Baby Shower Ideas

Baby Shower Invitations
Baby Shower Location
Baby Shower Gifts
Baby Shower Games
Baby Shower Food

Have you volunteered to throw a baby shower and not sure where to start?  We've put together some baby shower ideas to make your planning a little easier.

A baby shower is a great way to get together before a new baby is born and to pamper the new mum-to-be.  The final stage of pregnancy can be a difficult and it's nice for mum-to-be to have something to look forward to. 

Whether you choose to have a themed party, or quiet breakfast with friends, mum-to-be will be delighted with the celebration for her new little one.

When to hold a Baby Shower

The best time to hold a baby shower is in the last trimester, at the latest approximately one month before baby is due (just in case baby comes early!)  Some people prefer to keep it as a surprise from the mum-to-be, or you could tell her what you are planning so she has something to look forward to.

 Baby Shower Invitations

If you are telling mum-to-be about the baby shower, ask her who she would like to invite. Don’t forget to ask for names and addresses of family members, close friends or work colleagues that you might not know.

A baby shower is usually 'girls only'.  However it's becoming popular to have dads at the baby shower as well and it can be a nice way for dad to feel involved too.

When sending out baby shower invitations, remember to include the date, time, location, RSVP & phone number or email address, the cost (if any) and of course any special instructions - especially if it's a surprise.

If you're preparing the baby shower invitations yourself from scratch, a lovely idea is to include a little poem or saying is nice at the beginning of the invitation.  

 Baby Shower Location

Consider the location of your baby shower before you decide how many people to invite. Ideally, the party shouldn't be held at the mum-to-be's house, that way she doesn't have to worry about cleaning the house before everyone arrives or cleaning up after they've gone. 

If you're looking for somewhere other than your own home for the baby shower, an alternative location could be at someone else's house - maybe future grandmas?  Some other great places to hold a baby shower are at a cafe or restaurant or perhaps a park (we love the park idea as guests with children can bring them along easily).

Afternoon tea is also becoming a popular event for a baby shower. Many hotels and cafes now hold a special afternoon or 'high tea' with special savoury and sweet treats and lots of fine china and chatting which can be a lot of fun!

 Baby Shower Gifts

We've come to the exciting part of any baby shower....the gifts!  There are so many different ideas when it comes to baby shower gifts.  Everyone could bring their own gift, mum-to-be might have a registry at a particular shop, or you could ask your guests to bring their favourite childhood book as a gift (every mum loves the sight of a new book to read to her baby or toddler....even if she doesn't know it yet!).  If you ask everyone to bring a book, you might make the items you use in your baby shower games useful items that mum-to-be can take home to use when the new baby arrives. 

Another great baby shower gift idea is to get everyone to contribute $10 or $20 and one person purchase something large that you know mum needs or a baby shower hamper including a range of different items.  That way you know gifts won't be doubled-up.

 Baby Shower Games

When choosing baby shower games, you need to consider if your guests all know each other.  Some guests might find it difficult to get up in front of everyone, so try to choose games that you think your guests will be comfortable with. 

We think it's a great idea to use items for your games that mum-to-be can take home and use when the new baby arrives.  For example, if you choose a game where your guests need to memorise items, use items such as a baby bottle, dummy, bath toys, baby socks or a baby toy..all items mum-to-be will love when baby arrives.

Click through to checkout our great selection of  Baby Shower Games.  We always love hearing about new baby shower games, so please let us know if you have a fun game you think should be included in our list.

 Baby Shower Food

Choosing the food really depends on where you plan to hold the baby shower. 

If the baby shower is being held at a cafe or restaurant, your food will really be governed by what they offer.  Some places won't mind if you have a special cake like that you would like to take yourself and have them service for you.

Some favorite baby shower food recipe include, chicken salads, a range of sandwiches, fruit punch, cup cakes, chocolates or fresh fruit deserts.  Remember that during pregnancy, some women become sensitive to certain foods. Make sure you consult mum-to-be on her likes and dislikes, which might have changed during pregnancy.

If you have family or friends who are willing to help you with catering, take them up on their offer You can be a little more adventurous with your menu if you know you have help, alternatively keep it simple so you can enjoy yourself too! Why not ask guests to bring a plate to lighten your load.