Shakira and her boyfriend Gerard Pique are hosting an online baby shower.

The 35-year-old Columbian singer - who is expecting their first child, a baby boy, to arrive "imminently" - has invited fans to join their virtual charity bash, where they can purchase essential baby gifts that will support UNICEF and benefit some of the world's most vulnerable babies.

Related: Family life grounds Matthew McConaughey

In an invitation posted on Twitter today (16.01.13), the couple wrote: "To celebrate the arrival of our first child, we hope that, in his name, other less privileged children in the world can have their basic needs covered through gifts and donations. Thank you for sharing this unforgettable moment with us."

The online baby shower engages social media fans by enabling them to join the popstar and her FC Barcelona star beau in their virtual living room, where they can buy 'Inspired Gifts' such as mosquito nets, polio vaccines and baby-weighing scales that will be distributed to children and communities in some of the poorest corners of the globe.

Guests are welcomed by a personal video message from Shakira and Gerard.

After purchasing an 'Inspired Gift', fans will then receive a personal thank you message from the couple, and be able to view exclusive photos of them taken in December 2012 by Jaume Laiguana.

Shakira has been dating FC Barcelona soccer player Gerard for around two years and previously said he is the "best thing" to ever happen to her, until she got pregnant.

She said: "This man is the best thing that could have happened in my life. And now the baby!"

Shakira only confirmed their relationship last year by posting a picture of them both together on Twitter and Facebook with a caption reading, "I present to you my sunshine." in Spanish.

The link to the Shakira and Gerard Pique's Virtual Baby Shower is here: http://uni.cf/baby