If there’s anything worth celebrating, it’s the arrival of a new baby — and we’ve rounded up the most unique baby shower ideas and themes for the occasion! When it comes to hosting a baby shower, it’s all about the little details and unique ideas that make it stand out, from creative dessert tables to photo-worthy decorations. And oh baby, do we have some cute ideas!
So to help you celebrate the parents-to-be in style, we’re breaking down all our favorite unique baby shower ideas, including creative themes to tie the entire celebration together. Plus, we’re also answering your burning baby shower questions at the bottom of this article (and giving you some expert hosting ideas), so you can feel confident going into the big day. Let’s get into it!
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Creative and Unique Baby Shower Theme Ideas
A truly memorable baby shower starts with a great theme — it’s what ties all your other ideas together, from your decorations to your food to your fun activities. So to help you choose the best theme for your baby shower, we’ve rounded up a few unique ideas and creative themes that are guaranteed to stand out.
Whether you’re looking for cute themes for the springtime or classic ideas for a co-ed baby shower, we have a little something for everyone. We’ve even made sure to include cute baby shower themes for both girls and boys — as well as gender neutral ideas for everyone. Keep scrolling for all our faves!
1. “BabyQ” Theme Baby Shower Ideas
photo: Be Still Bakery
If you’re looking for unique baby shower ideas for the summer months, it doesn’t get much cuter than this “BabyQ” theme!
We especially love this theme for a co-ed shower — gather everyone in the backyard for a day of lawn games, summer mocktails, and alllllll the best BBQ food (including these BBQ-themed cookies). Talk about a crowd-pleaser!
Don’t miss our round-up of delicious mocktail recipe ideas that are perfect for a baby shower — and beyond!
2. Unique Safari Theme Baby Shower Ideas
safari-themed balloon garland: Amazon
Celebrate the arrival of a little wild one with this cute safari-themed baby shower. From jungle decoration ideas (this balloon garland is adorable!) to delicious themed snacks (animal crackers, anyone?), this is the perfect baby shower theme to prepare the parents-to-be for their wild ride — aka, parenthood.
3. Taylor Swift Baby Shower Theme Ideas
photo: The Simple Luxe Events
Calling all Swifties! For the mom-to-be who can’t stop talking about the Eras Tour, this unique Taylor Swift theme is a no-brainer for her baby shower. After all, nothing says “we are ~enchanted~ to meet you” like games, invites, and decor inspired by the singer herself!
We also LOVE these Taylor Swift-themed onesies. Because it’s important to get the Swiftie obsession started young!
P.S. We have an entire list of unique gift ideas for Swifties — perfect for the baby shower and beyond!
4. Winnie the Pooh Baby Shower Theme Ideas
photo: @decoart.party
This is the perfect theme if the guest of honor grew up reading Winnie the Pooh — and plans to read the same stories to their little pot of honey!
Lean into the nostalgia with decorations featuring classic illustrations of Pooh Bear and his gang, like these cute backdrops or these colorful invites. You also can’t go wrong with honey-themed food ideas, like honey-infused sweet tea or honey pot baby shower favors. So sweet!
5. Unique Spring Theme “Baby in Bloom” Shower Idea
photo: Jessica Lynn Photo | baby shower planning: Loverly | wildflower seed onesie ideas: flowerseedpaper on Etsy
For spring baby shower ideas, this “baby in bloom” theme is a MUST. Take inspiration from the season with flower-infused food, drinks, and decorations, like this whimsical floral garland. You can even host the shower at a botanic garden venue — or ask everyone to wear their best garden party attire!
And yes, these seed paper onesie favors are non-negotiable. Such a cute way to celebrate the guest of honor’s blossoming family!
6. Cute Teddy Bear Baby Shower Theme Ideas
photo: Audrey Madison Stowe
How cute is this teddy bear theme?! The new mama bear will love all the themed decorations, like this “we can bearly wait” sign and this oversized stuffed teddy bear — which also doubles as cute nursery decor!
And since this theme has a brown color scheme, it’s also one of our favorite themes for a gender neutral baby shower. Perfect if the parents are waiting to learn the sex of the baby!
