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Whether the parents-to-be want small and simple, or fun, out-there themes, we have ideas for design, décor, games and more.
While hosting any type of party — birthday parties, anniversary parties, graduation parties, Galetine's Day parties — can be great, there’s something particularly fun about a baby shower. But even though hosting a baby shower can exciting — honoring new grandparents! remembering that sweet baby smell! — planning them can also sometimes be a bit overwhelming. There are so many things to think about, whether it’s the theme, the decorations, the games or what food will be served.
That’s where you as the host come in. You can set the tone for the type of party: you know they don’t want to open presents? Skip them! Want casual games instead of ones that take all the focus and energy of the event? Sounds good to us!
Our advice: Even if the shower is a surprise, start by (subtly) asking the parent- or parents-to-be what they have in mind, and then take your cues from there. They may prefer a co-ed party, a summery outdoor party, a spooky Halloween baby shower, a virtual baby shower to include far-flung relatives or a “sprinkle” for a second child (usually a more intimate affair, though not always) or something totally different.
Whichever route they want to take, there are plenty of options. Here you’ll find 50 inspirational and fun baby shower ideas for all kinds of parties, themes and sizes, with food, favors games and invitation ideas as well. Scroll through this list to get some ideas, possibly run them by the parent- or parents-to-be, and then enjoy some prepping, baking and arranging.
And finally, don't forget a top-rated baby shower present and a comfortable outfit!
While this “Paint the World Pink” party wasn’t created specifically for a baby shower, leaning into this one-color theme — and its décor, like a hand-painted globe — will definitely add some wow factor to your fête.
See more at Club Crafted »
This floral monogram letter, created using a Cricut, felt for the flowers and other easy-to-get supplies, can be customized to fit your color scheme and would look great on a dessert table or at the entrance to the shower.
Get the tutorial at Happiness Is Homemade »
Break out the buffalo plaid for this sweet lumberjack-themed baby shower, and then use it as inspo for your own dessert table, complete with on-theme cupcakes, cookies and easy-to-incorporate details. It works for a winter shower, or for anyone who loves those woodland vibes.
See more at Jordan’s Easy Entertaining »
You’ve done the cake table already, so why not try a pie bar, perfect for a Little Pumpkin-themed baby shower — or really, any shower that calls for a delicious (and creative!) dessert table, complete with colorful pie stands.
See more at See Vanessa Craft »
A hoop wreath and a few baby pictures of the parents-to-be are the basis for this adorable DIY Hoop Wreath Baby Guessing Game. Who will the baby look like?
Get the tutorial at Domestically Blissful »
If you're looking for something to serve at your shower, nothing beats a classic. Go traditional with these blueberry muffins. What makes them stand out? Buttermilk — plus a little turbinado sugar for good measure.
Get the Blueberry Muffins recipe.
These imaginative invites, based on the work of designer and architect Alexander-Girard, can be folded flat for mailing — and leave quite an impression when they're popped back out into their block form.
See more at The House that Lars Built »
Show the mom-to-be how much you love her with these sweet chocolate candy spoons with hearts, which come together in about an hour with just a few ingredients, like candy melts and fondant. Display they on a dessert table or even wrap them to give as a favor.
Get the tutorial at A Sparkle of Genius »
For a creative take on a classic movie, consider a Star Wars Baby Jedi theme, which can come together with lots of cute touches, like balloons masks and a black-and-gold color scheme.
See more at Laura’s Little Party »
It’s so much more fun to see pics printed out right away, which is what makes this Polaroid photobooth the tops. The fact that guests wrote a note to the mom-to-be on each is just icing on the cake.
See more at Almost Makes Perfect »
Lean into the whole shower part of the baby shower with an “April Showers” themed party, like this one from Giggles Galore. The perfect centerpiece? A rain boot flower arrangement!
See more at Giggles Galore »
If there isn't a diaper cake, is it even a baby shower? You can DIY a diaper cake yourself, or buy these pre-made ones from The Honest Company.
