Baby showers are booming.  If you haven't been invited to a baby shower lately, you may be surprised to learn where they're at.  While many news mums still opt for a small gathering of aunts and friends for afternoon tea and a few party games, a baby shower these days could take you to the finest hotel complete with all the extravagant trimmings of a wedding.  Think lavish invitations, baby-themed desserts and take-home gift bags.  Just look at Tinseltown.  The tone was set early for Kimye's baby shower when each guest received an invitation presented within a fully-functional music box.  Each box came complete with a spinning ballerina (who just happened to look like Kim herself), dancing to a lullaby version of Kanye's "Hey Mama."

Baby showers can be as big or as small as you make them.  The only real essentials are a mum-to-be, good company and a bite to eat.  With a little planning, a baby shower can become a treasured memory for mum marking the beginning of a new chapter.  It can also be a great expression of support from the sisterhood. 

If you wish to make a big first impression, kick off your baby shower with a beautiful invitation.  We've collected some great ideas to get you going.  Put your creativity to the test by making the invitations yourself or have someone do the hard work for you.  We love online retailer Tiny Prints.  With so many customisable on-trend designs and variations to choose from, you may need to limit your browse time so you still have time to make the other the shower arrangements.  As you make the guest list, don't feel pressured to ban the boys.  While baby showers are traditionally just for the ladies, these days more and more men are getting in on the act too, and rightfully so.  The arrival of new baby can be a celebration for everyone to enjoy, including dad.

If you're looking for a little inspiration for afternoon tea, there is plenty to whet your appetite.  Baby jumpsuit cookies, teddy bear macarons and pink and blue baby eclairs are only the beginning.  As well as the obvious sweet desserts, try some savoury options too.  Check out these food and drink ideas.  Just be sure to offer a range of "safe" food and drink options for the mum-to-be and potentially other mums-to-be in the group.  Don't just serve smoked salmon on crackers with soft cheese and champagne.

It's not always easy to get the conversation started between unfamiliar guests, so there's nothing like a good ice-breaker.  Before the party, freeze a tiny plastic baby doll (available from craft or party shops) into an ice cube for each guest.  When all guests have arrived, drop an ice cube into everyone's drink.  Ask guests to keep their eyes on their babies while their ice cubes melt.  The first guest to see her baby float to the top of the glass and shout "My waters broke!" wins the game.  Other games include Clay Babies.  Each guest is given some modelling clay and five minutes (use a timer for effect) to make a baby.  Prizes are awarded for the prettiest, strangest and most creative babies with the mum-to-be as judge. Games are a great way to get the laughs rolling.  Click here for more games.

Every impressive party needs decorations and there are plenty of bits and pieces available from local discount stores that won't break your budget.  Work out your theme up front.  If you know the baby's sex, you may choose a traditional blue or pink theme, otherwise keep it neutral with yellow, grey or white.  Once you choose your colour, stick with it for maximum impact.  Consider hanging tissue paper pom poms, bunting or balloons or set up a candy bar of oversized lolly jars filled with single-colour lollies.  There is no limit to what you can achieve as our collection demonstrates.

Take home or favour bags definitely add an extra little bit of fancy to the day.  Novel ideas include a bag of Ready-to-pop popcorn, theme-coloured lollies, bath salts, candles and loofah puffs.  Carefully consider the packaging.  Great packaging will make your take-home gift a real hit.  Our collection of ideas will get you started.

If you are thinking of organising a baby shower for someone you love, just remember that while baby showers are a generous and kind gesture, it's important to keep the wishes of the new mum foremost in you mind.  Pregnancy is an emotional time and the prospect of becoming a new mum can be overwhelming.  Many women prefer to make the transition quietly without too much fuss.  Don't start planning a baby shower until you have sussed out the situation.  With that said, baby showers can be so much fun and a great excuse for a celebration and a bit of frivolity.  We all need that.

Happy New Year everyone.

We've worked very hard over the festive season helping Santa deliver gifts far and wide.  It's time for us to take a summer break.  Any orders placed Monday 12th January to Friday 16th January will not be dispatched until Monday 19th January.  To avoid disappointment, please place your orders by Saturday 10th January.

Thanks for your understanding.  We hope you too are enjoying some well-earned rest and relaxation.

The time for celebration has arrived.

We would like to wish all our Room to Bloom friends, customers and visitors a very happy Christmas and a joyful New Year.

