If you go down to the woods today You're sure of a big surprise. If you go down to the woods today You'd better go in disguise.

For ev'ry bear that ever there was Will gather there for certain, because Today's the day the teddy bears have their picnic.

You remember the words. They were a part of your childhood. We all love teddy bears and what a wonderful theme for a shower to welcome the new arrival.

Bear Invitations

Go to a dollar or discount store and buy one small stuffed bear for each guest on your list. Pick up some remnants of pastel flannelette while you are there. Take the bears home and make diapers for each out of the flannelette. Pin the diapers onto the miniature bears. Make tags out of small pieces of card stock folded in half. Write the details of the shower on the inside of the tags, punch a hole in each tag and insert matching ribbon. Then, tie the tag around the bear’s neck. Either hand deliver the bears to each guest, or mail them in small boxes to each guest. Add a sticker to the outside of the box that reads, “Quiet, baby’s sleeping,” or “Fragile: Baby Bear Inside.” Your guests will be delighted when they open the box and find the delightful bear invitations inside. Ask each guest to bring a uniquely dressed teddy bear with them to add to the effect. Have them place a tag on their teddy’s neck saying who donated it. When the party is over, the Mom-to-Be will adopt all of the teddy bears.

Bear Decorations

If possible, hold the party in your backyard. Spread old quilts or blankets on the ground for guests to sit on during the shower. The Mom-to-Be gets a decorated Muskoka chair to relax in. Tie bear balloons to her chair and, if possible, use a teddy bear decorated blanket as a throw. Tie teddy bear balloons to stuffed bears and then stuff the bears into a wicker picnic hamper. Add a bottle of sunscreen and some insect repellent to make guests more comfortable. Place one basket on each of the quilts that you’ve placed around the backyard.

Don’t use the traditional red gingham tablecloth on the buffet table, go to a fabric store and buy enough teddy bear fabric to make a tablecloth especially for the shower. Another idea is to buy a plain white tablecloth and paint teddy bears on it with fabric paint. Teddy bear stencils are available in most wallpaper stores. Though their original intention was to decorate baby’s room, they work great with fabric paint to make a beautiful table covering.

In case of rain, purchase a large piece of artificial turf. If inclement weather threatens to put a damper on the shower, lay the artificial turf on the family room floor to add an outdoors effect and place the quilts around the room with a picnic hamper in the center of each.