A baby shower is one of the best parties to plan. It's a gathering of the people who care most about the parents-to-be, everyone's in a good mood, and the whole point is to celebrate something exciting.

Whether you're hosting a classic, all-female affair or a modern co-ed "baby bash," this guide covers themes, decorations, games, food, and the personal touches that pull it all together.

Choosing a baby shower theme

A cohesive theme makes planning easier and gives the event a polished look. Here are popular baby shower themes that work well:

Gender-neutral themes

Perfect when the parents aren't finding out the sex, or when you want an inclusive celebration:

• Woodland Creatures: Foxes, bears, owls, and deer in warm earth tones (burnt orange, sage green, cream, and brown).
• Rainbow Baby: Pastel rainbow stripes, cloud accents, and a "somewhere over the rainbow" vibe.
• Safari Adventure: Giraffes, elephants, lions, and zebras with green foliage and warm neutrals.
• Twinkle Twinkle Little Star: Gold stars, navy sky backdrops, and celestial accents.
• Storybook: Decorate with beloved children's books. Use quotes from classics as signage.
• Bee Theme: "Mommy to Bee" or "What Will It Bee?" with yellow, black, and white honeycomb patterns.

Girl baby shower themes

• Garden Party: Flowers, butterflies, floral china, and a tea party setup.
• Tutu Cute: Tutus, ballet slippers, and pink tulle everywhere.
• Boho Babe: Macrame, dried flowers, pampas grass, and earthy pink tones.
• Swan Lake: Elegant white swans, blush pink, gold accents, and feather details.

Boy baby shower themes

• Little Explorer: Maps, compasses, hot air balloons, and adventure-themed decor.
• Nautical: Navy and white stripes, anchors, sailboats, and rope accents.
• Under Construction: Dump trucks, hard hats, caution tape, and yellow and black decor.
• Little Prince: Crowns, royal blue, gold, and regal elegance.

Modern and trendy themes

• Minimalist Greenery: Eucalyptus, white, and green with clean lines.
• Celestial: Moons, stars, and constellations in deep blue and gold.
• Taco 'Bout a Baby: A fun, food-themed shower with a taco bar and festive decorations.
• Groovy Baby: '70s inspired with retro fonts, daisies, and earthy tones.

Decoration ideas

Balloon installations

• Balloon garland: Honestly the single best decoration for the money. Organic-style garlands in your color palette over the gift table, food table, or as a photo backdrop.
• Balloon arch: Frame the entrance or the mom-to-be's seat of honor.
• Balloon ceiling: Helium balloons with curled ribbons filling the ceiling.
• Gender reveal balloon: A large black balloon filled with pink or blue confetti for a combined shower/reveal.

Backdrop and photo areas

• Flower wall: Faux flowers on a lattice frame in your color scheme.
• Fabric draping: Tulle or chiffon draped behind the main table.
• Greenery wall: A wall of eucalyptus and ferns for a natural, elegant look.
• Custom banner: "Oh Baby," "Baby [Last Name] is on the Way," or the baby's name if already chosen.

Table decorations

• Floral centerpieces: Small arrangements in your theme colors at each table.
• Diaper cake centerpiece: A three-tiered "cake" made of rolled diapers, decorated with ribbon and small baby items.
• Baby block displays: Wooden blocks spelling the baby's name or "BABY."
• Onesie clothesline: Mini onesies hung on a string across the dessert table.

Personalized party supplies

Custom plates, cups, napkins, and banners tie the whole thing together. Visit our baby shower celebration page for personalized products that match any theme.

Baby shower games that guests actually enjoy

The right games break the ice and get people laughing. Here are games that work for every crowd:

Classic games (updated)

• Baby Bingo: Guests fill in a blank bingo card with gifts they think the parent will receive. Cross off as gifts are opened.
• Don't Say Baby: Each guest gets a clothespin. If you catch someone saying "baby," you take their pin. Most pins at the end wins.
• Guess the Baby Food: Remove labels from baby food jars. Guests taste and guess the flavor.
• Baby Price Is Right: Show baby products and guests guess the retail price. Closest without going over wins.

Active games

• Diaper Changing Race: Blindfolded guests race to diaper a baby doll. Hilarious every time.
• Baby Bottle Chug: Fill baby bottles with a beverage. First to finish wins.
• Musical Pacifiers: Musical chairs but with pacifiers passed around.
• Waddle Race: Guests put a balloon between their knees and race to the finish line.

Creative games

• Onesie Decorating Station: Provide plain onesies and fabric markers. Guests create custom designs for the baby.
• Guess the Baby Photo: Guests bring their own baby photos. Everyone guesses who's who.
• Baby Predictions: Guests write predictions for the baby — date of birth, weight, hair color, first word.
• Storybook Messages: Guests write a message inside a children's book (in lieu of a card) for the baby's library.

Co-ed friendly games

• Beer and Bottles Trivia: Baby-related trivia with a drink-in-hand.
• Daddy or Mommy?: Read embarrassing or funny facts. Guests guess which parent the fact is about.
• Baby Name Race: Set a timer. Each team writes as many baby names as possible starting with a given letter.
• Diaper Raffle: Guests who bring a pack of diapers get entered to win a prize.

