Planning a baby shower can be exciting, but it takes more than snacks and gifts to make it special. You need fun, thoughtful ideas that keep everyone engaged and smiling.
The right mix of games, decor, and activities turns a simple gathering into a celebration to remember.
In this post, you’ll find 35 creative baby shower ideas—classic favorites, modern trends, hands-on crafts, and unique keepsakes.
Everything you need to plan a meaningful and fun event, all in one place!
Theme & Decor Ideas
1. Classic Pastel Theme
Soft pinks, blues, yellows, and mint greens never go out of style. Use pastel balloons, tablecloths, and paperware to create a light, sweet atmosphere.
Add fresh flowers and delicate garlands for a gentle touch. Keep signage simple with soft script fonts and neutral baby-themed icons like rattles or teddy bears.
This theme works well for both indoor and outdoor settings. It’s especially ideal if you’re going for a timeless look.
2. Boho Baby Shower
The boho theme blends natural elements with cozy textures. Think dried pampas grass, macrame backdrops, and neutral tones with rust, cream, and sage accents.
Use woven baskets, layered rugs, and floor cushions to create a relaxed lounge vibe.
Decorate tables with wood slices, candles, and wildflower centerpieces. This theme feels warm, grounded, and very on-trend.
3. Gender-Neutral Woodland Theme
A woodland theme keeps things charming and inclusive. Use forest animal decor—foxes, bears, owls, and deer. Add greenery like eucalyptus and moss for a natural look. Brown, green, and cream colors work well together.
You can even use small tree stumps or pinecones as table decor. It’s a great option for parents who are keeping the baby’s gender a surprise or simply want a nature-based setting.
4. Storybook-Inspired Decor
Bring classic children’s books to life with this theme. Use titles like Winnie the Pooh, Peter Rabbit, or The Very Hungry Caterpillar for inspiration. Decorate tables with mini books, framed quotes, and themed centerpieces.
Use pastel or primary colors depending on the book. You can even build a photo wall using book pages or vintage covers. It’s nostalgic, playful, and perfect for book-loving parents.
5. Tropical or Beach Theme
Bright, cheerful, and perfect for summer. Use palm leaves, pineapples, and flamingos for decor. Colors like coral, turquoise, and bright yellow work well here. Incorporate elements like coconut cups, beach balls, or even a mini kiddie pool filled with drinks.
This theme brings vacation vibes and can be adapted for outdoor patios or indoor spaces with lots of natural light.
6. Minimalist Modern Design
For a clean and elegant look, go minimalist. Stick to a monochrome or neutral palette—white, beige, and black with hints of gold or greenery.
Use simple geometric shapes and avoid clutter. A balloon arch with neutral colors can make a big impact without overdoing it.
This theme is sleek and grown-up, great for modern venues or smaller spaces.
7. DIY Photo Booth Station
No matter the theme, a photo booth adds instant fun. Use a backdrop that matches your decor—a fringe curtain, fabric wall, or floral arch.
Add props like baby bottles, onesies, and funny signs. Make sure the lighting is good and provide a phone stand or instant camera.
Guests will love taking photos, and it gives parents a fun collection of memories after the event.
Fun Baby Shower Games
8. Guess the Baby Food
Remove the labels from several jars of baby food. Number each jar and line them up on a table. Guests take turns tasting (or just smelling) each one and writing down their guesses.
Use common flavors like peas, carrots, apples, and bananas. The guest with the most correct answers wins. It’s silly, lighthearted, and always good for laughs.
9. Baby Bingo
Create bingo cards filled with common baby shower gifts (like diapers, pacifiers, or onesies). As the parent-to-be opens gifts, guests mark off the items they see.
The first person to complete a row wins a small prize. This keeps guests engaged during gift-opening and adds a layer of fun.
10. Diaper Raffle
Add a note to your invites asking guests to bring a pack of diapers in exchange for a raffle ticket. At the shower, draw a winner for a prize.
It’s simple, helps the parents stock up on diapers, and gives everyone a chance to win something.
11. Don’t Say “Baby” Game
As guests arrive, give each person a clothespin or bracelet. If someone says the word “baby,” and another guest hears it, they can take their pin or bracelet.
The person with the most by the end wins. This game runs in the background and keeps guests on their toes.
12. Who’s That Baby?
Before the shower, ask guests to send a baby photo of themselves. Print them out and number each photo. Guests try to match the photos to the right people.
It’s fun, nostalgic, and makes for great conversation. Be sure to reveal the correct answers at the end.
13. Diaper Changing Relay
Set up a station with baby dolls, diapers, and wipes. Split guests into two teams. Each person must diaper the doll as quickly (and correctly) as possible before passing it to the next teammate.
The fastest team wins. It’s competitive, funny, and surprisingly harder than it looks.
14. Mom or Dad Trivia
Write a list of questions about the parents-to-be (e.g., “Who will be the strict one?” or “Who cried during the first ultrasound?”). Guests guess which parent each statement describes.
This game is a great way to include the couple and learn fun facts about them.
15. Baby Word Scramble
Create a sheet with scrambled baby-related words like “diaper,” “crib,” “bottle,” and “swaddle.” Set a timer and let guests race to unscramble them.
This is a good quiet-time game and works well while people eat or mingle.
16. The Price is Right – Baby Edition
Buy 5–10 baby items (wipes, pacifier, lotion, etc.). Display them with blank cards in front. Guests write down how much they think each item costs.
The one with the closest total without going over wins. This one’s especially fun for guests who love to shop.
