The Ultimate Baby Shower Party Guide
(Yes, Including the Best Baby Shower Meatballs Recipe!)
Planning a baby shower? Whether you’re a first-time mom, the fun auntie, or the go-to party planner in your circle, this is your all-in-one guide to a celebration that’s beautiful, stress-free, and full of joy.
Inside you’ll find:
-Thoughtful baby shower themes
-Delicious, easy menu ideas
–Slow cooker meatballs guests will rave about
-Stylish decor
-Crowd-favorite games and favors
-A helpful checklist + FAQ with modern etiquette tips
🎀 Step 1: Choose a Baby Shower Theme
A theme brings everything together—and makes it easier to decorate, choose food, and create a cohesive vibe.
Popular Baby Shower Themes
Boho Baby – Pampas grass, neutral tones, macramé, and wood accents.
→ [Click here] Grab this Boho Baby Shower Decor Kit for a complete look in one box.
Twinkle Twinkle Little Star – Soft pastels, shimmering stars, and dreamy details.
→ [Click here] Shop this Starry Sky Balloon + Banner Set for easy magic.
Safari Cutie – Jungle animals, leafy greens, earthy tones.
→ [Click here] Shop this Safari Baby Shower Bundle and build your own wild theme.
Minimal & Modern – Monochrome palette with eucalyptus greenery and sleek accents.
→ [Click here] Keep it clean with this Eucalyptus Balloon Arch + Plates Set.
Pro Tip: Choose your theme before invitations so everything feels intentional.
🧑🤝🧑 Who Should You Invite?
There are no rules. Invite the people who support you and make you feel loved.
Baby showers are no longer just for women. Co-ed baby showers are totally welcome, and honestly? They’re amazing.
I had a co-ed shower and loved it. Everyone—friends, family, guys, gals, kids—was part of the joy. It made the event feel more like a celebration than a formality.
Who to Include:
-Close friends
-Supportive family
-Your partner and their people
-Anyone who uplifts your energy
Tip: Add “co-ed” to your invitation so guests know it’s for everyone.
🎁 Should You Open Gifts at the Shower?
You’ve got options.
Yes — Open Gifts in Front of Guests
-It’s traditional and lets you say thank you
-Can be a sweet moment
No — Keep It Casual
-Say: “No need to wrap gifts—we’d love to display them!”
-Called a display shower, this saves time and feels relaxed
✨ Add this to your invite:
“Please bring your gift unwrapped—we’d love to admire them on display and spend more time celebrating with you!”
🍴 Step 2: Build Your Baby Shower Menu
Choose foods that are easy to prep, look great on a table, and won’t require reheating.
Baby Shower Food Ideas
Mini Quiches or Frittatas – Elegant, filling, and mess-free.
→ Grab a 48-count mini quiche tray for easy oven-to-table hosting at this link.
Caprese Skewers – Cherry tomatoes, basil, mozzarella on reusable skewers with a balsamic drizzle.
→ Click here to use these party-friendly skewers.
Slow Cooker Meatballs (recipe below) – Always the first dish gone.
→ Prep ahead with this 6-qt Crock-Pot.
Fruit & Cheese Grazing Board – Grapes, berries, almonds, crackers, cheese cubes.
→ Use a bamboo wood charcuterie set to make it pop, find one at this link.
Mini Cupcakes or Cake Pops – Adorable and low-mess.
→ Display them on a rotating dessert tower, click here for our favorite.
Sparkling Lemonade or Mocktail Bar – Let guests mix drinks with berries, citrus, and herbs.
→ Serve it all in a dual drink dispenser, find it here on amazon.
💡 Hosting Hack: Use a 3-tier buffet warmer to keep food warm while serving with style.
👉 The Famous Baby Shower Meatballs Recipe
3 ingredients. 1 slow cooker. Infinite praise.
Ingredients:
-2 lbs frozen meatballs (beef or turkey)
-1 bottle (12 oz) chili sauce
-1 jar (10 oz) grape jelly
-Optional: Worcestershire or hot sauce
Directions:
-
Combine all ingredients in your Crock-Pot
-
Stir and heat on low 3–4 hrs (or high 2 hrs)
-
Serve warm with toothpicks or mini bowls
🎯 Prep it the night before and reheat while setting up. It’ll smell amazing before guests even arrive.
🎈 Step 3: Decor That Pops Without Stress
No need to decorate every inch. Focus on your entry, food table, and one photo backdrop.