Consider this the perfect companion to cake: Place a bowl of this no-bake cannoli dip — and all its fixings (hello, waffle cookies and strawberries!) — at each table or make a big batch for the buffet table.
Get the Cannoli Dip recipe.
For a sweet take on a cupcake topper, try your hand at creating this baby feet-themed style. And the difficulty level for this treat? Beginner!
Get the tutorial at Persia Lou »
With a chic, long white table and chairs, The Blonde Abroad's gender-neutral shower featured a “graze-style picnic lunch” for a fun twist on the traditional sit-down meal.
See more at The Blonde Abroad »
Guests can make a wish — for themselves or the new addition — and then wear this cute bracelet, which works so well as a favor. Meaningful and sweet. It was part of a shower with a "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" theme.
See more at C.R.A.F.T. »
SHOP MAKE A WISH BRACELETS
Small but impressive, you can DIY these mini air plant wreath place cards to add a personalized touch to your guest tables. It's something you can pull off no matter what time of year you hold the shower.
Find the tutorial at Lovely Indeed »
This “Oct2berfest” twin baby shower leans in on a season that goes big on all things fall, from pumpkins to candy corn. It's a great theme if you don't want something that screams "baby shower."
See more at Love the Day »
Before the big day, ask the mom-to-be a few key favorites. Then hand out these adorable printable “Who Knows Mama Best?” game sheets at the shower, and see which guests come up with the most correct responses.
See more at Hey Let's Make Stuff »
If you need a last-minute addition to your menu, it takes just 30 minutes to create these chocolate-dipped madeleines, which are made with — surprise! — cookies you can pick up from your nearest grocery store.
Get the White Chocolate-Dipped Madeleines recipe.
An “aqua, gree, and chalk” themed baby shower is a bright twist on the pastels that usually dominate baby showers. Find lots of sweet décor ideas to match, including printable toppers that are great for muffins, like the ones shown here, or cupcakes.
See more at Let’s DIY It All »
Set the tone right from the start with these super cute cactus invites— that you can totally make yourself. These were used for a baby shower with a Palm Springs theme, which is both colorful and creative.
Get the tutorial at A Beautiful Mess »
These fun party hat cupcake toppers, made with colorful paper, come together in just 10 minutes — but the results look like you spent way longer. They make store-bought cupcakes feel extra personal.
Get the tutorial at Oh Yay Studio »
Whether the photos will be posted to Instagram or secured in a scrapbook, setting up a creative backdrop like the one, with the baby block prop, is almost a guarantee you’ll get some great shots. The color palette is neutral, but the shower was actually teddy bear-themed.
See more at Love Grows Wild »
For a game that guests can play at their leisure, these body-suit game sheets are all you'd need. On them, guests can include their predictions for the baby's stats, as well as advice to the new parents.
Grab some mason jars, lace and a few other supplies to create these stand-out vases to use as centerpieces, like those at this gender-neutral fall baby shower.
Get the tutorial at Design Improvised »
Shake up your classic taco combos with this fun take, featuring cauliflower, slaw and a slew of spices that takes just 25 minutes to make.
Get the Roasted Cauliflower Tacos recipe.
A simple décor trick: balloons! These pink and gold balloons, which were used for a “gold, pink and glam”-themed baby sprinkle, add a nice pop against a white wall, along with cute banners as accents.
See more at I Am Style-ish »
A baby shower with a succulent theme deserves equally as creative sweets, and these chocolate mousse succulent desserts — made with chocolate mousse, Oreos and succulent-shaped candy molds — really fit the bill (er, menu)!
Get the full tutorial at Meaningful Mama »
You might not want to let the pigeon drive the bus, but you do want to let him be the inspiration for a super cute baby shower theme. This shower takes inspiration from The Pigeon Needs a Bath by Mo Willems, complete with bath-themed diaper cake, rubber ducks and other cute details.
See more at Tonya Staab »