"The traditional bridal shower casts the bride as a stereotypical ultra-feminine wife-to-be, emphasizing her role as cook, housekeeper and sex partner," explains event planner Leslie Price of In Any Event in New York City. "So most bridal shower themes and gifts center on the kitchen or the bedroom. I personally think it's a bit antiquated." Fashionablebride.com concurs. So, in lieu of another de rigueur shower, we've come up with some themes that will set your shindig apart from the rest.

Tiffany-Inspired Shower

What girl doesn't dream of getting her engagement ring packaged in that little blue Tiffany & Co. box? Showcase this wedding icon by choosing the company's signature robin's egg blue with white accents as the event's color palette. You don't want to go overboard with the décor—include just a few small touches, like the invitations, centerpieces (a Tiffany-style box filled with flowers) and the table linens. For dessert, serve up a cake that looks like a Tiffany box, or simply have cupcakes frosted in blue. And there are plenty of favor options: give guests a Tiffany Blue Box Candle ($2 each; accenttheparty.com); place some chocolates in a Tiffany-like box (from $1 each; ixreplicajewelry.com); or send them home with a wrapped copy of Breakfast at Tiffany's.

Chocolate Lovers Dream

One thing almost all women can agree upon is their love of chocolate. A chocolate brown invite will introduce your theme to guests, and their mouths will be watering when they show up and find a chocolate tasting with different varieties to sample awaiting them. You can also have some chocolate-inspired entrées like chocolate pasta (yes, it does exist!), chicken with mole sauce or beef with chocolate sauce (don't forget to offer other options for those that might be allergic or just aren't into the flavor). For dessert, opt for a chocolate fountain or a fondue pot at each table so guests can dip everything from fresh fruit to bite-sized pieces of cake. Then send them home with small boxes of Godiva chocolates (from $3.50 per box; godiva.com)—the perfect way for them to remember this sweet day.

Cocktail Party

On the invites, ask each guest to bring items to help the bride and groom stock their bar at home: drink mixes, barware, glasses, etc. At the shower, everyone can learn how to mix a signature cocktail or two (you can rent out the back room of bar or hire a bartender to come to your home), and serve up trendy cocktails and signature drinks that relate back to the couple's courtship (for example, if the couple got engaged in New York City, you can serve up Manhattans; if they plan to honeymoon in Mexico, offer margaritas.). Instead of a sit-down meal, have waiters passing through with an assortment of appetizers and cupcakes or mini pastries for dessert. Present guests with a mini cocktail shaker ($4; minishakers.com) or a personalized shot glass ($9 for 9 or more; glasswithatwist.com) to take home.

Pottery Painting

This is a fun way to get everyone's creative juices flowing. Many local pottery stores allow private parties (usually for a Friday or Saturday night affair). Be sure to tell guests to wear clothes they wouldn't mind getting a little messy. At the party, offer a few different wine selections, as well as an assortment of appetizers and cupcakes frosted in an array of colors (just like the paints you'll be using) for dessert. Guests can take home the item they painted, or each woman can paint a plate or mug so the bride has a complete set (one from each friend).

Backyard Barbecue

This is a great idea for a co-ed shower. Choose a locale—a friend's backyard (you can hire a chef to grill) or the outdoor dining area at a local BBQ joint—that reminds guests of a casual and cozy summertime get-together. The menu should consist of typical barbecue comfort foods everyone loves: burgers, hot dogs, ribs, corn-on-the-cob, salads, etc. For dessert, you can serve up cake or have guests make their own s'mores. Everyone should bring outdoor-style gifts, and a few can even do a group gift and buy the lucky couple a grill. Favors can include personalized aprons ($13; giftsforyounow.com) or a jar of gourmet barbecue sauce ($6; gourmetfoodland.com).