7. Creative Halloween Theme Baby Shower Ideas
Halloween baby shower theme invite ideas: Zazzle
If the baby shower is planned for October, get everyone in the spoOoOoky spirit with creative Halloween themed ideas. You can transform any baby shower into a haunted house with bubbly potions (aka seasonal mocktails), witchy decorations, cute costumes, and plenty of pumpkin-themed food.
Which brings us to our next theme….
8. Unique Fall Pumpkin Baby Shower Theme
photo: Crista Downey | design: Rustic Events
For fall baby shower themes that are more sweet than spooky, look no further than these adorable autumnal ideas. Enjoy seasonal decorations, games, and snacks (apple cider doughnuts? caramel apples? pumpkin spice everything?!?) as you wait for the little pumpkin to arrive.
We also found the best fall-themed invitation ideas for your baby shower — the pumpkin pattern is to die for!
9. Cute Coquette Baby Shower Theme Ideas for Girls
photo: Rachel Fujihara
When it comes to baby shower themes and ideas for girls, the pinker the better! Embrace all things girly with pink decorations that channel the coquette aesthetic, from heart-shaped cakes to unique bow decorations.
And don’t even get us started on that bow-shaped balloon garland. It’s the perfect backdrop for all your party photo ops!
Cute Baby Shower Food Ideas
Now for the part you’ve all been waiting for: the food! While there’s nothing wrong with serving a classic spread of cake and finger food at a baby shower, we wanted to highlight some unique and creative ideas to take your party to the next level.
From photo-worthy spreads to themed desserts (and even a couple of drink ideas!), these mouthwatering food ideas will make your menu the talk of the baby shower. But be warned — they may make you hungry!
10. Unique Baby Shower Grazing Board Idea
baby shower grazing board ideas: supersweetparty on Etsy
A charcuterie board is ALWAYS a good idea — especially when it looks this cute! Give your spread a baby-themed twist with individual grazing boards that spell out the word “baby.” Cute and on-theme, these also double as drool-worthy centerpieces!
Fill these boards with crowd-pleasing finger food, and you’re pretty much golden.
Looking for more ideas for your baby shower food spread? Check out our round-up of drool-worthy charcuterie board inspo for every occasion!
11. Creative Custom Bear Themed Cookies
custom cookies: Lucky Cookie Studio on Etsy
We’re not saying that your baby shower ideas must include cute cookies…but we’re not not saying it, either. For a memorable dessert table that will get everyone talking (and drooling), stock up on some delicious cookies that match your theme.
Etsy has tons of custom cookie ideas for every baby shower theme, from these teddy bear ones to these wildflower-themed designs. You can even get custom cookies personalized with the baby’s name!
12. Unique Italy Themed Baby Shower Food Ideas
photo: Rachel Fujihara
If you can’t host the baby shower in Italy, these dessert ideas are the next best thing! Trick your tastebuds into thinking you’re in Positano with lemon gelato served in cute lemon peels. Not only are they delicious, but they’re also super photo-worthy.
Served with non-alcoholic Aperol spritzes, it’s the perfect dessert for a “summer in Italy” themed baby shower!
13. Brunch “Mom-osa” Bar Idea
photo: Hannah Eugster | planner: Two Perfect Events
Looking for unique ideas for a brunch baby shower? Raise a (non-alcoholic) toast to the guest of honor with this mimosa bar! Aptly called a “mom-osa” bar, it features everything you need to mix a killer mimosa — minus the champagne.
Take it to the next level with different juices and toppings, like fresh fruit or a lemon twist. And don’t forget the cute champagne glasses for serving!
14. Unique Pink + Girly Vintage Aesthetic Cake
photo: Nicole Sarfaty
Cakes are one of the most classic baby shower food ideas — but that doesn’t mean they have to be boring! Make yours the star of the dessert table with a cute vintage design, like this heart-shaped beauty. With pastel pink frosting, dainty bow details, and cute lettering on top, it’s almost too adorable to eat!
Complete the spread with a vintage-inspired cake stand or these bow-themed plates, and prepare for major compliments.
15. Unique Waffle Board Baby Shower Food Ideas
photo: Nicole Sarfaty
Another one of the best food ideas for a brunch-themed baby shower? A drool-worthy waffle board!
