What happens at a baby shower?

A baby shower is held to honor the expectant parents and welcome the upcoming arrival of their little one. Typically, guests gather to shower the parents-to-be with gifts and well-wishes. There’s usually food, fun and games, and guests mingle with friends and family. Traditionally, guests bring gifts that are unwrapped by the parent(s) to be.

When do I host a baby shower?

Baby showers are typically held 2-3 months before the due date. This provides ample time for the parents-to-be to organize and prepare for the baby's arrival after the baby shower.

Where do I host a baby shower?

The choice of venue for a baby shower largely depends on the number of guests and the host's preferences. Baby showers can be hosted in the home of a close friend or family member. But it’s just as common to host at a restaurant or private event space, or even outdoors.

How do I decorate for a baby shower?

Choosing a theme makes decorating a lot easier and feel more cohesive. Traditional showers may opt for gendered colors like pink or blue, while a gender-neutral theme might focus on cute animal themes or nature-inspired decor.

What do I need for a baby shower?

Start with the basics: invitations, a baby registry, a menu, games & activities, and welcoming decorations and party favors for the baby shower.

How many people should I invite to my baby shower?

It’s up to you! Generally, baby showers are more intimate gatherings, so it's ideal to invite close family members, friends, and a few other important guests. Keeping the guest list smaller ensures a more personal and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

Do men go to baby showers?

Yes, they can! Co-ed baby showers are really common these days.

How long should a baby shower last for?

Baby showers typically last for about two to three hours. This gives enough time to enjoy the food and drink, play any games or activities and, most importantly, mingle with the expectant parents.

10 Baby Shower Ideas for New Parents in 2024

by: Crate & Barrel Editor

6 min read

A baby shower is a big milestone for expectant parents. It’s a memorable way to celebrate the arrival of your little one, and for friends and family to shower you with love and gifts for the baby. Here are 10 of our favorite ideas, from the basics to the unique, for planning a baby shower you’ll always remember.

TYPES OF BABY SHOWERS
PARTY THEMES
MENU IDEAS
GAMES
GIFTS

#1: baby shower basics

Select a Host
First things first, it’s time to choose your host. Choose a reliable and enthusiastic host who will take charge of planning and executing your baby shower.

Set the Budget
Make sure everyone involved with planning agrees on a budget before planning starts.

Set the Date
A good rule of thumb is to set a date about 2-3 months before the baby’s due date. It gives the host time to get organized for the baby shower, and parents time to create their registry and feel prepared ahead of their baby’s arrival.

Create Your Baby Registry
This is the time to create a pretty comprehensive registry so your guests know exactly what you need.
#2: choose your baby shower type

From the traditional to the truly online, it’s the company that counts.

In-Person Baby Showers
For most people, their baby shower will be an in-person event from start to finish, with small bites and sips, a group activity and gift unwrapping.

Virtual Baby Showers
Can’t meet in person? Virtual baby showers are perfect for connecting from a distance, so that everyone you love can share in the celebration.

Hybrid Baby Showers
Combining in-person and virtual elements, you might consider a hybrid event so that everyone can attend some portion of the shower, no matter where they are in the world.

Gender Reveal Baby Shower
These parties surprise the expectant parents and guests with a baby shower that also reveals the baby's gender in a fun and creative way.

Twin Baby Shower
If you’re expecting twins, consider a twin-themed baby shower to celebrate double the joy.

After-the-Birth Baby Shower
There are no rules here! Yes, you can wait until after the baby's arrival. Plus, a post-birth baby shower lets everyone meet the newborn.

Adoption Baby Shower
Celebrating a new adoption? Invite everyone to an adoption-themed baby shower, or organize a “sip & see” party after your baby has arrived.

Baby Sprinkle
A baby sprinkle is a lighter, smaller-scale version of a baby shower, perfect for a second or third pregnancy.

