Preparing for your little one’s arrival means babysitting at home, doctor appointments, creating your baby registry, and dreaming up the perfect name. But creating a beautiful world for your child goes beyond that. When planning for a baby, it’s worth considering how you’ll celebrate their arrival and beyond, from showers to nursery art, birth announcements, and all the stationery in between.
We’ve already taken you through paper suits for your wedding. And now, the arrival of your little one calls for its own guide. We turned to Minted and their complimentary concierge service for expert advice and thoughtful tips on creating a paper suit for all things paper.
Where to start
Before you start thinking about the different types of items you’ll need and when to order and ship them, it’s helpful to first think of a cohesive theme for your entire baby shower suite, which will make designing every paper item from here on out smoother. Deciding on a theme like Minted’s “Silly Goose” or “Bonjour, Bébé” makes the rest of the design process a seamless and universal journey. (Of course we’re partial to the “over the moon” theme!)
Still can’t decide between all the cute motifs and adorable designs for your baby shower and beyond? Chrissy Morford, general manager of Everyday Living at Minutes, advises parents to start by thinking about who they are and their own sensitivities. “It could be a small theme tied to their location, or designs that speak to how they envision parenthood unfolding. Are they adventurers who see road trips and outdoor exploration in their future? Do they envision cozy reading time with their toddler? Is travel central to their story? Let that vision guide the design,” she says.
From there, turn to Minted’s ratings. “Pair it with thoughtful details—clean typography, a cohesive color story, beautiful patterns from twill to block print, or maybe a fun new look like a bow, seashell or butterfly that ties in with the theme,” she adds.
Emerging trends
We asked the Minted Concierge team if they’ve noticed any overall changes lately when creating stationary suites with new parents. “We’re seeing a rise in new-style stationery, with die-cut enclosure cards with playful silhouettes like daisies, lemons, cowboy boots, and seashells that instantly convey the theme before guests arrive. “These unexpected details add personality and become part of the invitation.”
Aside from invitations, stationery in general is becoming more interactive. “Hosts are also adding enclosure cards for guests to share parenting tips, write wishes for the baby, share favorite family traditions, or scan a QR code to upload photos from the shower to a shared album,” he adds.
Finally, Morford also notes that personalization has become more and more popular with stationery. “Parents are much more involved in the creative direction, choosing colors, artwork and wording that reflect their own style rather than following traditional expectations. As a result, the celebration feels less formulaic and more reflective of the family,” she explains.
Insert baby shower invitation and card.
Send invitations eight weeks in advance.
Let the invitation be a reflection of you. The Minted Concierge team notes, “Because more baby showers today are being planned by friends, siblings, and colleagues—not just grandma or her circle of friends—the events reflect the parents’ personal aesthetic. They often feel more contemporary, design-conscious, and fit for motherhood than previous generations.”
Each invitation should include important details, such as the honoree, host, date, time, location, RSVP details, and any registry information. “But great invitations also help set expectations for the experience,” the Minted Concierge team expertly advises. It can be done with design but also with anyone. Insert the card.
I use themInclude registry details, book requests, diaper raffles, or game and activity cards. These enclosure cards also provide natural space for more details without crowding the invitation. “If you’re hosting a garden party, beach cocktail-style shower or asking guests to wear a specific dress code, including these details makes everyone feel prepared,” the Minted Concierge team continues. “Similarly, if you’re building a baby library, collecting handwritten suggestions, requesting unwrapped gifts, or collecting details for guests to hand out to guests. Add to the suit beautifully with enclosure cards or delicious words.
But TThat guest experience extends beyond the design itself. Minted’s honorary recipient title, for example, creates a great first impression while saving hosts countless hours. Minted also offers an address collection tool that makes collecting and organizing guest addresses seamless, allowing hosts to spend less time on logistics and more time at the event.
Baby splash
Send out invitations about eight weeks in advance.