This food spread features everything you need to make a delicious waffle plate, including toppings like fruit, syrup, and Nutella, all displayed on a unique serving tray. It’s a sweet twist on a classic charcuterie board!
16. French Patisserie Themed Baby Shower Food Ideas
photo: Elli Lauren via Sincerely Jules
For our fellow Francophiles, this patisserie stand is one of the most creative ideas for a French-themed baby shower. Give your guests a taste of Paris with all your bakery favorites, from croissants to macarons. YUM!
Here’s what the mama-to-be said about her French-themed baby shower idea: “I wanted to have a patisserie stand at the shower and bring a bit of France to LA with all of my favorite French pastries, like almond croissants, macarons, eclairs, beignets, baguettes, etc. We had cute to-go boxes for guests to take pastries home as if you were at a French bakery!”
17. Creative Baby Shower Donut Wall Food Ideas
donut wall: CraftWeddingLove on Etsy
We’re suckers for a donut wall, and this mini one is such a cute food idea for a baby shower! We love how it doubles as creative decor, perfect for a “Donuts and Diapers” themed baby shower. Bonus points if the donuts match the gender of the baby, like these pink ones for a girl!
18. Unique Milk + Cookies Station
photo: Marlaina Marie Photography | planning + styling: House.of.fete
Unlock your inner child with a cute milk + cookies station. After all, there’s nothing like some kid favorites to get the guest of honor excited for parenthood!
A forever classic, this is one of the best food ideas for a baby shower with cow or farmyard themes. Bake the cookies yourself, or ask everyone to bring in a batch of their faves. We also found these cute glass bottles + custom labels for the milk!
19. Unique Tea Party-Themed Baby Shower Ideas
onesie tea bags: CutsofTea on Etsy
Whether you’re throwing a tea party-themed baby shower or looking for cozy autumnal ideas, it doesn’t get much cuter than a loose-leaf tea station!
For an extra unique touch, we LOVE these onesie-shaped tea bags. They come in multiple different tea flavors and feature a tag that says “a baby is brewing.” Serve them with cute tea cups and saucers, or send them home with guests as a delicious party favor!
Fun Baby Shower Game Ideas
The presents have been opened, the food has been eaten, and the photos have been taken. Now what? No matter your baby shower theme, it’s always a good plan to have a few game ideas on hand to break the ice and get everyone laughing.
But don’t worry — these aren’t the outdated games of baby showers past. From creative favorites to unique theme ideas (bring on the diaper pong!), these baby shower games are guaranteed to be the life of the party!
20. Guess the Baby Food Game
“guess the baby food” shower game ideas: Stickearte on Etsy
Baby shower game ideas and a nutritious snack all in one? Say less! While baby food may not be your first choice of snack food, it does make for a super fun (and healthy!) game.
Set up a table with a few different flavors of baby food, then let the guests taste-test each one. Whoever guesses the flavors correctly can win a small prize — plus bragging rights for the rest of the shower!
21. Creative Onesie Painting Station
photo: @nicolesarfaty
For baby shower game ideas that will get your guests bonding, laughing, AND helping the parents-to-be, look no further than a onesie painting station!
All you need to bring this activity to life are blank white onesies, small easels, fabric paint, and a little bit of creativity. Your guests will love showing off their artistic skills, and the guest of honor will appreciate all the new baby onesies. Win-win!
22. Price Is Right Themed Baby Shower Game Ideas
rainbow baby shower game ideas: PrettyMomentsDesign on Etsy
Let’s face it: parenthood is expensive. But this “price is right” game is here to make all those future expenses a little more fun! To play, each guest writes down what they think the most common baby essentials cost. Whoever guesses closest wins!
And as a bonus, this game template is fully customizable, so you can choose any baby items you want — from baby powder to your favorite children’s book.
23. Unique Baby Shower Shoe Game Ideas
photo: Sierra Zeiler
You’ve probably seen couples play the shoe game at a wedding, but it’s also one of our favorite ideas for a co-ed baby shower!
To play, have the parents-to-be remove their shoes and sit back-to-back in the center of the room. The host will ask them a series of questions (such as “who will take more photos of the baby?”), and they’ll respond by holding up the shoe that correlates with their answer.