17. Baby Bottle Chugging Contest
Fill baby bottles with juice, water, or another drink. Hand one to each participant and see who can finish theirs the fastest.
It’s ridiculous in the best way and always gets laughs. Use adult-size bottles to make it more of a challenge.
Creative Guest Activities
18. Decorate a Onesie or Bib Station
Set up a table with plain white onesies or bibs, fabric markers, stencils, and iron-on patches. Let guests design their own for the baby.
This gives parents a set of unique and often hilarious baby clothes. Make sure to include different sizes so they can be used over time.
19. Create-a-Headband Craft Table
Great for baby girls, this station lets guests make cute headbands using elastic bands, fabric flowers, ribbon, and glue.
Display a few examples for inspiration. Guests will enjoy making something both personal and useful. It also adds a sweet handmade touch to the baby’s wardrobe.
20. Wishes for Baby Cards
Provide notecards that say “I hope you…” or “My wish for you is…” Guests fill in their messages and drop them in a keepsake box or binder.
This is a heartfelt activity that gives the baby something meaningful to look back on. Parents often read these aloud or save them for a future birthday.
21. Advice for Parents Jar
Set out blank cards and pens beside a mason jar or decorative box. Ask guests to write a short piece of parenting advice or words of encouragement.
This gives the parents a mix of practical tips and emotional support. It’s especially appreciated by first-time moms and dads.
22. Make a Baby Time Capsule
Ask guests to bring or write something to include in a time capsule for the baby. Ideas include letters, photos, predictions, or small keepsakes.
Seal it in a box with a note to open on the baby’s 18th birthday. This adds a sense of nostalgia and gives the baby a meaningful gift for the future.
23. Fingerprint Tree Guest Book
Draw or print a simple tree with bare branches on a canvas or large sheet. Provide ink pads in various colors and ask guests to leave a fingerprint as a leaf.
They can sign their name next to it. It becomes a piece of art for the nursery and a visual reminder of who was there to celebrate.
24. Prediction Cards (Birth Date, Weight, etc.)
Hand out small cards where guests can guess the baby’s birth date, weight, length, and time of arrival.
It’s a fun guessing game that carries on past the shower. Once the baby is born, the parents can share who came closest.
25. Baby Name Suggestions Station
Set up a box or board where guests can drop in baby name ideas. This works well if the parents haven’t picked a name yet—or even if they have, just for fun.
It adds a creative, lighthearted element to the day. And who knows—someone might suggest the perfect name.
26. Build-a-Library Book Station
Ask each guest to bring a favorite children’s book instead of a card. Provide a stamp or sticker where they can write a note to the baby inside the cover.
Set the books up on a table to display during the shower. This gives the baby an instant library filled with love and memories.
Food & Drink Ideas
27. DIY Mimosa Bar (and Mocktails!)
Set up a self-serve mimosa bar with chilled champagne, fruit juices like orange, mango, and cranberry, and a few bowls of fresh fruit (berries, sliced oranges, or pineapple chunks).
Include non-alcoholic options for pregnant guests and kids—sparkling water or non-alcoholic bubbly works great. Use small signs to label everything clearly. It’s stylish, easy to manage, and adds a fun, interactive touch to your drink setup.
28. Themed Cupcakes or Cake Pops
Instead of a traditional cake, offer cupcakes or cake pops decorated to match your shower theme. Think pastel frosting, baby rattle toppers, or fondant booties.
These are easy to serve, require no slicing, and make your dessert table look polished. You can order them from a bakery or make them yourself with basic supplies.
29. Charcuterie Board for Moms
Create a mom-friendly grazing board with cheeses, crackers, fruits, nuts, and some sweet bites. Add deli meats on the side for non-pregnant guests.
Include labels for items like soft cheeses or anything to avoid during pregnancy. A colorful, well-arranged charcuterie board adds elegance and offers something for everyone.
30. Baby Bottle Candy Buffet
Fill baby bottles or clear jars with different types of candies. Use a scoop and small treat bags so guests can make their own candy mix.
Choose candies that match your color scheme to tie it all together. It doubles as a snack station and a cute party favor option.
31. Customized Cookies with Baby’s Name
Order or bake cookies shaped like onesies, rattles, or baby blocks. Decorate them with the baby’s name, initials, or even the shower date.
They look great on display and are easy to wrap up as take-home treats. Guests appreciate the personal touch, and they photograph beautifully.
Keepsakes & Favors
32. Mini Succulent Party Favors
Mini succulents are a popular and low-maintenance gift. They’re affordable, easy to transport, and last long after the shower.
Place them in small pots or jars with a tag that says something like “Watch me grow” or “Thanks for helping baby bloom.” They look lovely on tables and double as decor.
33. Personalized Candle Jars
Candles make great favors because they’re useful and feel a bit luxurious. Choose a clean, subtle scent like lavender or vanilla.
Add custom labels with the baby’s name or a short thank-you message. Small mason jars or tins work well. These are easy to order online or DIY with bulk supplies and printable labels.
34. Custom Baby Shower Magnets
Magnets are simple, practical keepsakes that guests can actually use. Create designs that match your shower theme, include the baby’s name or due date, and stick to a clean, cute layout.
They serve as a reminder of the day and make great fridge decorations. You can order them in small batches from most custom print shops.
35. Thank You Bags with a Sweet Treat
Prepare small gift bags filled with candy, cookies, or other treats. Add a thank-you tag or sticker to each one.
These are easy to assemble in advance and can be matched to your color scheme.
Choose snacks that are individually wrapped or easy to pack, like chocolate-covered almonds, macarons, or mini cupcakes.
