How to host a diaper raffle at a baby shower

Want to know how to host a diaper raffle at a baby shower? It’s one of the easiest ways to help new parents stock up on something they’ll need a lot of—diapers! Guests bring a pack in exchange for a raffle ticket, and you pick a winner during the shower. It’s simple to organize, easy to participate and adds a fun element to the celebration.

This guide covers everything you need about how it works, what to write on invites, prize ideas your guests will love, and tips to keep it all running smoothly.

Whether you’re planning the whole shower or just lending a hand, these diaper raffle ideas bring a little extra fun the parents-to-be will appreciate.

What is a diaper raffle?

A diaper raffle is a simple, thoughtful baby shower game that helps new parents stock up on diapers—something they’ll need a lot of in the first year of the baby’s life! Guests bring a pack of diapers in exchange for a raffle ticket and the chance to win a prize.

Why host a diaper raffle at your baby shower?

Hosting a diaper raffle at your baby shower is an easy way to help the new parents stock up on diapers. The raffle is easy and affordable to set up and the prizes bring a little excitement to the event. Whether you’re throwing a big baby shower or a smaller baby sprinkle, it’s a fun way to turn a practical gift into a shared moment.

Diaper raffle game kit

How to plan a diaper raffle for a baby shower

A little planning goes a long way in making your diaper raffle a smooth, fun part of your baby shower. Start by deciding how you’ll explain the raffle to guests—include a quick note in the invite or on your baby shower website. Make it clear that anyone who brings a pack of diapers is entered to win a prize.

Next, pick a prize that’ll get people excited to join (gift cards and self-care goodies are always a hit). On the day of the shower, set up a small table with a sign, a bowl or box for raffle entries, and blank tickets or cards. Have pens or pencils handy so guests can write their names as they drop their entries in the box.

During the party, choose a time to draw the winner—mid-shower is usually best so everyone’s still there. Then celebrate the winner and give a quick shoutout to all the guests for helping the parents-to-be stock up on diapers.

Photo by RDNE Stock project

From what to write on your invites to prize ideas guests will actually want, here are some tips that will help you pull off a successful diaper raffle. Here’s how to get the details right:

Choosing the right diapers

Newborns grow fast—really fast. That’s why size 1 and up are usually the safest bet for diaper raffles. Parents go through hundreds of diapers in those early months, so asking guests to bring a mix of sizes helps them stay stocked as their baby grows. Every box counts!

Here’s a general guide:

• Size 1: Great for newborns after the first few weeks.
• Size 2–3: Perfect for building a longer-lasting diaper stash.
• Larger sizes (4–5): Less common at showers, but appreciated for down the road.

Encourage guests to bring a variety of sizes to help the new parents prepare for every stage.

Diaper raffle tickets and wording

Raffle tickets don’t need to be fancy, but a little design goes a long way toward making them feel special and tying them into your baby shower theme.

Printable tickets are a simple way to keep things organized and on-theme. You’ll find our free printables at the end of this post, or you can search for templates that match popular baby shower styles like floral, safari, or gender-neutral designs. Just print them at home or send them to a local shop—it’s up to you.

Diaper raffle wording ideas

Give guests a heads-up. Make sure guests know about the diaper raffle before the big day so they have time to plan. It’s easy to include a quick note in your baby shower invitations—here are a few simple ways to do it:

• Short and sweet: “Bring a pack of diapers (sizes 1-2) for a chance to win a cool prize!”
• Poem format:
  A little request, we hope it’s not hard,
  Please bring a pack of diapers and you’ll get a raffle card!
• Ticket inserts: Include a small printed ticket (we have a free printable at the end of this post) or a note with the invitation explaining how the raffle works and reminding guests to bring diapers with them.

Make it easy for guests to join in. Whether you keep the wording fun or simple, clear details help guests know what to bring and give them a great reason to participate.

You can display the raffle tickets at the gift table with a diaper raffle sign (check out our free printables at the end of this post) or tuck them into your invitations so guests can bring them along on the day of the shower.