You can even get guests in on the fun with these “mommy or daddy” question cards. Prepare for major laughs!
24. Parenting Tip Jar Baby Shower Game Ideas
baby shower advice game ideas: PrettyMomentsDesign on Etsy
As the saying goes, it takes a village to raise a child. And that’s where this “parenting tip jar” game comes in!
Guests will fill in the blanks with their best parenting tips for the parents-to-be, including advice and secret hacks for different scenarios. It’s one of the best baby shower game ideas for first-time parents —because a little advice can go a long way!
25. Guess the Baby Photo Game
photos: Hannah Eugster
Is there anything cuter than baby photos? We think not — and that’s why this guessing game is one of the best cute and creative ideas for a baby shower! Guests will swoon over the adorable babies as they try to guess who is who.
While it’s most common to use baby photos of guests in attendance (ask everyone to send a photo when they RSVP!), you can also mix things up with funny celebrity baby photos. Either way, this template makes it easy to create your adorable photo spread!
26. Unique Diaper Pong Baby Shower Game Ideas
design: Dreams by Design Co | planner: Bree Warot
Throw it back to your college days with this fun diaper pong game! If traditional baby shower game ideas feel a little tame for your crew, this one is guaranteed to kickstart some competition.
Just staple some diapers to a large board, section your guests into two groups, and see who can get the most ping pong balls (or pacifiers!) into the diapers. Losers have to take a drink of their mocktail for every lucky shot!
27. Baby Family Feud Game
baby shower family feud game ideas: PrettyMomentsDesign on Etsy
It’s the “Family Feud” game we all know and love, but with a cute baby-themed twist! Test the knowledge of your guests with different questions about parenthood, such as “what is the best toy to buy a baby?” They’ll get points for every correct answer, and the person or group with the most points wins.
It’s one of the best baby shower game ideas for guests who love competition — plus, the new parents might even learn a thing or two!
Cute and Unique Baby Shower Decoration Ideas
Grab your balloon pump, because we’re breaking down the best unique and creative decoration ideas for different baby shower themes!
For decor that will get everyone ooohing, ahhhing, and snapping photos, it’s important to think outside of the box, while still staying on-theme. From creative table settings to Insta-worthy backdrops (because if there isn’t a balloon arch, is it even a baby shower?!), here are our favorite baby shower decoration ideas for different styles and themes.
28. Dreamy Celestial Baby Shower Backdrop Decoration Ideas
photo: The Simple Luxe Events
These days, no baby shower is complete without a photo-worthy backdrop — it’s the focal point of your party, and one of the most essential decor ideas for every theme!
While you can go as simple or as extravagant as you’d like, a backdrop is essential for all your photo-ops with the guest of honor. Make yours pop with creative decoration ideas like colorful balloons, blossoming flowers, or a custom sign with your baby shower theme or the baby’s name!
29. Custom Large Marquee Letters Decorations
photo: Audrey Madison Stowe
Speaking of bold backdrops, these marquee letters are another one of the best decoration ideas for your baby shower!
We’ve been seeing these custom signs everywhere lately, and safe to say we’re totally obsessed. They’re one of the most unique ideas for announcing the baby’s name at the baby shower — and they also make for an iconic themed photoshoot!
30. Creative Wildflower Garland Decor
flower garland decoration: Meri Meri
Baby showers and flowers go hand-in-hand, so of course we had to include some dreamy floral decoration ideas on our list! Whether you’re planning a “baby in bloom” theme or hosting a spring or summertime baby shower, this whimsical paper garland is one of our all-time favorite decoration ideas.
Plus, the guest of honor can repurpose this decor for the baby’s nursery — so cute for a botanical theme room!
31. Disco Themed Baby Shower Decoration Ideas
photo: House.of.fete
Disco balls are some of our favorite decoration ideas for ANY occasion, and a baby shower is no exception! To complete your retro theme baby shower, pair your disco balls with funky rainbow decor and groovy stationery ideas, like these “Disco Baby” invitations.
Now all that’s missing is a rad ’70s playlist!