Usually hosted for the arrival of a second or third child, baby showers are becoming a more popular way to celebrate. Overall, Minted has seen more flexibility in the milestones parents celebrate. “Some families host a traditional baby shower, others gather after baby’s arrival for a sprinkle, joint celebration or ‘sip and see.'”
Day of Papery
Order about four to six weeks before the event.
“One of the biggest changes we’re seeing is that hosts are using stationery as part of the overall design of the event—not just something that lives in the mailbox,” explains the Minted Concierge Team. “They’re creating a cohesive visual identity that carries through invitations to welcome signs, tabletop stationery, menus, favor tags, game and activity cards, stickers, making the entire celebration feel more thoughtful and immersive.”
Thank you cards
Ship within two to four weeks after the shower.
The last thing parents want is a deadline, but modern etiquette suggests sending shower thank-you cards within a month. As much as possiblefrom your baby shower. Minted recommends ordering with any day’s paper supplies, so they’re ready when you are.
Nursery art
Consider during the second trimester.
Creating a cohesive suit goes beyond the mailbox. Minted even offers prints for your little one’s nursery. “If time allows, it’s great to start planning a nursery during the second or early third trimester,” says Morford. That said, the nursery doesn’t have to be completely finished on day one. Some of the most beautiful spaces develop over time as families settle into new routines and discover what works best for their home.
Regardless, she recommends buying only what you like. “The most timeless nurseries feel like a natural extension of the rest of your home, so be inspired by the colors, art and textures you’re already drawn to, then add nursery pieces that complement rather than compete,” she continues. “If you want art that really grows with your child, consider all things soft. Botanicals, beach scenes, or abstract art that you can happily hang anywhere in your home. That said, there’s always room for something personal: a custom print with your child’s name makes a sweet keepsake that they’ll treasure long after nursery is over.
Milestone cards
Order before baby arrives.
Some things indicate the passage of menstruation over time. Milestone card. Not to mention, they make great photo ops too! This set of milestone cards takes you to your baby’s first birthday and makes it easy. Documenting each month of baby’s first year while making magic through the late nights and early mornings.
Birth announcements
Send within four to six months of the baby’s arrival.
While birth announcements Usually shipped within four to six months of welcoming the baby home, Minted recommends that parents choose a design in advance. It will make your newborn months so much easier!
Religious milestone feasts.
Send eight weeks before the event.
For religious milestone invitations for things like christenings, christenings, namings, bris, or other meaningful family traditions, order them and mail them about two months before the event.
Baby stationery
When you’re ready, order before or after baby arrives.
At Over the Moon, we firmly believe in the value of a good monogram and subscribe to Reese Witherspoon’s school of thought: “If it ain’t moving, monogram it!” Once you’ve chosen your little one’s name, personalize and customize anything you can, especially their baby stationery suite.
These are personalized note cards that you can use for s.Give heartfelt thanks, stay in touch with loved ones, and celebrate the many milestones of early parenthood. While you can order it anytime, Minted recommends getting your suit before the baby arrives (as long as you’ve got a name picked out) so it’s one less thing to think about. Plus, you’ll be able to use it right away.
Create your entire stationery suite with Minted’s Concierge
With so many different paper items to consider, design and order in such a limited time frame, it can feel overwhelming. Not to mention, there are so many milestones during this time that should absolutely be celebrated! The Minted team’s complimentary concierge service is invaluable. Morford further explains, “The Minted Concierge can help families fine-tune their approach, coordinate everything from day-of invitations and stationery to birth announcements and holiday cards, and navigate practical details like customization, wording and timelines. The result is a collection that is cohesive, personal, and thoughtful from start to finish.”
The Concierge team acts as a guide, selecting designs and refining wording or customizing colors, layouts and design details so that your suite fits your style on each individual item. In addition, they can help with design choices while balancing practical logistics such as timelines, etiquette questions, and mailing suggestions.
Making your child’s paper suit can be another item on your to-do list. Connect individually with one of their stationery experts to collaborate on your design before your little one arrives.
