Another option would be to to ask each student to draw a picture on 8 1/2 x 11 white card stock that you provide.. then either make a simple scrapbook with them, or make a more elaborate one which includes a photo of each child- and a special message to he baby and mom from the student and his/her family.

When my son's 1st grade teacher got married, her asst teacher helped the kids throw a "kitchen" shower for her. Each student was asked to bring in a kitchen related item. This is perfect for any budget because you can buy things from $.50 on up. It was so fun to see the kids use their imagination and there were, surprisingly, no duplicates!

I think a baby shower would be very special and the students would feel honored to help her celebrate such a joyous occasion. My SIL threw a 'baby book worm' shower once. That was fun. By the time her cousin's baby boy was born, he had quite an enviable library! This theme can fit most budgets as well since most book stores have great clearance sales. It would be easy enough to buy a few extra books for the few kids who can't or forget to bring one in. I'll bet you'll be surprised by the variety of books they bring in.

The class with the teacher can have a shower. The fact that the kids bring in a little something gets them more excited about the upcoming event as well. You can either ask for money be sent in or every child bringing in a gift no more than X amount. You can have the kids pick from a hat as to what type of gift they need to bring (so you don't get a lot of one thing) such as a toy, bath item, baby bag item, clothing, etc. You'll get a good variety that way. If kids bring in other gifts aside from this one, they can be opened but no names given since some kids may be upset they didn't have a second one.

This isn't PTO related but one of our first grade teachers is pregnant. My daughter (in the other first grade although they put the classes together for alot stuff so she has both teachers) would like to have a shower for her. She knows the PTO had one for me when I had my last baby. I talked to her and she said she'd like the whole class to have it. I spoke to the other first grade teacher and she said her kids had one for her when she was pregnant and she would help me get invitations home without the other teacher knowing. I was just wondering if anyone else had done this and how they worded the invitation. The teacher I spoke with said that all the kids in her class had brought in a small toy for her. Just knowing our town, I don't think I would get alot of participation with having people send in money and buying one big present plus the teacher might find out this way. I would also have extra presents for anyone who might not have one. If you've ever done this or anything like it, I'd love to hear what you did. Thanks, Dawn