Baby showers are some of the most fun parties to host. What could be more exciting than a new little life about to enter the world? Baby showers usually indicate that it’s someone’s first baby — smaller celebrations called “baby sprinkles” often take place with subsequent children — so it’s worth it to go all-out. You need some Baby Shower ideas.
If you’ve chosen to host a baby shower for your best friend, you might feel pressure to make it a party that takes the stress off of the parents-to-be.
This final celebration before the baby is born will be something that your best friend and all guests will remember for a while, so you want to make sure to show them fun, unique things at your best friend’s baby shower.
Fun Themes for Baby Showers
Baby showers are never complete without a theme. Themes tell people what kind of fun they should be expecting, and they can even indicate different types of snacks on the menu. You may want to discuss the theme with your best friend before picking it so you don’t step on any toes. Always defer to what the parents-to-be would like — but you can still surprise them with little things here and there.
1. Parent-to-Bee
This gender-neutral party would be great for any parents. It brings the focus back onto the parents-to-“bee” and also celebrates the little “honey” that will soon enter the world. You can easily make honeycomb decorations and choose foods sweetened with honey for this theme. Even better, it’s the perfect baby shower theme for springtime.
This party could also bring awareness to a dire subject: saving the bees. Without pollinators, many food items that humans eat could cease to exist, thereby slowly hurting the human population, too. If the parents-to-be are environmentally-conscious, they may adore the idea of you posting fun bee facts around the room — especially near the food that bees would have pollinated.
2. Into the Woods
If the parents-to-be enjoy hiking or camping, you may opt for a woodsy or rustic theme for the baby shower. As they celebrate their “baby bear” entering the world, you can decorate with wooden aesthetics and grab a set of fun bear ears for everyone to wear. You could incorporate stuffed animals as both decorations and gifts. Just make sure they’re animals that you could find in the woods rather than in any other habitat.
3. Rainbow
This party theme could suit many different families. LGBTQ+ couples may love the idea of incorporating a rainbow into their little one’s birth.
Other families that may have struggled with infertility would love the sign of a rainbow. “Rainbow babies,” as they’re often called, are the babies that follow a pregnancy that resulted in a miscarriage — making them the miracles that come after the storm. Either way, it’s a great theme to help honor the parents as well as the child. Don’t forget to decorate with lots of colors.
The Best Baby Shower Games
What’s a baby shower without entertainment? As the host, you’re expected to bring plenty of baby shower games. Whether you opt for a more traditional game or a totally unique one, your party will be great.
1. Who’s That Baby?
Have every guest bring a photo of themselves as a child with their name written on the back of it. Then, you can tape these photos onto a board and have people write down their guesses of who the pictures belong to. In the end, the person who guessed the most correctly is declared the winner, and you can opt to give them a great prize.
2. Who Knows Mother Best?
Gather up questions and answers from your favorite mom-to-be. This game involves knowing her the best, similar to a game many people might play at a bridal shower. If you’re worried about the two being so similar, you can make these questions pregnancy- and parenting-related.
Since baby showers are typically all about the new life about to come into the world, it’s an excellent opportunity to celebrate the parents, too. You can make this game co-ed party-friendly by including trivia questions for the other parent.
3. Guess the Candy Bar
This game is one of the most well-known games at baby showers. All you need to do is melt a few candy bars into separate diapers. Then, pass the diapers, labeled with different numbers, around. People can smell the chocolate or dip their fingers in it to try and figure out which one it is. It doesn’t work for every crowd, but the right guests will absolutely love this game.
Winning Baby Shower Menus
Whenever you have a group of people, you need to feed them. Creating menus for a baby shower can be a chore, so try to adhere to your theme as best as possible. If you can’t figure out something that goes with your theme, try out one of these yummy menus.
1. Cravings Menu
Consider making mocktails instead of alcohol, which your pregnant friend can’t have. Mocktails are a way to have a delicious drink while staying sober — and everyone will still enjoy their tasty flavors. You might choose to have just a few recipes out — maybe a favorite of the parents-to-be or a common one with an agreeable flavor.
You can choose to lean into the “pregnancy cravings” trope and make a menu of all baby shower foods that would be considered common cravings. Almost 20% of women report craving something during their pregnancy that they didn’t like to eat previously. Work with the mother-to-be and see what sort of cravings she’d prefer on the menu. It’s her day, after all!
2. Finger Foods
Because a baby shower is usually hosted midday, you may not want to serve a full meal. Small things like a vegetable tray or tiny sandwiches can go a long way in keeping people satisfied between games and presents. Make sure to take note of any allergies before you begin assembling your menu. The best part is that finger foods can be easily bought or made the morning of.
3. Baby-Themed Foods
If you want to drive home the fact that a new life is about to enter the world, make sure to serve only “baby” foods at the baby shower. Things like “baby” carrots and “baby” back ribs are certain to be a hit. Just prepare for some things to get messy. This option would be great for a more intimate crowd.
Throw the Best Party for Your BFF
Your friend will love the party you shower her with. You’re celebrating an important life that will enter the world soon, so you should show everyone how much that baby will be loved once they’re born.
These fun themes and games might entertain a crowd and make this party the baby shower to beat. It’ll be worth all the work when you see the delight on your best friend’s face!
