Although traditionally baby showers have been a part of the "Girls Only" club, as times progress, we have to remember that even though the woman is noticeable the person carrying the baby, the men are also about to have a life changing experience. Their body may not be going through all of those changes, however they are realizing that now there will be this little person that they will have to be responsible for and provide for. A new life is about to enter their world too.

With that in mind, Men would like to be celebrated just as their pregnant mate is (of course they would never say that out loud). Having friends around to help encourage them and offer them sound advise would also prepare him for the next phase. One thing that you can consider doing is having a co-ed baby shower. Now, I know what you're thinking "What man is going to sit around and play games with a bunch of women?" I am so glad you asked. This is where you can put your own spin to it. The following tips can help ensure that both you and your man have a very enjoyable experience as you celebrate your baby or babies.

Work on the Guest List Together

This is key to making sure that your man is also going to enjoy the event. If you two have couples that you traditionally spend time with, you include both of them on your list. In doing that both you and him will have people around that you enjoy spending time with and to help you celebrate. Married couples, think back to when you were planning your wedding. He had his boys he wanted there just like you had the women you couldn't be without.

You Are a Couple, Invite As a Couple

This is an important step to the process. Even though you may not be the planner of the shower, make sure you tell them to include his name on the invitation and that it is a co-ed shower. One idea is to have a couple work together in creating your shower. In doing this, people will know that it is for men and women. Also, when addressing the envelopes include both names whether it be Mr. and Mrs. or the first and last names of both people invited. The wording of your invitation will be key. Also, finding an invitation that has both a man and woman on it would also let men know that they too have been asked to be present.

One Event, Two Types of Parties

This an option that can be used to incorporate what you want as well as what your man would be comfortable with. He may want his guys to just chill and hang out while talking about the the upcoming birth. Guys will offer advise to each other in different situations when they are just sitting around talking. This can probably be best achieved if the shower will be taking place in someone's home or in a large enough space where it could be divided where each group can do their own thing. While this is going on, the ladies may want to play a game or two and have a totally different discussion like feet swelling, how active the baby has been or how hemorrhoids just came out of nowhere. One thing you may also want to do is ask the Ladies to bring a gift for her friend and the guys bring a gift for him. 

Now how is doing separate things make it a co-ed shower? The key times when all come together are during the key things of a shower: food, games, gifts, and cake. If you do have gifts received from both the men and women, each individual can open what they received in the group setting. During or after the presents is usually when you have the cake and the shower starts to wind down.

It's Not About the Games

One thing that tends to happen at showers is that you come in and you will pay at least 4 games (I've seen more than that) throughout the shower. Instead of endless games, pick a couple that you know people would enjoy are unisex so that the men could participate as well. This is also a time when both the men and women can come together and share in some good-hearted fun. Still offer your prizes, but gear them to the appropriate sex. I do not believe a man will want a candle or some flower smelling lotion as their take home for being able to unscramble the letters. You can differentiate which gender by having different colored bags. Also, if you are planning to give away favors thanking your guest for coming, make sure it's something that is neutral. Edible items would probably be your best bet. Maybe you can offer a small candy table when they can get goodies on their way out.

Enjoy and Have Fun

This tip is one that I always like to end with. Ultimately that is want you accomplish. Just remember that it is about you, your mate, and your new arrival. Don't let any of the small things, or the things that don't go according to plan stop you from enjoy the time with your friends and family. It is just one more step closer to the gift that is about to arrive.