How to host the perfect baby shower without the stress

Want to know how to plan and host the perfect baby shower without all the stress? You’re in the right place! Whether you’re hosting for your best friend, sister, coworker, or even yourself, this step-by-step guide covers everything you need from setting the budget and building the guest list to choosing a theme, planning the menu, and picking out the perfect games and activities.

We’ve also packed in free printables, expert planning tips, and creative ideas for every kind of shower, whether it’s in-person, virtual, or hybrid. Let’s plan a baby shower your guests and guest of honor will remember forever!

Who should host a baby shower?

A baby shower is usually hosted by a close friend or family member, not the parent-to-be. But today, there’s more flexibility. What matters most is that the host is someone the expectant parent trusts and who’s happy to plan the celebration with care.

Common baby shower hosts include:

• A best friend or sibling
• A cousin, aunt, or grandparent
• A coworker or close work friend
• A group of friends who co-host together

Can the parents-to-be host their own baby shower?

Yes, especially for casual baby sprinkles or virtual celebrations. While traditional etiquette suggests otherwise, what’s most important is making the parent-to-be feel supported.

Is it okay to co-host a baby shower?

Absolutely. Co-hosting can help share the cost, divide tasks, and bring in more ideas. It also makes planning easier and more enjoyable.

Modern baby shower hosting etiquette

Planning a baby shower? These tips can help make the experience smooth, thoughtful, and fun for everyone, especially the parent-to-be.

• Always ask first: Check in with the parent-to-be before choosing a date, theme, or guest list.
• Follow their lead: Whether they want a big party or a quiet get-together, plan something that fits their style.
• Divide and conquer: If you’re co-hosting, assign tasks early like invites, food, decorations, and games.
• Talk budget early: Agree on who’s covering what to keep planning stress-free.

The best hosts focus on making the parent-to-be feel loved, celebrated, and comfortable.

How much does it cost to plan a baby shower in 2025?

Costs vary depending on the size, setting, and style. Most fall between $300 and $1,000, but some can go higher. Setting a budget early helps you prioritize and plan with confidence.

Average baby shower costs in 2025

• In-person shower: $300 to $1,500+
  Includes venue, food, decorations, favors, and games
• Virtual or hybrid shower: $100 to $200
  A budget-friendly option for long-distance guests
• Mid-range shower: $600 to $1,000
  Covers a modest venue, light catering, and themed décor
• DIY or at-home shower: under $500
  Ideal for casual gatherings with potluck food and homemade touches

No matter your budget, planning with intention makes for a meaningful celebration.

Sample baby shower budget breakdown

Category	Estimated Cost
Venue (if rented)	$50 – $300
Invitations	$0 – $50 (DIY or printed)
Food & Drinks	$100 – $500
Decorations	$50 – $150
Games & Activities	$20 – $100
Favors	$30 – $100
Cake or Desserts	$40 – $100
Miscellaneous	$25 – $75
Total Estimate	$300 – $1,375

How many guests should you invite to a baby shower?

Choosing your guest list early helps you plan the right venue, budget, and overall feel of the shower. There’s no single “right” number. What matters most is making the parent-to-be feel comfortable and celebrated.

Recommended baby shower guest sizes

• Small (5 to 15 guests)
  Ideal for cozy gatherings at home, in a backyard, or a private dining room
• Medium (15 to 30 guests)
  Great for events at restaurants, community centers, or clubhouses
• Large (30 to 50 or more guests)
  Best for bigger celebrations at event halls, large outdoor spaces, or full-service venues

Pro tip: Build the guest list around the honoree’s preferences. Some want something intimate, while others enjoy a big crowd. Focus on the people they’ll be happy to celebrate with.

What is a co-ed baby shower?

A co-ed baby shower, sometimes called a Jack and Jill shower, includes guests of all genders. It’s a great way to celebrate with a wider circle of family and friends, like dads-to-be, grandfathers, uncles, male friends, and coworkers.

