When it comes to baby shower gifts, grandparents are pretty much pros. Because they’ve celebrated dozens of births, between their friends and families, over the years, they know the do’s and don’ts of gift giving.
For example, they’ll never buy a Summer baby newborn-sized Winter gear. Because, by the time Winter comes, they will have outgrown them. They also know that wipe warmers are a waste of money, and that diaper crates are just glorified trash cans. Best yet, they know to ignore the modest pleas of their cash-strapped grandkids to skip over cash gifts.
But even the best gift-givers among us can fall short in one area: what to write in a baby shower card for the invitation wording. There’s a delicate balance to strike between being too saccharine –seriously, save the tears for the baby’s birth– and too dry or uninterested.
If you’re a grandparent and want your card-writing skills to match your gift-giving abilities, then we’ve got you covered. Keep reading for a quick guide for grandparents on how to write the perfect baby shower card.
What to Write in a Baby Shower Card from Grandparents
Writing Ideas
Keep Things Short And Sweet
First up: prepare to keep your card short. New parents, especially new moms, are extremely busy, so the last thing they need is a four page letter to read. Keep things short, down to about one page (two if you’re feeling extra chatty), and don’t ramble on and on.
Be Positive
Grandparents are well aware of the perils that come along with parenthood. Sleepless nights, noisy days, and endless trips to the store for diapers. And while there will come a time for them to chide their grandkids about the not-so-fun side of parenting, the baby shower card isn’t the time. It might come across rude at worst and insensitive at best, so be sure to focus on all the baby cuddles and sweet lullabies to come.
Offer Support – But Don’t Be Pushy
As the old saying goes, it takes a village to raise a child. Especially during the first year, parents will need a ton of help with their new baby. And if they’re blessed enough to have family nearby to help, they’ll likely play a big part in the raising of the child. Use this card to establish your desire to be a part of that support system. Whether that’s coming over to clean, cook meals, or even babysit. Just don’t push too hard. The new parents might not have decided their childcare plan yet (or maybe they have, with different people), so you don’t want to overwhelm them. Just let them know that the door is open.
Speak From The Heart
Many baby shower cards end up being read aloud to the partygoers, so you want to make sure your words are heartfelt. Perhaps you could include sweet antidotes from when the new parent or parents were kids. Like how they were a joy to raise, how you’ve enjoyed watching them grow, and you know that they will be great parents.
You can also lament on the time passed by and the realization that they’ve grown so fast and also have their own families now, (though Mother-Daughter activities never go out of style). How, too many yesterdays have passed, but you’re excited for what’s to come! Of course, you should make your card your own, but anything connecting the past and present is always a win!
So, you see — writing a baby shower card doesn’t have to be a long, agonizing chore. In fact, the best cards are the shortest and sweetest. You just need to take a moment to gather your thoughts, keeping in mind that the purpose of the card is to offer support to the parents, and express your love for them and their baby.
Do that, and you’ll be just fine!
