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Congratulations are in order! You or someone close to you is expecting a tiny human to join you sometime soon. And what better way to celebrate this momentous occasion than with a baby shower. 

There’s been a lot of evolution to baby showers in recent years - from downsizing the occasion to including both parents and their friends. But, there's one aspect that has become a bit outdated: the guest book. Signing a book with a brief message can feel impersonal and easily forgotten. Many people also struggle to write something thoughtful on command (darn you, dreaded writer’s block). Guest books are left partially filled, and then forgotten in a box. And that’s a shame! The intent is really beautiful - to collect love and well wishes from friends and family to celebrate this big life transition. We believe there’s an even better way to welcome baby…the baby box! 

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The Baby Box is a time capsule created by the people who love and care for the baby and the parent/s. Each item brought by friends and family connects the baby to their family heritage, their beginnings, and the world they were born into. It's a beautiful way to celebrate the child's arrival and create a treasure trove of memories that will be enjoyed in the future. Opening the Baby Box later in life will bring joy, nostalgia, and a deeper connection to the past.

So, what goes in the baby box? Keep the focus on something that will be a joy to see or read when the baby is now all grown up (i.e., skip the rattles). Here are a few ideas: 

**1. Newspapers:** Ask guests to bring newspaper clippings to capture the current events and headlines from the year they will be born.

**2. Poems:** Encourage guests to write heartfelt poems or share favorite ones that hold special meaning.

**3. Books:** Invite guests to bring their favorite books. Not children’s books! Books they enjoyed reading as young people, inscribed with a personal message.

**4. Family Recipes:** Request guests to contribute handwritten family recipes.

**5. Advice:** Loved ones can contribute one life lesson or piece of advice. 

**6. Letters:** Heartfelt letters sharing hopes, and dreams for their future.

**7. Photographs:** Encourage guests to bring photographs capturing special moments with the baby's parents or other family members.

**8. Tokens and Trinkets:** Suggest guests bring small sentimental items that represent their relationship with the baby or their family heritage. Make sure to tag them with the givers name, and why the item is special or important to them.

**9. Time Capsule Items:** Invite guests to bring objects that symbolize the current time or popular trends.

**10. Memorabilia:** Encourage guests to bring small mementos that hold sentimental value, such as a favorite accessory or memento from a trip with the parents, etc. 



## What to Put on the Baby Shower Invitation to Get People to Participate

When sending out the baby shower invitations, be sure to mention the Baby Box activity. Highlight the sentimental value and the lasting memories it will create. That might sound like:

_"Help us create a special treasure for our little one! In lieu of a guest book, we’re asking guests to bring a small item or note that welcomes them into the world and connects them to their beginnings. This can be a piece of advice, a book you enjoyed as a young person, photographs, something you drew, etc. It should be something that will be meaningful to them on their 18th birthday, when we plan to let them open it. Think of it like a mini time capsule!”_

## What to Put the Items In and How to Store It:

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Choose a beautiful, sturdy box or chest that will hold the precious memories securely. Opt for a material that is durable and long-lasting, such as wood or metal. Decorate the box with the baby's name, birthdate, or a special design. Ensure the box is large enough to accommodate all the items that will be contributed. It may be worth waiting until you have them all collected before making a purchase. We love [this](https://www.etsy.com/listing/706488488/large-size-baby-girl-keepsake-box?click_key=48fe178566d6b48d32889c4290cb65d71bfd5d4f%3A706488488&click_sum=697a9c46&ref=shop_home_feat_4&pro=1&sts=1), [this](https://www.etsy.com/listing/713527993/baby-keepsake-box-personalised-new-baby?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=baby+keepsake+box&ref=sr_gallery-1-1&sts=1&organic_search_click=1), or [this](https://www.blossomandpear.com/products/copy-of-etched-wooden-personalised-baby-keepsake-box-limited-edition) as options. 

To store the Baby Box, find a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. A closet, attic, or under-bed storage area would work well. 

## When to Open the Baby Box:

Deciding when to open the Baby Box is a personal choice. Some parents choose to wait until a milestone birthday, such as their child's 18th or 21st, while others may open it when the child becomes a parent themselves. The joy of the Baby Box lies in the anticipation and surprise, so choose a moment that will create a memorable experience.

The Baby Box is a truly special and heartwarming alternative to the traditional baby shower guest book. By inviting friends and family to contribute meaningful items, you're creating a time capsule filled with love, memories, and connections to the baby's roots. Whether it's newspapers, poems, books, or other sentimental treasures, each item will hold a special place in the baby's heart as they grow older. So, embrace the joy of the Baby Box and celebrate the arrival of a new life in a way that will be cherished for a lifetime!

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For photos and written advice, consider creating a [Baby Shower Book](https://yourkithandkin.com/baby-shower-book) for baby, or the new mom or dad-to-be. Gather advice and well wishes for them to read during those sleepy days with their newborn. Or, as in this example, collect advice, hopes, and well wishes from their village for a beautiful keepsake they can enjoy for years to come. 

Start your project for free – set a deadline and select text and photo prompts, then invite people to contribute via a shared link. It works just like a form! Then, you can sit back as you collect responses, and we design, and print your book. Questions? We're here to help, hello@yourkithandkin.com.

Discover a fun and unique alternative to the traditional baby shower guest book with the Baby Box. Create a time capsule filled with love, memories, and connections for your little one. From newspapers and poems to family recipes and sentimental tokens, explore 10 ideas for what to include in the Baby Box. Find out how to invite guests to participate and learn when to have your child open this special treasure. 

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A Fun and Totally Unique Alternative To The Baby Shower Guest Book: The Baby Box!

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