Bassinet with Nanit Pro Baby Monitor in nursery before baby shower

How to plan a baby shower that isn't boring

From themes to activities to food and drink ideas, here’s how to organize a baby shower that perfectly suits the parents-to-be.

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By Nanit Team

Personalizing the baby shower experience

Whether it’s your first baby shower or you’re planning a baby shower for a second baby, there are many ways to personalize the event. You can highlight your expectant parent’s individuality and create a memorable celebration that’s as special as they are.

Start by reaching out to someone close to them—a partner, parent, or best friend—for insight into what would make the day truly magical. Tailoring the experience, whether it’s an untraditional theme, a DIY snack bar, or a fresh take on classic games, will help ensure a memorable and meaningful event.

Be creative with themes and decor

Once you’ve spoken with family or friends, you’ll have a better sense of the guest of honor’s preferred vibe. The possibilities are endless! Here are a few fun baby shower themes to inspire your planning:

Seasonal. If you’re hosting the shower during winter, create a cozy winter wonderland with twinkling lights and warm drinks. Is Halloween just around the corner? Go spooky-cute with an “A Little Boo Is Almost Due” theme, complete with black and orange décor, playful ghost accents, and pumpkin-inspired treats. Spring and summer invite pretty flowers and possibly an outdoor location. Seasonal themes are versatile, offering countless ways to make the shower magical.
Storybook. If the parents-to-be are literature lovers, a shower centered around a favorite children’s book can be a playful, whimsical option. Use a single beloved children’s book, like Where the Wild Things Are, as your theme or create a book-lover’s haven with décor inspired by pages and illustrations from the classics. Encourage guests to bring their favorite children’s books to help build the baby’s first library, inscribing their gifts with notes or advice—an activity that doubles as a fun shower game.
Nesting party. For parents who value practicality and preparedness, a nesting party is a thoughtful alternative to the traditional shower. These parties focus on helping parents gear up for their baby’s arrival with gifts like meal prep kits, nursery essentials, or even contributions toward home organization. Aim for a cozy, casual atmosphere that reflects the family’s personal style. Games can include sharing favorite parenting hacks or organizational tips to make those first few weeks smoother.
Co-ed and kid-friendly casual. Plan a shower that welcomes everyone to celebrate the new little one’s arrival, creating a lively and inclusive event. Think: a backyard barbecue or a potluck-style spread or picnic. You can set up a special game and/or craft area for kids. Ultimately, the focus is on fun and connection, making it a celebration everyone will enjoy.

Plan fun, memorable activities

The idea of tasting strained peas or pureed carrots not getting you fired up? You’re not alone! And luckily, baby showers—and their games—have evolved. Opt for a short and sweet lineup that could include:

Guess the baby’s traits. Baby shower guests likely know the parents-to-be well, so ask them to predict the baby’s features based on their insider knowledge. Will they have mom’s blue eyes or dad’s curly hair? Give each guest a worksheet to jot down their predictions, including predictions like future careers or personality traits.
Baby-themed trivia. Spark a little friendly competition! Baby-themed trivia lets seasoned parents show off their knowledge—or discover they might need a refresher. Ask guests questions ranging from practical parenting tips (what’s the safest sleep position for a newborn?) to personal details about the parents-to-be (what was Dad’s first word?).
Words of wisdom. Create a station where guests can leave their best parenting advice for the new caregivers. Provide personalized notecards or blank cards that guests can decorate with their messages. Present the cards to the parents-to-be in a special box or album, a keepsake to look back on in the weeks—and years—to come.
Onesie decorating station. Stock up on plain onesies in a variety of sizes (white or neutral colors work well), fabric markers, iron-on patches, and stencils. Set up a station where guests can design their own outfits for the baby. All ages will have fun with this one and the new parents will be well stocked with a stash of one-of-a-kind baby clothes.

Serve up an imaginative—and delicious—menu

An important part of any gathering: the beverages and bites.