32. Unique + Whimsical Welcome Sign Ideas
baby shower decoration sign ideas: Zazzle
If you ask us, a themed welcome sign is one of the most important decoration ideas for a baby shower. Not only does it signify to guests that they’re in the right place, but it’s also a super cute way to show off your theme!
To welcome your guests in style, we personally love Zazzle’s range of unique welcome signs — they have cute and creative ideas for different baby shower themes. We’re especially digging this whimsical wildflower one!
33. Creative Boho-Themed Baby Shower Decoration Ideas
photo: Jessica Lynn Photo | planning: Loverly
Calling all boho babes! Give your baby shower a free-spirited touch with these boho themed decoration ideas. From the rattan chair to the comfy floor pillows to the arch-shaped backdrops, these decoration ideas instantly add a rad, whimsical vibe to your baby shower.
And yes, those short picnic tables are a must!
34. Unique Teddy Bear Theme Baby Shower Decoration Ideas
photo: Costola Photography | planning: AMAVI Weddings and Events
We’ve already talked about how much we love a teddy bear baby shower, and this is one of our favorite decoration ideas for the unique theme!
Instead of simply displaying stuffed bears around the party, take your decor to new heights (literally!) by hanging a cute teddy bear from a white balloon arrangement on the ceiling. It’s whimsical, it’s adorable, and it’s definitely photo-worthy!
35. Cute Bow Themed Baby Shower Decoration Ideas
photo: The Event Collective
The bow on top of your baby shower decoration ideas? Actual bows! For a super cute and simple finishing touch to your decor, tie bows around your candlesticks, napkins, and even wine glasses. You can also find trendy bow decoration ideas for your baby shower, like these cupcake toppers or these invitation ideas!
As a bonus, these ideas work for any baby shower color scheme — just look at this cute blue + neutral themed example for a boy!
Baby Shower Etiquette and FAQs
When it comes to planning a baby shower, there are a ton of different factors to consider — from modern etiquette to different venue ideas. That’s why we’re breaking down all the must-know FAQs about organizing and hosting a baby shower, so you can achieve your most successful party yet!
Whether you’re wondering who to invite to the baby shower, where to host it, or how to choose the best invitations, we’ve rounded up our best tips, tricks, and party ideas down below.
Who throws the baby shower?
Traditionally, a baby shower is organized and hosted by a close friend or family member of the parents-to-be. This could be their best friend, sister, cousin, mom, or even a close co-worker! You can even get multiple people in on the fun to take the load off one host. The more the merrier!
GWS Pro Tip: Since baby showers are all about “showering” the soon-to-be parents with gifts, it’s typically frowned upon for the guests of honor to throw their own baby shower. This etiquette also used to apply to relatives — but these days, it’s more than acceptable for everyone from siblings to grandparents to throw a baby shower.
When to Have a Baby Shower
Typically, the best time to have a baby shower is at the beginning of the third trimester, or when the mom-to-be is around 6 to 7 months pregnant. By this point, she has overcome the early challenges of pregnancy and is still comfy enough to enjoy the festivities without feeling too exhausted. It’s also when her belly will start showing — perfect for all those cute baby bump pics!
Before setting the date for the shower, it’s a good idea to chat with the guest(s) of honor to choose the perfect time. The parents-to-be may have certain preferences or scheduling restraints, and you don’t want to cause any extra stress during this important countdown.
We also suggest checking in with close family members or friends, too. You want to make sure that all the important people can be present to celebrate such a special milestone!
Who pays for the baby shower?
It’s most common for the host to pay for the baby shower, whether that’s a close friend or a group of loved ones. As the host, they’re responsible for planning the baby shower, securing the venue, and organizing the event essentials, including food, drinks, and decoration ideas.
In some cases, multiple people may pitch in for different aspects of the party planning process. For example, you may want to put a creative friend on decorations duty, and ask the cook of the family to cater.
Where to Have a Baby Shower
If you’re looking for fool-proof venue ideas for your baby shower, you can’t go wrong with someone’s home. Not only is this a budget-friendly option, but it’s also a great way to create an intimate and cozy atmosphere without the stress of time limits and decoration restrictions. Transform the living room, backyard, or dining area into a baby-themed display with balloons, banners, and a few of our other baby shower ideas up above!