Tips for planning a co-ed baby shower

• Choose a balanced theme. Pick colors, games, and decorations that feel fun, relaxed, and welcoming to everyone.
• Include universal activities. Co-ed games like Trivia, baby bingo, diaper-changing races, or simple crafts work well for mixed groups.
• Create flexible spaces. Open seating and casual layouts make it easier for guests to mingle and feel included.
• Add a “dad zone” or hangout table. Optional spaces can offer a fun, low-key break from the main activities.
• Check with the guest of honor. Some still prefer a traditional women-only shower, so always tailor the event to their comfort and style.

Whether it’s co-ed or not, the guest list should reflect what matters most—celebrating the new arrival with love, support, and joy.

Decide on the best baby shower format and date

Choosing the right format and date for your baby shower sets the tone for the entire event. Whether you’re planning a cozy in-person brunch, a virtual gathering, or a hybrid experience, thoughtful timing and guest access are key.

Which baby shower format is right for you?

In-Person Baby Shower

Perfect for traditional celebrations, in-person showers allow guests to enjoy food, games, gift opening, and face-to-face connection. Best suited for small to medium gatherings where everyone lives nearby.

Virtual Baby Shower

Ideal for long-distance friends and family or when health and travel concerns are top of mind. Virtual showers use platforms like Zoom or Google Meet to share games, open gifts on camera, and create digital memories together.

Hybrid Baby Shower

A great choice for large or diverse guest lists. Combine an intimate in-person event with a virtual livestream for guests who can’t attend in person. This format offers flexibility while keeping everyone involved.

When is the best time to throw a baby shower?

Most baby showers take place between 28 and 34 weeks of pregnancy, allowing time to prepare before the due date.

Tips for choosing the right date

• Choose a weekend afternoon. It’s often the easiest time for guests to join, in person or online.
• Avoid common conflicts. Steer clear of holidays, school breaks, and peak travel times.
• Check with the guest of honor. Confirm the date works for them before sending invites, and give guests at least 3 to 4 weeks to RSVP.

What are the best baby shower themes?

Your theme sets the tone for the entire celebration. It helps guide your décor, invitations, games, and even the menu, making planning easier and more fun.

Think about the mom-to-be’s personality, interests, and the season. The best themes are easy to decorate, inspire creative details, and feel meaningful to the parents-to-be.

Popular theme ideas

• Classic: “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star,” “Winnie the Pooh,” “Peter Rabbit”
• Modern or gender-neutral: “Boho Baby,” “Little Wild One,” “Adventure Awaits”
• Seasonal: “Winter Wonderland,” “Spring Blooms,” “Fall in Love with Baby”
• Cultural or co-ed: Highlight family traditions or choose inclusive palettes and ideas

If you’re planning a summer celebration, check out our favorite summer baby shower themes here.

Where should you host a baby shower?

The right venue makes guests feel welcome and supports your theme, schedule, and budget. Choose a space that’s convenient, comfortable, and suited to your guest count.

Popular and practical venue options

• Home or backyard: Ideal for relaxed, budget-friendly gatherings
• Community center: Offers space, seating, and restrooms at a low cost
• Local park: Great for casual outdoor events with picnic tables and play areas
• Private room at a café or restaurant: Built-in catering with little setup or cleanup
• Virtual platform: Zoom, Google Meet, or Webex work well for long-distance guests

Before you book, ask about tables, chairs, restrooms, parking, and a backup plan in case of bad weather.

What food should you serve at a baby shower?

Food and drinks set the tone for your baby shower and help guests feel welcome and energized. Whether you’re planning a brunch, light lunch, or evening celebration, your menu should match the mood and accommodate dietary needs.

What are the best baby shower menu ideas by time of day?

Morning (10 am – 12 pm):
Mini quiches, fruit skewers, yogurt parfaits, muffins, and mimosas or mocktails

Afternoon (1 – 4 pm):
Tea sandwiches, cheese boards, cupcakes, lemonade, and iced tea

Evening (5 pm+):
Pasta bars, gourmet sliders, salad buffets, dessert stations, and themed mocktails

Label each dish clearly—especially those with common allergens.

How to accommodate dietary restrictions at a baby shower

A thoughtful menu helps all your guests feel seen and included. Offering clearly labeled options for common dietary needs makes it easy for everyone to enjoy the celebration.

