In the US it is common for baby showers to be themed - very often linked with the sex of the baby and sometimes with the expected needs of the parents. For instance, you may have a theme of boys or girls clothes.

Nowadays it is again becoming common for parents to elect not to know the sex of their unborn child. For some cultures that have embraced the baby shower concept knowing the sex of the child is not a common practice.

Choosing a theme for your baby shower can be more tricky if you don't know the sex of the baby. Giving clothes can be particularly troublesome.

Teddy Bears are the World's most loved and most enduring cuddly toy. Loved equally by boys and girls alike, there is something about the Teddy Bear that appeals to us all at a very deep emotional level. Teddy Bears make a great theme for a baby shower.

Just for the Brits reading this article - a baby shower is a party in which expectant parents receive gifts for their expected child. By convention, a baby shower is intended to help parents get items that they need for their baby, such as baby clothes. It is a popular tradition in the United States and in other cultures influenced by American culture or media. In some countries this party is not celebrated until the baby is born.

It is pretty easy to get Teddy Bear themed wrapping paper, place settings and presents. Everyone knows something about Teddy Bears so you will get some pretty amazing ideas from your friends.

How about these 2 thoughts to get you started:

- Send out minature teddy bears with a label on as invitations to the party - you can buy small teddies for a dollar or so.

- Mary Alward even suggests you make a diaper for each bear to emphasise the baby shower concept.

All you need is a little imagination and you can link gift ideas to the bear (or bare) theme. We will leave that up to you.