Baby Shower Ideas: How to Plan It, Games and Gifts

[ГОЛОВНЕ ФОТО (прев’ю): усміхнена вагітна жінка з подругами відкриває подарунки серед кульок у ніжних тонах]

A baby shower is a celebration for the mum-to-be, hosted by friends and family a few weeks before the birth. The idea is to support her, give useful things for the baby and spend a warm afternoon together before life changes. Here is what a baby shower is, how it differs from a gender reveal, how to plan it, which games to play and what to give.

More on this topic: gender reveal party, gifts for a pregnant woman, new baby wishes.

What a baby shower is

The name means “showering” the mum-to-be with gifts for the baby. The tradition has been around in the United States for over a century and has become popular in Ukraine in recent years. It is usually held at 28–36 weeks, when mum still feels energetic and the birth is a few weeks away.

The hosts are the mum-to-be’s best friend, sister or mother — not the mum herself. A classic baby shower is a women-only affair, but increasingly dads and the couple’s friends are invited too.

How to plan a baby shower

Venue and timing. At home, in a cosy café, on a terrace or in a park, on a weekend afternoon. Keep it to 2–3 hours, as it is tiring for a pregnant woman to sit or stand for long; provide a comfy chair and cushions.

Guests and invitations. 8–15 of the closest people. Send invitations 3–4 weeks ahead with the date, address, theme and, if you like, a wish list so gifts are not duplicated.

Decor and food. Soft colours — dusty pink, sage, beige, pale blue — balloons, flowers without a strong scent and an “Oh baby” photo corner. Serve light snacks, fruit, cupcakes, soft drinks and pregnancy-safe food: no raw meat, raw fish or unpasteurised cheese.

[фото: стіл бебі-шауеру з капкейками, кульками в пастельних тонах і фотозоною «Oh baby»]

Baby shower games

Measure the bump. Guests cut a ribbon to the length they think fits around mum’s belly; the closest wins. Guess the date and weight. Everyone writes down their prediction for the birth date, length and weight; the cards are sealed and opened after the baby arrives.

Whose baby photo? Guests send in their own baby photos beforehand and everyone guesses who is who. Advice for the parents. Everyone writes one piece of advice or a wish on a card for mum to keep in the baby album.

Decorate a bodysuit. Guests paint plain white bodysuits with fabric paint for the baby to wear in the first months. Speed dressing. Who can dress a doll in a bodysuit and hat fastest — blindfolded?

What to give at a baby shower

For the baby: bodysuits and sleepsuits in sizes 62–68 (newborn sizes are often already covered), muslins, a hooded towel, a sling, board books and soft toys with no small parts. For mum: a nursing pillow, a comfortable robe, pregnancy-safe skincare and a voucher for a massage or a cleaner.

A popular gift is a nappy cake decorated with ribbons and a toy. A bouquet in soft tones complements any present and makes the photos festive. For more ideas, see gifts for a pregnant woman.

[фото: торт із підгузків зі стрічками й м’якою іграшкою поруч із букетом]

Baby shower checklist

• A date at 28–36 weeks, agreed with mum
• Invitations and a wish list 3–4 weeks ahead
• A comfy chair and cushions for mum
• Soft-coloured decor and a photo corner
• Pregnancy-safe food
• Two or three games and small prizes
• Cards for advice and wishes
• Someone to take photos

Flowers for the mum-to-be

Choose flowers for a pregnant woman without a strong scent: roses, hydrangeas, lisianthus or spray roses in soft tones. A boxed arrangement is practical: no vase needed, and it is easy to move away from the baby later.

View full-size photo

See flowers for mum and soft toys.

View full-size photo

FAQ

What is a baby shower in simple terms?

A pre-birth party for the mum-to-be where friends and family give things for the baby and show their support.

When is a baby shower held?

Usually at 28–36 weeks of pregnancy, while mum still feels well.

Who hosts a baby shower?

Friends, a sister or mum’s mother. The mum-to-be usually does not host, but she can share a wish list.

What should you give at a baby shower?

Baby items (bodysuits, muslins, a towel, books), comfort gifts for mum, a nappy cake and a bouquet without a strong scent.

View full-size photo

Author: Maria Svitlovir

Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.