• Include at least one vegetarian and one gluten-free dish
• Label items that are vegan, nut-free, or dairy-free
• Provide non-alcoholic drinks for pregnant guests and designated drivers
• Use simple signage or icons to highlight allergy-friendly choices

What are the best mocktails for a baby shower?

Mocktails are a festive, inclusive way to elevate your baby shower menu. They’re fun for all ages, photo-ready, and especially great for the guest of honor.

Top baby shower mocktail ideas

• Cucumber Mint Spritzer: Sparkling water with cucumber slices and fresh mint
• Strawberry Lemonade Punch: Classic lemonade with sliced strawberries and a splash of club soda
• Peach Bellini (alcohol-free): Peach nectar blended with sparkling apple cider

Pro tip: Set up a DIY mocktail bar with fruit garnishes, flavored syrups, and pretty glasses that match your theme. It adds a personal touch and gives guests something fun to do while mingling.

What are the most popular baby shower games and activities?

The most popular baby shower games and activities are easy to play, fun for all ages, and flexible for any type of baby shower. Whether you’re hosting in person or virtually, games and creative activity stations keep guests engaged and make the event more memorable.

Popular in-person baby shower games

• Guess the Baby Food
  Guests taste-test unlabeled jars and try to name each one.
• Don’t Say “Baby”
  Each guest gets a clothespin and tries not to say “baby.” The last one holding theirs wins.
• Baby Shower Bingo
  Guests mark off items on bingo cards as gifts are opened.
• Who Knows Mommy Best?
  Trivia game with questions about the guest of honor’s favorites, cravings, or pregnancy story.

Pro tip: Have small prizes ready, like candles or $5 gift cards, to keep the energy up.

What are some easy baby shower activities?

Creative stations are a fun, low-pressure way to keep guests engaged—and give them something memorable to take home or leave behind for the baby.

Decorate-a-onesie station

Set out plain white onesies with fabric markers, iron-on patches, and stencils. Guests can design a custom outfit the baby might actually wear.

Build-a-baby book

Provide blank pages or cardstock where guests can write messages, share advice, or draw pictures. After the shower, assemble them into a sweet keepsake book.

DIY candle or bath salt jars

Set up a simple station with Epsom salts, essential oils, dried flowers, and mini jars. Guests can mix their own spa gift to take home.

These hands-on activities are a great way to encourage mingling, spark creativity, and fill quieter moments throughout the event.

Pro tip: If you’re not into games, but still want to include something fun for guests, host a diaper raffle. A diaper raffle is where guests bring a pack of diapers and enter their name in a drawing to win a prize!

What are the best virtual baby shower games?

The best virtual baby shower games are easy to play over video, encourage guest interaction, and require little setup. These games help online guests feel included, engaged, and entertained.

Here’s a list of popular virtual games:

Baby Word Scramble

Share your screen or send printables. Guests race to unscramble baby-themed words (e.g., “ybdirae” = “diaper”).

Emoji Pictionary

Use emoji combinations to represent baby phrases or nursery rhymes. Guests guess what each one means.

Online Baby Trivia

Create a quiz about the parents-to-be using tools like Kahoot, Slido, or Google Forms.

The Price Is Right: Baby Edition

Display baby items and have guests guess the prices. Closest guess without going over wins.

Guess the Baby Photo

Collect baby photos from guests ahead of time. During the party, everyone tries to match each photo to the correct adult.

Tips for hosting virtual baby shower games

• Send game instructions or printables before the event
• Use breakout rooms or chat features to encourage conversation
• Email or mail small prizes to winners after the shower

Bonus: Grab our 10 free printable baby shower games here. (Who Knows Mommy Best, Bingo, and more!

With a little planning, a virtual baby shower can be just as fun and meaningful as an in-person celebration.

What decorations do you need for a baby shower?

Baby shower decorations help set the tone, bring your theme to life, and make the space feel festive and photo-ready. Here’s a combined checklist of essential décor items and the supplies you’ll need to create them.

