1) Personalize the theme to the guest of honor. Instead of just going for the "baby" theme, try to really capture something that the mother likes (or that both parents like). For example, if they love to travel, try for an international flair or even pick different regions of the United States for games and food. If they love photography, then incorporate that with the party favors and having guests contribute toward photo gifts. If they love music, then think about music-related games or favors, like identifying lullabies or kids' songs.
2) Make it a zero-waste event. Encourage guests to wrap gifts in other gifts (such as using burp cloths or towels or blankets) or to use reusable bags or canisters. Stick with recyclable beverage containers or make punch or juice, and use washable plates and silverware.
3) Host the shower in a unique place, and use that to capture the theme. For example, sports fans could have the shower in a room in a sporting arena (mine took place in a hockey arena).
4) Try blindfolding the mother, and have her guess the presents based on feel.
5) Incorporate a charity. Encourage guests to bring a gift for the mom-to-be and then a small gift (baby food, for example) for a local kids' charity.
6) Do a long-distance shower for friends and family located far away. Set up a webcam, or use a Facebook page or Twitter feed to post pictures of the event.
7) Think retro. Find baby advice or customs from years past, and compare them with current ideas and recommendations.
8) Incorporate ideas from other cultures, especially those of the parents' heritage. For example, talk about baby naming traditions or traditional birth gifts. This can be really interesting for people whose families have been the country for many generations.
9) Color-coordinate the shower and decorations to the planned nursery theme.
10) Pamper the mom. Ask guests to bring gifts to help the mom relax after the birth, or gifts that will make her life easier (such as customized coupons for a home-cooked meal, yard work, or house work).
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