How to Throw an Awesome Baby Shower
Is your friend, sister, or pal inching closer to their due date, which means it’s shower time!
What Is a Baby Shower?
This tradition, which became popular during the postwar baby boom of the 1940s and ’50s, is an opportunity for you and the expectant parent’s community of close friends and family to celebrate new beginnings, share parenting wisdom, and help make a dent in the haul of essentials that the new parent will need once the baby arrives.
Who Should Throw the Baby Shower?
Anyone who’s close to the parent-to-be can host the baby shower. That means a friend, coworker, neighbor, sibling, in-law, aunt, or even parent. Feel free to break the old etiquette rule that a family member shouldn’t host because it might look like a grab for gifts—it won’t. If it’s too much for one person to take on, team up with friends or coworkers to share the planning and expenses.
When Should You Have a Baby Shower?
Hosting a baby shower when the parent-to-be is 28 to 35 weeks pregnant is ideal, as they’re still feeling energetic and have a cute, manageable bump. Hosting it too late might be uncomfortable for them, and there’s always the chance of an early arrival. An earlier date gives them time to exchange duplicate gifts, fill in what’s missing, and organize the nursery.
How Long Are Baby Showers?
A baby shower typically lasts two to three hours. This allows enough time for mingling, eating, games, and opening gifts.
Where Should You Hold a Baby Shower?
The venue can be as simple as a private home or as elaborate as a tea room or garden. A private home keeps costs down, especially if you use your own dishes, but make sure it isn’t the parent-to-be’s house, so they can fully relax and enjoy the day.
When Should the Parent-to-Be Register?
Suggest that your friend wait until they’re about 12 weeks pregnant before registering, when the risk of miscarriage drops significantly. This timing gives them plenty of opportunity to research essential items and make gender-specific selections after the 20-week ultrasound.
Who Do You Invite to a Baby Shower?
Decide whether you want a women-only affair or a co-ed gathering, considering the preferences of the parents-to-be. Make sure to ask the guest of honor for an invite list with names and contact info. If space or budget is limited, work closely with the parent-to-be to finalize the list.
When to Send Invitations
Send invitations four weeks before the baby shower to give guests time to prepare. Whether you use traditional invites or digital options, make sure all important details—like registry information—are included, but avoid posting invites on social media to keep the party intimate.
Baby Shower Themes
A well-chosen theme adds extra magic. Here are some fresh ideas:
- Nature-Inspired: Safaris, woodland creatures, or florals.
- Book-Based: Classic children’s stories like “Winnie the Pooh.”
- Pop Culture: Disney, favorite TV shows, or a Hollywood red-carpet vibe.
- Color-Centric: Ditch pastels for bold hues, like lavender and green.
- Personal Hobbies: If the parent-to-be loves yoga or travel, make it the centerpiece of the event.
- Holiday themed: If the bay is due on cinco de mayo then that would be a great theme.
Menu Ideas
Brunch showers are the easiest food wise with: bagels, omelets, mimosas, and quiches.
Afternoon showers call for light, flavorful dishes. Quiches, soups, finger foods, and salads are always a hit. Include non-alcoholic mocktails for those who are pregnant, and keep the drinks colorful and refreshing.
Activities and Games
Activities are what make each shower memorable. Whether it’s a sentimental idea, like asking guests to bring a piece of parenting advice, or a fun, crafty activity like decorating onesies, adding personal touches makes it meaningful. Baby bingo or a gender reveal surprise also add excitement.
- Baby Bingo: Guests mark off items on a bingo card as the parent-to-be opens gifts.
- Guess the Baby Food: Guests sample unlabeled baby foods and try to guess the flavor.
- Diaper Raffle: Guests bring a pack of diapers for a chance to win a prize.
- Guess the Baby’s Birth Stats: Predict the baby’s weight, length, and birth date.
- Baby Photo Match: Guests bring their baby pictures, and everyone guesses who is who.
Baby Shower Favors
Send your guests off with a small token of appreciation that ties into the theme, such as macarons, a mini bottle of nail polish, or flavored popcorn. Favors don’t need to be elaborate—just a little something to say thanks.
Sprinkles for Subsequent Babies
All new life is worth celebrating! “Sprinkles” are smaller baby showers for second or third babies, especially if there’s an age gap or a change in gender. A sprinkle can focus on practical gifts, such as diapers and wipes, to help support the growing family.
With this guide, planning a baby shower can be as easy as pie, and you’ll make the day truly special for the parent-to-be and their loved ones. Have fun, get creative, and most importantly, celebrate this wonderful new chapter!