Key decorations to include

• Welcome sign or banner – Greets guests and introduces the theme
• Balloon arch or garland – Adds color and creates a backdrop for photos
• Table centerpieces – Use flowers, candles, or themed props
• Food and drink labels – Help guests navigate the menu, especially for allergies
• Gift table setup – Include a small sign and a bin or basket for cards
• Photo booth backdrop – Add streamers, signage, or themed props for fun photo ops

Supplies to gather

• Printable or custom welcome sign
• Balloon garland kit or helium balloons
• Tablecloths, runners, or themed paper goods
• Vases, mason jars, or decorative containers
• Fresh or faux flowers
• Candles, mini chalkboards, or picture frames
• Printable food labels or tent cards
• Streamers, banners, or wall signs
• Gift table bin, ribbon, and signage
• Photo booth props or selfie frame
• Tape, scissors, command hooks, and extra string or ribbon

Pro tip: These decorations can be simple or elaborate depending on your budget and space. Focus on a few key items to make a big visual impact without overwhelming your setup.

Sourcing tips

• Budget-friendly: Shop Dollar Tree, Michaels, Target, or Amazon for bulk party supplies
• Printable designs: Find customizable templates on Etsy or Canva
• Eco-conscious option: Borrow, rent, or reuse décor from other events

Pro tip: Stick to a 2–3 color palette to make even the simplest decorations look cohesive and well-designed.

What are the best last-minute baby shower decorations?

The best last-minute baby shower decorations are simple, affordable, and quick to set up. With just a few key items, you can create a charming and cohesive look—no full-day prep required.

Quick and easy baby shower decoration ideas

• Streamer walls or tissue paper pom-poms: Use coordinating colors to fill empty walls or create a festive photo backdrop
• Printable signage: Print templates for welcome signs, menus, or games on Canva or Etsy
• Fresh flowers in mason jars: Pick up seasonal blooms from the grocery store and place them in simple jars or vases
• Themed disposable tableware: Choose plates, napkins, and cups in your color palette for an instant polished look

With a few thoughtful touches, even a last-minute setup can feel special and photo-ready.

When should I set up a baby registry?

The best time to start a baby registry is around 20 weeks into your pregnancy, or shortly after the 12-week mark if you’re ready earlier. This gives you enough time to:

• Research and compare baby products
• Finalize your registry before baby shower invites go out (usually around 28 to 30 weeks)
• Give guests time to shop and ship gifts, especially for virtual showers or long-distance attendees

What do you include in a baby registry?

Your baby registry should offer a mix of essentials, nice-to-haves, and items in a range of prices. This makes it easier for guests to choose something helpful and within their budget. Grab our baby shower registry checklist, a must-have for first-time parents here.

Baby registry must-haves

• Diapers, wipes, and diaper cream
• Bottles, pacifiers, and bibs
• Swaddles, onesies, and baby blankets
• Crib or bassinet
• Car seat and stroller
• Baby monitor

Nice-to-haves

• Nursing pillow or feeding cushion
• Diaper pail or changing pad
• White noise machine or humidifier
• Baby swing or bouncer
• Nightlight or baby bathtub

What do you not include on a baby registry?

• Avoid items that may be less useful or harder for guests to shop for:
• Too many newborn clothes (babies grow quickly)
• Specialized gadgets you might not use
• Duplicate items or products you already have
• Excess toys (babies need only a few early on)

Pro tip: Add items across a wide price range—under $25, $50, and $100+ so all guests can comfortably choose.

What is the proper baby registry etiquette?

Proper baby registry etiquette helps guests feel comfortable and keeps the experience stress-free for parents-to-be. Here are the key guidelines:

• How to share: Include registry details on the baby shower invitation or in an email from the host. Avoid using bold or all caps—keep it simple and polite.
• Making updates: It’s okay to add or remove items, but avoid frequent changes after invites go out.
• Sending thank-yous: Track each gift and send a thank-you note within a few weeks of receiving it. Learn how to write thank you notes and get free printable templates here.

Expert tip: Use registry platforms like Babylist or Amazon to keep track of who gave what. It makes writing thank-you notes easier and more personal.

For more on baby shower etiquette and planning tips for hosts and guests, check out this guide.

