Most people will tell you that baby showers exist to celebrate the upcoming birth of the baby. That’s true, but baby showers are also a practical necessity for parents-to-be.
Having a baby is expensive and tough on both the body and mind. Whether you’re planning your own shower or planning one for someone else, there are a few staples that make everything easier.
Remember, the ideal baby shower is fun, relaxed and stress-free. Here’s how to make it happen:
Planning the party
When planning activities for your baby shower, keep in mind that most baby showers last between two and three hours. Print the agenda and display it near the entrance to the party so guests will know what to expect. Keep timing for snacks and drinks early, or that will be all your guests are thinking about through the rest of the shower.
Sample Agenda:
2-2:30 p.m. • Arrival Window
2:30 p.m. • Snacks and Refreshments
3 p.m. • Gifts
3:20 p.m. • Games
3:50 p.m. • Cake and Socialize
Games and activities
Pick three games that will last about 10 minutes each. While there are plenty of popular baby shower games, here are three of our favorites. For added incentive, you can offer prizes for winning each of the games. Scented candles, bath bombs and spa masks all make great prizes.
Crown the baby
Whether the baby is a little prince, little princess or a surprise, this fun spin on pin the tail on the donkey is cost-effective and family friendly. For this game, put a cutout of a cartoon baby up on the wall, cut out a crown or tiara and attempt to “pin” the cutout on top of the baby’s head. If you have a theme, match the hat to the theme. For an old west theme, you can try cowboy hats!
What am I?
Cravings can be wild and unpredictable, but there are a few cravings that moms say pop up again and again. For this game, write or print out pictures of the 10 most common pregnancy cravings and have the host blind-pick one for each person to wear on their forehead. Then, have everyone walk around and attempt to figure out which craving they have on their “mind” by asking questions. ‘Are you salty? Are you sweet?’
Sample Cravings: Chocolate, pickles, lemons, red meat, ice, peanut butter, cheese, ice cream and chips
Baby shower
Take baby shower a little too literally. Miniature plastic babies can be bought in bulk and scattered on a table or on the floor. Give each player a medium-sized mesh bag and count down from five. Whoever can pick up the most babies wins!
Gifts
A registry is a must-have when it comes to buying for somebody else. Having a baby is expensive, and parents need all the help they can get. Create a gift registry online and be sure to consult the parents-to-be if you aren’t planning for yourself. Our registry staples include diapers, clothes, baby furniture, bottles, bedding, a stroller, a car seat, a highchair and a breast pump.
Snacks
Meat and cheese platters, fresh fruits, vegetables and salty snacks like olives and pickles are always a hit.
If you’re looking to host a more substantial meal, consider a potluck. For parties between mealtimes, consider a dessert bar. Big cakes are fun, but cupcakes don’t require cutting and are much friendlier to a walk-and-talk environment.
Quick tips
- Pick a day a few months before the due date.
- Consider the space available when determining how many people you can invite. If it looks like everyone might not fit comfortably in someone’s home, booking a venue is totally normal.
- Have a photo backdrop for people to take pictures with mom. For the general party, have a designated photographer so mom can sit back and relax.
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