Stay safe during the holiday period.  We look forward to assisting you in 2015.

x Yvette & family

If the silly season is wearing you down, or you just feel like a little pampering, then you'll love our new Naturals range blended with 100% pure and natural essential oils of Lavender and Neroli. 

Each product makes a perfect gift and also co-ordinates wonderfully with our existing Mother and Baby gift ranges.

Developed by The Aromatherapy Company of New Zealand, these products are good through and through.

Complete your at-home spa treatment with our Therapy Detoxifying Bath Salts and Therapy Body & Bath Oil Collection.

Our adorable pink Sapling bloomers with the heart on the bottom are now back in stock.  Add these little bottom-huggers to your baby gift for an extra dose of cuteness.  Try pairing them with any of the Sapling Essentials pink range or an El Gato bodysuit.

All Sapling pieces are manufactured from 100% certified organic cotton and printed with 100% GOTS approved water based dyes, making them a safer choice for baby and the environment.

We would love to see your little prince or princess in your favourite Sapling outfit.  Don't forget to share your pics on our Facebook page.

Great news for fans of The Aromatherapy Company, our full Therapy Baby range is now back in stock.  

The Aromatherapy Company's Baby Therapy Range is naturally nourishing and nurturing for mum and baby. This Therapeutic range is safe for baby with calming, nourishing and healing properties. The products are blended with nourishing, natural Manuka Honey blended with 100% pure and natural Lavender Oil. 

The range is a real favourite with our customers, with many new mums purchasing the products after receiving them first as a gift.  Mums know best!

Do you remember the days when you loved dressing up your favourite doll?  We can and that's why we're really excited to announce the addition of Sapling to our list of exceptional brands.  Finally we can offer you a beautiful range of baby clothing that co-ordinates perfectly with our other gifts.  

We looked far and wide for a clothing range that met our needs and yours.  Sapling certainly fits the bill.  Sapling, a proud Australian company, specialises in Organic Cotton children's wear.  All clothing is made from 100% GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified organic cotton and is printed with GOTS approved water based dyes that are free from toxic chemicals and heavy metals, a safer choice for babies.  All garments are also proudly made in India under fair terms and conditions.

Aside from this, the clothing is simply beautiful.  The fabric is wonderfully soft and the exclusive designs are very sweet for boys, girls, and "waiting to find outs".  Each piece makes a beautiful gift on its own or can be easily teamed with other products from our store to create an impressive gift box hamper that a new mum will adore.   

Our Sapling product pick would have to be the heart pants.  Nothing says adorable more than those super-cute pants on baby's chubby legs.  Take a look for yourself.

Looking for an distinctive baby gift?  We're proud to introduce a new collection within our Gifts for Mum range - Jewellery. This collection of unique teething jewellery from Harper + Hudson is both sophisticated and functional.  Designed with style in mind, each piece is chewable, washable and baby friendly, perfect for stylish mums and teething bubs.  

Made from 100% non-toxic food grade silicone, Harper + Hudson's range of jewellery has been thoroughly tested to meet Australian safety standards.  The silicone is free from nasty chemicals - BPA, PVC, phthalates, cadmium and lead and contains a unique breakaway clasp that will open if tugged by little hands.  And as an extra bonus, all pieces are dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.

Within the range there a three styles of necklace which can be mixed and matched to create various looks.  All pieces are available in five fashion colours.  These colours co-ordinate beautifully with other gifts in the Room to Bloom range, making them a stunning addition to any Room to Bloom Gift Box.  

These necklaces are definitely on-trend and not only popular with new mummies.  Give her a personal and unique gift she will really love.        

It's time for some much-needed rest and relaxation.

Beginning tomorrow, 19th September, we will continue to accept your orders, however will not be dispatching them until Monday 29th September.  So if you require your gift before that time, be sure to place your order today.

Thanks for your understanding.  

You'll now find the delightful Aden + Anais Musy Mate Loveys in our store.  Each Lovey is a soft toy and security blanket in one. They're a great extension to our popular Aden + Anais swaddles and bibs, featuring the same gorgeous designs - For the Birds, Liam the Brave and Jungle Jam - making it even easier for you to design your perfectly co-ordinated baby Gift Box.  With their cheeky personalities and super-soft muslin bodies, baby will love their Lovey for the fun and comfort it brings to play time and beyond.