Baby showers call for creativity, in the party games, refreshments, baby shower invitations and gifts presented. When time to wrap, think outside the box… or bag! Here is some fun wrapping ideas for that new bundle of joy!

Try wrapping your present in a pretty receiving blanket. Use diaper pins to hold it all together.

More than just a bow, add something fun along with it. Tie in a baby rattle, teething ring or pacifier.

Use quack wrap. Wrapping paper decorated with ducks is easy to find. Add a stuffed or plastic duck on top for decoration tied on with a yellow tulle bow.

Bear hug your gift with teddy bear wrap. A small plush bear accessory adds a delightful finishing touch.

Use diapers for cushioning. What new mom doesn’t need diapers!

Check back next week when I’ll share directions for making a diaper cake!

Summer is here. Let the pool parties begin! Yes, the water in swimming pools throughout the US has warmed up and everyone is ready to jump on in! The Party Invitations are in the mail. Looking for ways to make a splash at your pool party this summer? How about these fun ideas for keeping your party afloat! I’ll warn you though; these games are for older kids that are comfortable in the water. Channel your inner summertime child and go for it!

Throw a well greased watermelon into the pool, divide up into two teams, and see which team can get the melon to their side of the pool first!

Toss unopened canned drinks into the pool and have guests roll them from one end of the pool to the other with their noses. Don’t worry, the cans float, even if your guests may not!

Water balloon fights are fun and no one minds getting wet when they’re in or around a pool anyway!

Play tug-o-war in the pool. You may want to play best out of 5 just to keep the fun going!

Have a changing clothes relay. Jump in and dress up, swim to the other side and undress. Use caution when undressing as you don’t want to lose your swimsuit too!

Have relay races with one person each on floating rafts, paddling to the other end of the pool. Or make it a group effort and push them along!

You can cause quite a splash with this fun party. It is, however, a good idea to appoint at least two people to be lifeguards during the games just as a precaution.

Any other fun pool party games you’d like to suggest?

Yes, I was one of the thousands who ventured out a few weekends back for $1 flip-flops. I left empty handed (teach me to sleep in on a Saturday morning), but the regular cost is really quite reasonable for flip-flops bought anywhere. Stock up on colorful flops to use as party favors at your next pool party.

If you’re feeling creative, go ahead and paint some cute designs on them or tie 4” x 1” pieces of colorful fabric onto them for a really cute party favor.

Better yet, hot glue an artificial flower on there and you’ve turned your $1 buy into a $12 distinctive work of art.

No running around the pool, of course, but you can strut your stuff in style with inexpensive custom decorated flip-flops made by you!

Am I the only one who loves those mannequin commercials?! I think they’re a scream and really quite clever! The newspaper circulars are even more fun to read! If Supermodelquins doesn’t ring a bell, take a look at this.

I’d send them all Invitations to my next pool party but they’d probably just float around, being hollow and all. And that Amy used to be a swimsuit model so I’d not want her parading around my pool!

What do you think, clever or creepy?!