You know what they say . . . “April Showers Bring May Flowers.” But for some of you planning showers this April, it’s not just the May flowers you’re patiently awaiting–it’s the arrival of a sweet, new babe!

So we’re embracing the saying and the season by bringing you a few simple rain and flower-themed baby shower decorations, invitations and treats.

Cloud-Topped Cupcakes

How cute are those little cloud decorations? Simply draw a cloud figure on white paper, cut, tape to a toothpick and bada bing bada boom. Cupcake topper complete!

Rainy Day Advice

Use this as inspiration to create your own unique notepad or cards (cloud-shaped with raindrop stickers could be fun!) for guests to share their advice for the expectant mommy (and daddy)!

Silver Lining Gift Bags
The perfect packaging for your Rain-Themed baby shower favors. We’re thinking lemon drops!

Baby Bottle Flowers

Here’s a cute one that will save you on vases! Simply use baby bottles as the vases.

Vary the sizes and colors of the bottle and flowers depending on

what best reflects the celebrant!

Baby Picture Bouquet

If you want to take the above idea a step further, make your own flowers!

For a truly special touch, get some baby photos for the parents-to-be, cut them out

and tape them to popsicles sticks and put one or more of them in a baby bottle.

DIY Tissue Paper Flower Balls
Add a bit of whimsical charm to your shower with a few of these Pom Flower Balls. Check out the tutorial here.

 

And, of course, the ever popular “Name That Tune” Rockabye Baby Shower Game is a must-play at every baby party. Find out how to play by clicking our bear below!

And don’t forget that our lullabies are great party gifts! Here are a few that are sure to please.

   

Studies show (ok, one study) that 100% of babies prefer Picasso over Monet.

Are you tired of people asking, “Have you had that baby yet?”

Will your child’s kindergarten teacher soon be a robot?

In a week that saw the announcement of 50 Cent’s anti-bullying book, Paste collects 15 children’s books written by celebrities.

Make your favorite photos into kid-friendly Polaroid Magnets!

Kids in England have designed car prototypes that can get 2000 miles to the gallon.

Water knee hockey and nine other summer kids’ toys that grown-ups will love.

Check out these free Rockabye Baby! printable cupcake toppers for your next baby shower or birthday party! It’s easy. Print, tape, and top! Download here!

Want to rock out at your baby shower? Here are more of our top picks to make a killer party playlist. Or if you just need a thoughtful baby shower gift (besides Rockabye Baby! lullaby CDs, of course!) a personalized mix CD is always in fashion.

Want to see more of our playlist picks? Don’t miss Part I in our series on music to liven up your shower.

Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag Part 1 – James Brown
There is no kind of party James Brown can’t start. Now get up off that thing.

Baby – Os Mutantes
Because psychedelic Brazilian pop belongs on every list.

Baby, Let’s Play House - Elvis Presley
We don’t need to explain this one, right? Just look at him with little Lisa Marie. Awww…

Love Child – Diana Ross & The Supremes
We could play it safe and pick “Baby Love.” That’s a great song, for sure, and everybody knows it. But the bittersweet grandeur of this saga of a girl born out-of-wedlock (to our younger readers–that was scandalous in the 60s) can’t be topped. Or why not play both?

You Don’t Have to be a Baby to Cry – Claudine Longet
The only reason we’re not advocating the classic Ernest Tubb version is because he doesn’t have a breathy French accent.

Little Sister – Elvis Presley

More Elvis, more often.

Rock Your Baby – Wanda Jackson

Wanda is the coolest rockabilly chick of all time and in the rock & roll hall of fame to boot. Rock your baby, and don’t be slow!

Tell Mama – Etta James

Don’t let Etta anywhere near your man, ladies. Baby shower material? Why not? Tell ‘em Rockabye Baby! said so.

Beat on the Brat – The Ramones
Warning: this might horrify your mother-in-law, unless she used to hang out at CBGBs. If you don’t think your friends and family will know you are only KIDDING, try their awesome version of Phil Spector’s “Baby, I Love You.”

Papa Don’t Preach – Madonna

Madonna and child. A classic.