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Themed grazing board. You can never go wrong with a well-curated grazing board. Choose a variety of cheeses, seasonal fruits, and nibbles that will have a wide-range of appeal. To go a little extra, style the board to match your theme. For a springtime shower, consider adding edible flowers. Planning a book-themed shower? Create “storybook stacks” using crackers, deli meats, and cheeses that look like little books.
Mocktail bar. The mama-to-be will feel festive with a fun, special beverage in hand. Offer signature drink options with baby-themed names like “Baby Bellini” or “Mini Spritz.” Set up the bar with a variety of juices, sparkling waters, fresh fruit garnishes, and flavored syrups, allowing guests to create their own signature booze-free brews.
DIY dessert station. Sweet tooths will be delighted by a DIY dessert stationh. Set up a cupcake decorating table with frosting and a rainbow of toppings, a build-your-own sundae bar with gelato and a variety of candy combinations, or a brownie sundae station.
Mini versions of classic party staples. You can’t go wrong with bite-sized versions of everyone’s favorite comfort foods. Think sliders, mini quiches, mac-and-cheese cups, and bite-sized chocolate chip cookies. These petite treats are perfect for any shower. They’re easy to eat, offer a variety of sweet and savory options, and make mingling a breeze.

Offer assistance with the gift registry

It’s heartwarming to see family and friends gathering together to celebrate the new parents. Thoughtful gifts can make the occasion even more special. Enter the gift registries —ensuring parents receive what they truly need.

If you're wondering when parents to be should start a baby registry, it's best to do so a few months ahead of the shower. This gives the family time to pick out the essentials and make sure they’re received before baby arrives.

Before sending out invites to the shower, confirm that the parents have registry links for easy access. Include those links with the invitations to give guests plenty of time to browse and shop before the big day.

If the parents aren’t sure what to add or guests aren’t sure what to bring to a baby shower, here are a few suggestions:

Sleep must-haves. From cozy bedding for cribs and bassinets to sound machines that soothe baby to sleep, plenty of items can ensure peaceful nights. The Nanit Baby Monitor is another sleep essential.
Baby gear. Big-ticket items like strollers, car seats, and baby carriers should definitely be on the list for first-time parents.
Care items. Baby lotions, wipes, diapers, and gentle soaps are all essential items to have on hand from day one.

Discover the perfect baby shower finds with Nanit

Planning a baby shower takes time and effort, but it’s all worth it when you see the joy it brings the guest of honor.

Let Nanit help lighten the load for the new parents in your life. The Nanit Pro Camera Baby Monitor provides real-time updates through the app on everything from baby’s cries to changes in their breathing pattern. With Nanit as their personal sleep assistant, parents can rest easy knowing their little one is in good hands, day or night.

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Key takeaways

Personalize the shower. Tailor the baby shower to the guest of honor’s unique style by selecting a fun theme and incorporating meaningful activities that reflect parents’ personalities and preferences.
Plan fun activities. Ditch the traditional games and opt for creative, engaging activities like onesie decorating, personalized trivia, and advice keepsakes that keep guests entertained and create lasting memories.
Elevate the menu. Get creative with food and drinks by planning a themed grazing board, mocktail bar, and DIY dessert stations, offering guests delicious, customizable options that can pair with the shower vibe.

Sources:

HGTV. Set Up a DIY Baby Shower Onesie Station. https://www.hgtv.com/lifestyle/entertaining/set-up-a-diy-onesie-station-baby-shower

Southern Living. 12 Festive, Non-Alcoholic Drinks For A Baby Shower. https://www.southernliving.com/holidays-occasions/baby-shower/baby-shower-punch-non-alcoholic-drink-recipes

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CONTRIBUTORS

Natalie Barnett, PhD serves as VP of Clinical Research at Nanit. Natalie initiated sleep research collaborations at Nanit and in her current role, Natalie oversees collaborations with researchers at hospitals and universities around the world who use the Nanit camera to better understand pediatric sleep and leads the internal sleep and development research programs at Nanit. Natalie holds a Ph.D. in Genetics from the University of New England in Australia and a Postgraduate Certificate in Pediatric Sleep Science from the University of Western Australia. Natalie was an Assistant Professor in the Neurogenetics Unit at NYU School of Medicine prior to joining Nanit. Natalie is also the voice of Nanit's science-backed, personalized sleep tips delivered to users throughout their baby's first few years.

Mackenzie Sangster is on the Brand and Community team at Nanit. She supports content development and editing for Nanit’s Parent Confidently blog as well as other marketing initiatives. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her friends, cooking, being active, and using the Pro + Flex Duo to keep an eye on her fur-baby, Poppy!

Holly Hays is a contributor and writer for Nanit, channeling her years as a mama and former magazine editor to create fun, useful content for fellow busy, trying-to-do-their-best parents and caregivers. Holly has written for a wide range of brands and media outlets (Ergobaby, HGTV, Manhattan Toy Company, OXO), loves to cook and read mystery novels, and leans heavily on her two daughters to keep her up to date on all the latest slang.