Baby showers are about much more than the gifts. They’re a way to let the expectant couple know their friends and family love them. It’s also an opportunity to provide reassurance that everything will be fine and they’ll be great parents.

Many couples going on their second child, however, are hesitant to be the focus of yet another shower, particularly if the children will be close in age. So how about organizing a Free Baby Stuff Shower?

Each guest would search the Internet for baby freebies and plug in the new mother’s address to receive three, five or whatever number of freebies the host has predetermined. Guests also might bring coupons for newborn items. Virtual guests also can weigh in by emailing information about their gifts.

Having guests deal with the paperwork will save the parents a ton of time and avoiding the embarrassment of accepting higher-ticket gifts. It also would allow them to sample a variety of new products and enjoy opening their mailbox to something other than bills.

Here are a few ideas to get the ball rolling:

1. Diapers: One of the biggest expenses parents face is diapers: Should they go with the more expensive name-brands or the cheaper store-brand diapers? Samples can help them make that decision.

2. Formula: Baby formula is so expensive. It’s discouraging to buy a new formula and find it doesn’t suit a new infants needs and tastes. There are plenty of baby-formula freebies, so why not take advantage of them?

3. Wipes: Every diaper change requires a wipe or five, but every baby is sensitive to different wipes. Let the new parents experiment with different wipe samples.

4. Publications: Parent, American Baby and other family related magazines frequently offer free subscription for anywhere from three months to several years. Newsletters may not look as slick but they’re often stuffed with useful information and coupons.

5. Re-usable shopping bags: The guest-of-honor’s family is about to expand, meaning they’ll need to buy more groceries and need more of these cloth bags. Companies eager to advertise their products often offer a free sample of their cloth bags.

6. Baby announcements and web sites: Many parents these days spread the good word via the Internet. The thoughtful guest might research different announcements and offer to send them out after the birth. Another guest might set up a free web site, with regular updates and photos of the newborn and family.

7. Baby safety ID kit: Ensure the newborn’s future safety with ID kits from Gerbers or the Polly Klaas Foundation. You may find other companies that offer free kits, as well.

8. New baby portraits: Several commercial studios offer free prints for infants up to 3-months-old. There may be required to pay a sitting fee, however.

9. Gifts for the older child: A first-born often can get lost in shuffle. Why not include gifts for the older child? Children’s freebies may include a free ticket to a Ringling Brother’s circus, toddler computer games and free downloadable coloring books.

10. Family starter kits: Several baby-supply companies offer free starter kits including a diaper bag, sippy cup, formula, coupons, etc.

Photo by: Christine ™