Workplace Baby Shower
Raise a glass with coworkers with a mini office baby shower.
#3: baby shower theme ideas

Get everyone into the spirit with a baby shower theme and decorations.

Gender-Specific Themes
Go traditional with pink for a baby girl or blue for a baby boy.

Gender-Neutral Themes
Not interested in traditional gendered colors, or don’t know the gender? Try something gender neutral, like an animal or safari theme.

Seasonal Themes
Embrace the season the baby is due with themes like "Springtime Blooms" or "Winter Wonderland."

Holiday Themes
Plan the baby shower around a holiday, incorporating elements of the celebration into the event.

#4: baby shower guest list ideas

Curate a guest list for your baby shower. Anyone can be invited—it’s up to you—but here are the most common groups that make the guest list.

Family
Just the nearest and dearest.

Close Friends
Especially those who have been a significant part of the parents' journey.

Co-Workers and Other Acquaintances
For a larger baby shower, consider inviting coworkers and other acquaintances.

#5: baby shower invitation ideas

Have fun with your baby shower invitations: They set the tone and the theme for your celebration.

Send Invitations 3-6 Weeks in Advance
Ensure guests have enough time to plan and RSVP to the event.

Include the Baby Shower's Theme
Make sure the theme you landed on makes it into the design and wording of your invitations.

Set the Date, Time, and Location
Clearly state the date, time, and location of your baby shower.

Include Baby Registry Information
Guests these days prefer to know what expectant parents really want, so be sure to include the registry info to make gift selection easier for them.

Include RSVP Expectations, Deadlines, & Contact Info
Specify RSVP details to help with event planning and coordination.
#6: baby shower decoration ideas

Complement the baby shower theme with cute decorations.

Traditional Baby Shower Decor
Stock up on ribbons, balloons, banners, flowers, and more.

Unique Baby Shower Decor
Get creative with baby bottles turned into vases or a diaper cake centerpiece.
#7: baby shower food ideas

Check out our curated list of baby shower-friendly recipes, for a delicious and easy-to-eat party menu.

Hors d'oeuvres
Entrees\
Desserts\
#8: baby shower game ideas

Games add an element of fun and entertainment and keep your guests engaged.

Traditional Baby Shower Games
Classic games like "Guess the Baby Food" and "Baby Bingo" are always a hit.

Ice-Breaker Baby Shower Games
If you’re hosting a shower with guests that don’t all know each other, try an ice-breaker game to get everyone talking.

Easy Baby Shower Games
For more inclusive ideas, keep your games simple with trivia questions that everyone can answer, or try a baby shower version of The Price is Right to get everyone participating.

Unique Baby Shower Games
Try something different. Set up a DIY baby onesie station. Or, ask guests in advance to bring their baby photo, then display them at the shower and let everyone guess who.

Advice and Well-Wish-Based Games
Print out prompts and pass them out to guests so they can share their wisdom and well-wishes.
#9: baby shower gift ideas

All the types of baby shower gifts that parents love.

Gifts from the Baby Registry
Registry gifts are most preferred for a reason: They’re handpicked from expectant parents and are the items they truly need and want.

Diapers
Practical and always appreciated, diapers are a valuable gift—parents can never have enough.

Cash
Give the gift of flexibility with a cash gift that can be used for all their baby essentials.

Gift Cards
If you don’t want to give cash, a Crate & Kids gift card is a great alternative.

#10: baby shower favor ideas

Don’t forget to send your guests home with a small token of gratitude.

Candles, Soaps & Lotions
Share a little scented goodness and just a touch of luxury for their home.

Coasters & Hand Towels
For practical and decorative gifts, coasters or hand towels make easy baby shower favors. Personalize them so your guests remember the day.

Candy
Indulge everyone’s sweet tooth with cute and personalized candy treats.

Mini Flower Pots
Send them home with an eco-friendly gift that they’ll love to use.

Small Mason Jars
Fill small mason jars with candy or something DIY for a personalized touch.

SHOP TOP BABY SHOWER GIFTS