Food ideas

Brunch shower

A popular format for morning or early afternoon showers:

• Waffle or pancake bar: Batter made fresh with various toppings — berries, whipped cream, Nutella, maple syrup.
• Quiche: Mini quiches in assorted flavors.
• Fruit display: A dramatic fruit arrangement as a centerpiece.
• Yogurt parfait station: Layers of yogurt, granola, and fresh berries in individual jars.
• Mimosa bar: Champagne with orange juice, cranberry, peach nectar, and garnishes.

Afternoon tea shower

Elegant and low-key:

• Finger sandwiches: Cucumber, egg salad, smoked salmon, and chicken salad on crustless bread.
• Scones: With clotted cream and jam.
• Petit fours and mini pastries: Beautifully decorated bite-sized treats.
• Tea selection: A variety of teas with honey, lemon, and cream.

Casual shower

Relaxed and crowd-pleasing:

• Taco bar: Build-your-own tacos with all the fixings.
• Slider station: Mini burgers and pulled pork sliders.
• Pizza: Assorted flavors, cut into small slices for easy eating.
• Chips and dip spread: Guacamole, salsa, hummus, and spinach-artichoke dip.

Desserts

• Cake or cupcakes: Decorated in your theme. Gender reveal cakes with a colored interior are popular for combined showers.
• Cookie decorating station: Baby-themed cookie cutters (bottles, onesies, rattles) with icing.
• Cake pops: Easy to eat and adorable in theme colors.
• Candy bar: Color-coordinated candy in jars with scoops and bags.
• Fruit tarts and macarons: For a more sophisticated sweet spread.

Drinks

• Signature mocktail: A festive non-alcoholic drink for the mom-to-be (and anyone else).
• Infused water: Cucumber-mint, strawberry-lemon, or blueberry-lavender.
• Lemonade bar: Classic, strawberry, and lavender lemonade.
• Hot beverage station (for fall/winter): Hot chocolate, apple cider, or tea.

Personalized touches

For the mom-to-be

• Chair of honor: Decorate a special chair for the guest of honor with ribbons, flowers, or a sash.
• Corsage: A floral or themed corsage for the mom-to-be to wear.
• "About the Mama" display: Fun facts, milestones, and photos of the parents-to-be.

Memory making

• Advice cards: Guests write parenting advice on cards for a keepsake book.
• Wish tree: Guests hang wishes for the baby on a decorative tree.
• Guest book alternatives: A framed print that guests sign around the border, or a children's book signed by all guests.
• Time capsule: Guests contribute notes, photos, and small items to be opened on the baby's 18th birthday.

Custom products

Personalized party supplies pull the whole celebration together. Custom plates, cups, and banners featuring an illustration or the baby's name in your theme design go a long way. Our AI design tool makes it easy to create personalized products for any baby shower theme.

Planning logistics

When to host

• Traditional timing: 4-6 weeks before the due date. Early enough that the mom is comfortable, late enough that the nursery needs are clear.
• Alternative timing: Some families host a "Sip and See" after the baby arrives instead.

Guest list

• Traditional: Close female friends and family of the mom-to-be.
• Co-ed: Friends and family of both parents.
• Typical size: 20-40 guests, but intimate showers of 10-15 and larger showers of 50+ both work.

Who hosts?

Traditionally, a close friend, sister, or aunt hosts. It's perfectly acceptable for anyone close to the parents to take the lead. Co-hosting with 2-3 people splits the cost and workload.

Invitations

Send invitations 4-6 weeks before the event. Include:

• Date, time, and location.
• Theme (so guests can dress accordingly).
• Registry information (on a separate insert or website, not the invitation itself).
• RSVP deadline and method.

Budget guide

| Category | Budget Range | Notes | |----------|-------------|-------| | Venue | $0-500 | Free if at someone's home | | Food & Drinks | $100-400 | Depends on format and guest count | | Decorations | $50-200 | DIY saves significantly | | Games & Prizes | $20-75 | Simple prizes — candles, bath bombs | | Cake/Desserts | $30-150 | Homemade cupcakes save money | | Party Supplies | $30-100 | Personalized supplies double as decor | | Party Favors | $30-100 | $2-4 per guest | | Total | $260-1,525 | |

Baby shower planning timeline

6-8 weeks before

• Set the date (coordinate with the parents-to-be).
• Choose the theme.
• Book the venue if not hosting at home.
• Create the guest list and send invitations.

4-6 weeks before

• Plan the menu.
• Order personalized party supplies.
• Plan games and purchase prizes.
• Order the cake.

2 weeks before

• Confirm RSVPs and final headcount.
• Purchase food, drinks, and decorations.
• Prepare any DIY elements.
• Coordinate with any helpers.

Day before

• Set up decorations.
• Prep food that can be made ahead.
• Set up game stations.
• Arrange the gift-opening area.

Day of

• Finish food prep and arrange platters.
• Add final fresh flower touches.
• Set out game materials and favors.
• Welcome the mom-to-be and enjoy.

Celebrate the new chapter

A baby shower is about more than gifts. It's about wrapping the parents-to-be in support and excitement before everything changes. The best baby showers are the ones where people leave feeling closer to each other.

Ready to plan? Visit our baby shower celebration page for personalized party supplies, or use our design studio to create custom products for your shower.

For more celebration inspiration, explore our guides on bridal shower ideas and kids birthday party ideas at home.