How to set up the diaper raffle station

A well-organized raffle station makes it easy for guests to participate and keeps the baby shower running smoothly. Here’s how to set one up: Here’s how to pull it together:

Ticket collection process

To keep things simple, set up your diaper raffle table near the entrance or gift table. As guests arrive, have a designated spot where they can drop off their diapers and receive a raffle ticket in return. Add decorations to match the shower colors or theme.

Here are a few best practices:

• Assign a helper to greet guests, collect diapers, and hand out tickets.
• Have a few extra diaper packs on hand in case someone forgets to bring theirs. You can let them buy a ticket with a small cash donation or enter without one for fun.
• Pre-fill tickets with space for names so you don’t have to chase people down later.

Organizing and displaying entries

Use a labeled basket, glass jar, or small decorative box to keep raffle tickets organized and easy to manage. Avoid anything too deep or cluttered to make it easy to draw a winner.

You can also add a simple sign explaining the raffle rules and prize to build a little excitement. Bonus points if it matches your shower theme! A stylish table display makes the raffle feel like part of the celebration and not just a side activity.

With a little planning and prep, your diaper raffle station can be welcoming and fun for everyone.

Diaper raffle prize ideas

A great diaper raffle prize adds excitement and gives guests a little something to look forward to—after all, they’re helping stock up on baby essentials. Here’s how to make it fun and rewarding for everyone involved:

Prize ideas and structure

You can go big with a single grand prize or spread the fun with a few smaller giveaways. Both options work well. Just choose what fits your budget and guest count.

Grand prize ideas

• Gift cards (popular picks: Amazon, Target, coffee shops)
• Spa or self-care sets
• A wine and snack basket
• Themed gift basket
• A movie night kit with movie tickets, popcorn, and snacks

Smaller prize ideas

• Scented candles
• Gourmet chocolate or tea samplers
• Cute mugs or travel tumblers
• Mini plant pots or succulents

For larger showers, a mix of one big prize and a few smaller ones adds to the fun and gives more guests a chance to win.

When to draw a diaper raffle prize winner

You can draw the raffle winner at any point, but here are two popular options:

• During gift opening keeps the momentum going and gives guests a fun break.
• At the end of the shower builds anticipation and ends the event on a high note.

Use a clear container for the tickets and ask someone to draw the names. Announce the winners with a little fanfare. Mention the prize or prizes and maybe add a playful comment to get some laughs.

No matter when or how you draw, the goal is to thank your guests for joining in and helping the parents-to-be in a meaningful way.

Creative diaper raffle themes

A diaper raffle can easily match your shower’s theme, or you can add a special twist. Whether you’re going all out with a theme or hosting guests online, here are a few ways to make your raffle a hit.

Themed diaper raffle ideas

Make your diaper raffle part of the décor by tying it into the overall shower theme. Here are a few easy ideas:

• Gender-reveal color schemes: Use pink and blue tickets or prizes to match the big announcement. You can even reveal the baby’s gender by drawing the winning ticket from a color-coded jar.
• Sports-themed raffles: Use mini foam balls as entry tokens or decorate your raffle station with mini jerseys and sporty signage.
• Eco-friendly twist: Encourage guests to bring biodegradable or cloth diapers, and reward entries with sustainable-themed prizes like reusable kitchen wraps, beeswax candles, or plantable seed kits.

A themed raffle doesn’t need to be over-the-top—just a few small, creative touches can make it fun.

Diaper raffle tips and etiquette

A diaper raffle should feel like a fun bonus game, not a requirement. Here are a few ways to encourage guests to participate without putting pressure on anyone.

Encouraging participation

Make it easy for guests to take part by offering clear, low-stress options:

• Mention budget-friendly packs: Let guests know that any brand, size, or quantity is appreciated—even a small pack counts and earns a raffle entry.
• Offer multiple-ticket incentives: For guests who bring larger packs or multiple sizes, you can offer more than one raffle ticket. For example: “Bring a jumbo box, get two tickets!”

You can also let guests know that participation is optional and appreciated, not expected. A simple note like “Only if you’d like to participate!” goes a long way in keeping things friendly.

