A baby shower is a special way to celebrate the upcoming arrival of a new baby and shower the parents-to-be with love, support, and gifts. Whether you're planning a baby shower for yourself, a friend, or a family member, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know — from themes to games and everything in between.

When to Host a Baby Shower

Baby showers are typically held during the third trimester of pregnancy, between 28 and 34 weeks. This timing allows the expectant parent to be far enough along to feel comfortable and excited about the celebration, but not too close to their due date. However, every pregnancy is different, so it’s important to plan around the parent's schedule and comfort level​​.

Steps for Planning a Baby Shower

1. Set a Date and Time

Choose a date that works best for the parents-to-be and important guests. Weekends are often the most convenient for attendees, but brunch, lunch, or afternoon events work well too. Consider whether you want an in-person, virtual, or hybrid shower, especially if some guests live far away.

2. Create a Guest List

Decide who to invite. Traditionally, baby showers are for close family and friends, but it’s completely up to the parents-to-be whether they want a larger gathering or a smaller, more intimate celebration.

3. Pick a Venue

The baby shower can be hosted at home, in a backyard, at a restaurant, or in a rented event space. For a virtual baby shower, platforms like Zoom or Google Meet work well to connect guests from anywhere.

4. Choose a Theme

A theme can add fun and personality to the shower. Here are a few popular baby shower themes to consider:

• Classic Storybook Theme: Use decorations and games inspired by beloved children’s books like The Very Hungry Caterpillar or Winnie the Pooh.
• Safari Adventure: Decorate with stuffed animals and greenery, and use animal-themed table settings for a wild adventure.
• Tropical or Beachy Vibes: Perfect for summer baby showers, with tropical fruits, palm leaves, and beach-inspired décor​.
• Gender-Neutral Themes: Consider themes like "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" or "Up, Up, and Away" with hot air balloons for a whimsical, gender-neutral shower.

Baby Shower Games

No baby shower is complete without a few fun games to keep guests entertained! Here are some classic and creative game ideas to get everyone involved:

1. Baby Bingo

As guests watch the parent-to-be open gifts, they mark off the items they see on their bingo cards. The first person to get a full row wins!

2. Guess the Baby Food

Guests take turns tasting baby food (with the labels removed) and try to guess the flavor. The guest with the most correct guesses wins.

3. Dirty Diaper Game

Melt different chocolate bars into diapers and have guests smell or taste each one to guess which candy it is. It’s sure to get some laughs!

4. Don’t Say “Baby”

Give each guest a clothespin at the beginning of the shower. If someone hears another guest say “baby,” they can take that guest’s clothespin. The person with the most clothespins at the end wins a prize​.

5. Baby Predictions

Have guests fill out cards with their guesses for the baby’s birth date, weight, and length. Whoever gets closest after the baby is born wins.

Baby Shower Menu Ideas

Food is an important part of any celebration, and baby showers are no exception. Depending on the time of day and your theme, you can serve anything from light appetizers to a full meal. Here are some ideas:

• Brunch: Mini quiches, fruit salad, pastries, and mimosas (or mocktails for the mom-to-be).
• Finger Foods: Sandwiches, sliders, veggie platters, and charcuterie boards.
• Desserts: Cupcakes, cookies shaped like baby bottles or onesies, and a custom baby shower cake.

For a fun twist, consider setting up a DIY food bar where guests can make their own tacos, salads, or sundaes. This interactive element can also be a great conversation starter​.

Baby Shower Favors

Sending guests home with a little favor is a sweet way to thank them for attending. Some popular favor ideas include:

• Mini succulents or plants with a tag that says, "Watch me grow."
• Candles or bath bombs in personalized packaging.
• Cookies or macarons wrapped in cute boxes.
• Personalized baby bottles filled with candies.

Virtual Baby Showers: How to Host One

If you're planning a virtual baby shower, here are some tips to make it just as special as an in-person event:

• Send E-Vites: Use an online invitation service to invite guests and provide them with the link to the virtual event.
• Plan Virtual Games: Games like "Baby Bingo," "Guess the Baby Food" (using a list of options), or trivia about the parents-to-be work well for virtual events​.
• Ship Favors: Send guests small favors or party kits ahead of time so they feel involved, even from a distance.

Planning a baby shower is all about celebrating the arrival of a new life and surrounding the parents-to-be with love and support. Whether you’re planning a traditional, in-person event or a virtual shower, the key is to make it personal and fun for everyone involved. With the right theme, games, and food, you’ll create a memorable day that the parents will cherish forever.