Decor Essentials
Balloon Garland or Arch
Easy DIY with this setup: → Balloon Arch Kit with Pump
Diaper Cake – Looks cute, becomes useful later
Photo Booth + Props
These props are fun and photogenic: → Baby Shower Photo Booth Props
Welcome Sign + Food Labels
Design your own for free using Canva
Favor Tags + Banners
DIY like a pro with a Cricut: → Cricut Explore Air 2 Bundle
Keep your color scheme to 2–3 main colors for a clean, professional vibe.
🎉 Step 4: Baby Shower Games & Favors That Make It Memorable
Games break the ice, bring people together, and create lots of laughs. Favors give guests something to remember the celebration—and show appreciation for their love and support.
🎲 4 Baby Shower Games Everyone Can Enjoy
1. Guess the Baby Food
How it works: Remove labels from several jars of baby food and number them. Guests do a blind taste test and try to guess the flavor.
Why it’s fun: Watching adults try pureed peas and carrots is guaranteed entertainment.
Make it easy: Print a guessing sheet and keep wipes handy!
2. Who’s That Baby?
How it works: Ask guests to send you a baby photo ahead of time. Print and number them. Everyone guesses who’s who.
Why it’s a hit: It’s nostalgic, hilarious, and gets everyone talking.
Pro tip: Display photos on a board or string line with mini clothespins.
3. Diaper Raffle
How it works: Include a note in your invite that says:
“Bring a pack of diapers (any size) to be entered into a raffle!”
Guests drop off diapers and write their name on a raffle ticket when they arrive. Draw a winner halfway through.
Why it’s genius: You stock up on diapers and guests love a chance to win.
What to raffle off: A gift card, small gift basket, or local treat.
4. Don’t Say “Baby”
How it works: Give each guest a clothespin or bracelet when they arrive. If they hear someone say “baby,” they can steal that person’s pin. Whoever has the most pins by the end wins.
Why it’s hilarious: It gets competitive in the best way.
Great for: Co-ed or casual showers with mixed guests.
🎁 Baby Shower Favor Ideas That Guests Actually Love
Forget tiny soaps or plastic trinkets—these are favors people will actually use or smile at when they get home.
1. Mini Succulents
Why they’re perfect: Cute, low-maintenance, and symbolic of new life.
How to style: Wrap in kraft paper or pastel pots with a tag that says “Watch me grow.”
2. Honey Jars with Bee-Themed Tags
Why guests love them: Edible favors are always a win, and honey feels meaningful.
Tag ideas:
“Thank you for bee-ing here”
“Sweetest celebration for the sweetest baby”
3. Bath Bombs or Handmade Lip Balm
Why they’re thoughtful: Everyone loves a little self-care.
How to wrap: Use tulle, kraft bags, or mini mason jars. Add your scent choice on a cute label.
4. Custom Baby-Themed Cookies
Why they wow: They double as decor and dessert.
How to get them: Order from a local bakery or Etsy. Wrap in cellophane with a pastel ribbon and tag that says “So sweet of you to come!”
✨ Time Saver Tip: Not crafty? You can grab a ready-to-go favor box kit and personalize it with ribbon, tags, or dried flowers for a personal touch.
📝 Your Baby Shower Checklist
✅ Send invites 4–6 weeks in advance
✅ Choose theme + decor
✅ Finalize menu + games
✅ Prep meatballs + cold dishes early
✅ Set up main areas: food, photo, gift table
✅ Assign someone to write gift-givers’ names
✅ Print signage + game cards
✅ Pack scissors, tape, safety pins, wipes
✅ Take deep breaths—this is a celebration!
❓ FAQ: Baby Shower Etiquette & Tips
What do you need to host a baby shower at home?
A theme, some snacks, 1–2 activities, and a few good people. Everything else is extra.
Is it OK to have a co-ed baby shower?
Absolutely. They’re becoming more common and honestly more fun. I had one and loved it.
Do you have to open gifts at the shower?
Nope. You can ask guests to skip the wrapping and display them on a table instead.
Who do you invite to a baby shower?
Only those who make you feel loved. This is your day.
What’s the best baby shower food?
Finger foods like mini quiches, fruit skewers, cupcakes, and mocktails.
Can I plan a baby shower on a budget?
Yes! Focus on food, theme, and a couple of fun moments. Use printables and DIY where possible.