Baby shower planning timeline: week-by-week guide

A baby shower timeline helps keep planning simple, organized, and low-stress. Whether you’re prepping months ahead or only have a few weeks, this step-by-step guide has you covered.

6–8 weeks before: Set the foundation

• Confirm the parent-to-be’s availability and preferences
• Choose a theme and set your budget
• Book a venue, if needed
• Draft your guest list

4–6 weeks before: Invitations, menu, and games

• Finalize and send baby shower invitations
• Share the baby registry
• Plan the menu and order catering or food supplies
• Choose games, activities, and any printables
• Order party favors and decorations

1–2 weeks before: Confirm and prepare

• Confirm RSVPs and finalize the headcount
• Purchase groceries or confirm catering
• Prep decorations, favors, and activity materials
• Set up craft stations or DIY projects
• Pack a “day-of” kit (tape, scissors, pens, notepad, etc.)

Tip: Grab our free printable baby shower checklist to track everything week by week.

Day-of baby shower schedule and setup

Hosting a baby shower is all about being prepared—and leaving room for fun. Use this simple timeline to keep things flowing smoothly.

Baby shower schedule

• 2–3 hours before: Set up decorations, food, gift table, and photo area
• 1 hour before: Start the playlist, prep games, and finish any last touches
• Guest arrival: Greet guests, offer name tags, drinks, and direct them to activity stations
• Mid-party: Serve food, play games, and open gifts (if desired)
• End of party: Thank guests, hand out favors, and help the honoree with gifts

Pro tip: Use clear signage to guide guests and keep the event on track.

Hosting tips: co-hosts, helpers, and guest flow

How to manage gifts and guest interaction

• Assign a gift tracker to record who gave what for thank-you notes
• Let the guest of honor decide whether to open gifts during the party or later
• Encourage mingling with rotating activities and conversation starters

Co-hosting and support tips

• Divide roles like food setup, greeting guests, managing games, and cleanup
• Have a backup plan for late arrivals, weather changes, or tech issues
• Keep extra supplies on hand—napkins, pens, utensils, and snacks
• Stay flexible and enjoy the celebration

A calm, confident host helps set the tone for a joyful, stress-free party.

What are the most common baby shower planning issues and how do you fix them?

Even the most organized baby showers can face last-minute challenges. From weather changes to vendor issues, here’s how to handle common problems and keep your celebration on track.

How do you handle last-minute changes or cancellations?

Last-minute issues happen, but a little prep goes a long way. Here’s how to respond quickly:

• Bad weather: For outdoor showers, always have a backup plan. Rent a tent, reserve an indoor space, or adjust the timeline.
• Guest cancellations: Adjust food and seating as needed. If the guest of honor agrees, invite canceled guests to join virtually via Zoom or FaceTime.
• Vendor no-shows: Have simple DIY alternatives ready—grab a grocery store cake or play a pre-made playlist if a baker or DJ cancels.

Vendor confirmation tip: Call or email all vendors 3 to 5 days before the shower to confirm arrival time, location, and setup needs.

What are the biggest baby shower mistakes to avoid?

Avoiding these common missteps can help your shower feel more relaxed and enjoyable:

• Overplanning the agenda: Too many games or activities can feel rushed. Leave time for casual conversation.
• Skipping food and drinks: Always serve something—even light snacks. Hungry guests aren’t happy guests.
• Ignoring the guest of honor’s preferences: Ask about their guest list, gift wishes, and theme ideas before planning.
• Forgetting to take photos: Assign someone to snap pictures so the parent-to-be can enjoy the memories later.

Hosting tip: Things don’t have to be perfect. Focus on creating a warm, joyful space. If plans change, the laughter and connection are what guests will remember most.

Planning a baby shower is all about creating a celebration that reflects the parent-to-be’s style, makes guests feel welcome, and keeps things simple and thoughtful. With a clear timeline, a few well-chosen details, and a little flexibility, you can host a meaningful event that everyone enjoys—without the stress. Whether you’re planning weeks in advance or pulling things together last minute, focus on celebrating new life with love, laughter, and connection.

Planning your own baby shower? We’d love to see it! Tag @prettymyparty on Instagram for a chance to be featured.