With the right tone and a few thoughtful touches, your diaper raffle will be a welcome part of the celebration.

How to handle leftover diapers

Even after the raffle, you may end up with more diapers than the new parents can use right away, especially the newborn sizes. Here’s how to store or share the extras in a helpful and meaningful way.

Storing diapers for later

• Keep diapers in their original packaging to protect them from dust, moisture, and odors.
• Store them in a cool, dry place, like a closet or under-bed container, away from direct sunlight or heat.
• Sort by size and label each pack so they’re easy to grab as the baby grows.

Organizing the diaper stash this way helps parents rotate through sizes before their baby outgrows them.

Donating extra diapers

If you receive duplicate sizes or more than you’ll need, consider donating to families in need. Many local organizations and nonprofits gladly accept unused, unopened packs of diapers:

• Diaper banks and women’s shelters
• Food pantries and community outreach centers
• Churches or local parenting groups that support new families

A quick online search can help you find a diaper donation center near you, or visit national sites like the National Diaper Bank Network to find a trusted option.

By donating diapers, you’re turning your baby shower generosity into a wider act of kindness, supporting not just one family but potentially many.

Diaper raffle planning checklist

Diaper Raffle FAQs

How many diapers per ticket?

The most common setup is one raffle ticket per pack of diapers, regardless of size. To encourage bigger contributions, you can offer bonus entries for larger boxes, like two tickets for jumbo packs. Just make sure the rules are clear on your invite or raffle sign so guests know what to expect.

What if guests forget their tickets?

No problem! This happens all the time. Keep extra blank tickets and pens at the raffle table so guests can still participate. Just ask for their name and attach it to the diaper pack they brought. The goal is to make the raffle easy and inclusive.

Can I run a diaper raffle at a co-ed shower?

Absolutely! Everyone can join in. A diaper raffle works just as well at co-ed showers as it does at traditional ones. Just keep the instructions simple and the raffle prizes fun for any guest. Gift cards, snack baskets, or game night sets are great gender-neutral options.

How do I host a virtual diaper raffle?

If your baby shower includes remote guests, a virtual or hybrid diaper raffle helps include everyone in the fun. Here’s how to make it work:

• Collect digital entries: Ask virtual guests to email a receipt or photo of their diaper order (shipped directly to the parents-to-be).
• Use digital tickets: Create a simple spreadsheet or online form to track entries and assign numbers.
• Live prize drawing: Host the draw over Zoom or FaceTime so remote guests can watch and celebrate. You can also post the winner in a shared group or send a follow-up email.
• Ship prizes: To keep things simple, choose lightweight, easy-to-ship items like gift cards, small treats, or e-gift options.

How do digital raffle tickets work for virtual baby showers?

Hosting a virtual or hybrid baby shower? Digital diaper raffle tickets make it easy for remote guests to join in. Create a simple graphic on Canva with instructions and email it with your invite. You can also share raffle details through group chats or private event pages on Facebook. Guests can email a photo of their diaper purchase or mail it directly to the parents-to-be and still be entered into the drawing.

Free diaper raffle printables for a baby shower

Keep things simple with our minimalist diaper raffle printables set. You’ll get one diaper raffle sign and a matching ticket—easy to print, easy to use, and designed to fit any shower style or theme.

Want a budget-friendly option for your diaper raffle? Grab our free diaper raffle sign + ticket to use at your baby shower! Print as many tickets as you like and remember to have extra on hand for guests who forgot theirs.

Hosting a diaper raffle is an easy way to add a little fun to your baby shower while helping the new parents stock up on one of the most essential baby items. It’s easy and affordable to set up, encourages thoughtful gifting, and gets guests involved from the moment they walk in.

Be sure to grab our free printable baby shower checklist for stress-free planning!

When you send thank-you notes to guests after your shower, be sure to mention your appreciation for their participation in the diaper raffle.

Share your baby shower photos with us! Tag @prettymyparty on Instagram with photos using our free diaper raffle printables.

Do you have a great diaper raffle tip? Share it in the comments—we’d love to hear it!