If you have a larger guest list, you can also rent out a party venue such as a chic event space, a country club, or a local park (great for a picnic theme!). These venues give you the advantage of ample space and may even offer other amenities, such as kitchen facilities or dedicated areas for food and games.
For the foodies, another option is to host the shower at a restaurant or café. Many hotspots offer private rooms or sections that can be reserved for special events, as well as the bonus of a drool-worthy menu. This is a great option if you’re planning a brunch baby shower — plus, it takes the pressure off the host in terms of food ideas and clean-up.
Who to Invite (and Who Not To Invite) To Your Baby Shower
When it comes to who to invite to the baby shower, start with the parents-to-be’s closest family members and friends. These are the people who have been there throughout the entire pregnancy journey and are excited to celebrate this next chapter.
Apart from close family and friends, you may also want to invite anyone who has been supportive during this exciting time. This could be co-workers, neighbors, or more distant friends or relatives who will make the celebration more meaningful. There are no right or wrong answers here — it ultimately depends on what makes the mama of honor happiest!
On the other hand, you don’t want to invite everyone that the parents-to-be know to their baby shower. Keep in mind the size of the venue, as well as their comfort level or preferences. They may want a smaller, more intimate gathering that only includes their inner circle — or they may be looking forward to a big party that’s all about celebrating this moment!
GWS Pro Tip: While historically baby showers were often seen as a women-only event, many people are ditching tradition and planning co-ed parties. After all, why limit the celebrations when you could get all your nearest and dearest involved?!
When to Send Baby Shower Invites
It’s a good idea to send out your baby shower invitations around 4-6 weeks before the event. This gives your guests plenty of time to check their schedules, RSVP, and make any necessary arrangements. It also allows them time to shop for the perfect gift!
If you’re planning a destination event, or if many guests will need to travel to attend, it’s best to send out the invitations even earlier. In these cases, aim for 6-8 weeks in advance to give them time to make travel arrangements and book accommodations.
To give your guests a heads-up before sending out the official invitations, you can also send out save-the-date cards around 2-3 months before the party. This can be helpful if the shower falls during a busy time of the year when schedules tend to fill up quickly, such as the holiday season or the summertime.
P.S. Need some ideas for your baby shower invitations? Check out these adorable templates!
How long should a baby shower be?
A typical baby shower tends to last around 2-3 hours. This gives you plenty of time to mingle, play games, enjoy snacks (and sweet treats), and watch the parents-to-be open their gifts — without stretching it out so long that anyone gets bored or tired. Think of it as the perfect sweet spot!
If you have a long list of activity ideas planned for the baby shower, you may want to allocate a bit more time for these. But remember: pregnancy can be tiring, and sitting or standing for too long can make the guest of honor uncomfortable. Keep the celebrations short and sweet, as it’s best practice to not exceed three hours.
Celebrate Baby With Our Most Popular Guides
Now that you’ve narrowed down the best themes and ideas for the baby shower, it’s time for the finishing touches. Aka, your outfit!
Look party-ready with our list of cute summer dresses for every occasion. We’ve also rounded up cute accessory ideas to pair with your baby shower ensemble, including trendy tassel earrings and unique birthstone rings + necklaces. Bring on the photoshoot!
And finally, no shower is complete without some great gift ideas. Shower the mama-to-be with these mom-themed sweatshirts or these mother’s day gift ideas — which are also perfect for a baby shower!
Which of these ideas or themes are you going to incorporate into your baby shower? Let us know in the comments below!
photography: // venue name: Second Space OC, Brea, California, USA // event design: Runaway Indie // planning: Runaway Indie // florals: Story Lines Floral Co. // videography: Moments By Halle // cake: Hapa Cupcakes (cake + cupcakes) // marquee lights: Alpha Lit Orange County // runaway bar cart + tipsy trailer: Runaway Indie // balloons: Cutie Pie // custom neon sign: Runaway Indie // acrylic signs: Velvet Fox Designs // donuts & mini cakes: Really Cute Sweets // cookies: Oh So Honeybee // charcuterie boxes: Vibes Delivered