop your kiddos ages 6-9 or 9-13 off and spend your mornings perusing the shops in the Village, getting a mani-pedi at nearby mommy-friendly Julep or having an early lunch. Price: $192/week.

Time to celebrate: Paint the Town’s party room is ready for a gaggle of partiers who want to paint. Choose your theme, pick you pieces and prepare to have fun! You can bring any food, drinks and decorations you’d like, and Paint the Town will provide a staff member dedicated to your party, as well as goody bags, pretty ceramic party plates and a signature plate for the party kid. You’ll also receive a coupon for 10% off goodies from Village kid-friendly shops like Menchie’s, Trophy Cupcakes and Elemental Pizza when you book your party. And best of all, they do the clean up! Could it get any easier?

Important party details: You must have a minimum pottery total of $130, goody bags extra. Minimum of 6 people, maximum of 20 (seating for 12). Parties run 1.5-2 hours.

Good to know: Paint the Town offers daily specials, from Muggy Mondays (15% off all mugs) to Tiny Tot Tuesdays (all painters 15 and under get 15% off), January-October. Combined with their nearly monthly Village Playdates (none in July and August because of Summer Camps), this painting place is sure to keep your Littles busy all summer long!

4611 Village Ct. N.E.
Seattle, Wa 98105
206-527-8554
Online: ceramics-painting.com

Where is your little artist’s favorite spot to paint pottery? Let us know in a comment below!

-Erin Cranston

Photos courtesy of: Allison Sutcliffe, Studio2You website, Emerald City Fired Arts, Color Me Mine-Mill Creek Facebook page, Mudhouse Pottery Facebook page & Paint Away Facebook page