It is traditional to give only natural, handmade gifts at a Mother Blessing. Handmade gifts do not have to be elaborate — feel free to use a quick or easy pattern for a blanket, hooded towel or other baby item. On the other hand, if intricately crocheted gowns and booties are your specialty, then go for it!

If your crowd isn’t too crafty, you can offer other non-commercial gift ideas such as:

• sharing a story or poem
• singing a song
• playing an instrument
• bringing candles, flowers or pillows for the ceremony or a family altar
• preparing a dish to be frozen and used once the baby is born
• “coupons” for babysitting and housekeeping

These “in lieu of gifts” gifts, make an ideal choice for anyone who doesn’t feel comfortable having a second baby shower — or who just doesn’t need anymore baby stuff for baby number four!

Of course, if the expecting parents need baby gear, by all means mention any baby registries or specific requests to your guests.