Baby Shower: Games, Ideas, Decorations & Gifts – the Complete Guide

How to plan a baby shower: games, ideas, decorations & gifts

A baby shower (also called a babyparty) celebrates the mum-to-be and the baby on the way. To make the day unforgettable, here's everything a great baby shower needs: the best games, creative ideas & themes, decorations, food, tips for the invitation and, of course, the loveliest gift ideas.

Baby shower games: the most popular classics

Games are the heart of every baby shower – they break the ice and guarantee plenty of laughs. Here are the best baby shower games:

Guess the bump size

Each guest uses a piece of string to estimate the size of mum's bump. Whoever comes closest wins – usually with lots of laughter over the guesses.

Guess the baby food

Different jars of baby food are tasted blind and guessed. It sounds easy but is surprisingly tricky and very funny.

Who's that baby? Photo game

All guests bring a baby photo of themselves. The photos are displayed and everyone guesses who is who.

Dummy hunt

Dummies (pacifiers) are hidden around the room or garden for guests to find – a great little ice-breaker.

Diaper change race

Blindfolded or one-handed, players have to change a doll's nappy. The fastest nappy-changer wins.

Clothes-peg game

No one is allowed to say the word “baby”. Anyone who does hands over a clothes peg. Whoever has the most at the end wins.

Guess the due date & weight

Everyone guesses the baby's birth date, weight and length. It's revealed after the birth – a lovely keepsake that lasts beyond the party.

Wishes & tips for the parents

Each guest writes a short piece of advice or a wish for the parents-to-be on a card – a touching memento to keep.

Baby shower ideas & themes

A consistent theme makes every baby shower special. Popular baby shower ideas:

• Clouds & stars – soft pastels, clouds and stars, gender-neutral and always lovely.
• Boho & eucalyptus – natural tones, dried flowers and greenery for an elegant shower.
• Gender reveal – the baby shower with the big reveal, boy or girl.
• Animals & safari – cute animal motifs, perfect for a cheerful mood.
• Classic pink or blue – when the gender is already known.
• Pastel candy bar – a sweet corner as an eye-catcher and activity station.

Baby shower decorations: tips for the perfect look

With the right decorations, a living room turns into a festive baby shower venue in no time:

• Balloon garlands in the theme colours as a central eye-catcher.
• A “baby” letter garland or a banner with the baby's name.
• Pompoms, bunting and lanterns for height and colour in the room.
• A decorated candy or sweet table as the centrepiece.
• Fresh or dried flowers for an elegant touch.
• A diaper cake as cake-like table decor that later becomes a gift – practical and decorative at once.

Baby shower food & finger food

At a baby shower, keep it light and lovingly presented. Tried-and-tested buffet ideas:

• Finger food like mini quiches, wraps, skewers and filled rolls.
• A candy bar with cupcakes, cake pops, macarons and biscuits in the theme colours.
• Fruit skewers and healthy snacks – fresh and colourful.
• Alcohol-free drinks & mocktails so the mum-to-be can join in.
• A themed cake or baby shower cake as a sweet highlight.

Baby shower invitation

The invitation sets the tone. Send it about 3–4 weeks in advance and include the date, time, venue, theme or dress code and – if you wish – gift ideas or a wish list. A short, warm line makes it personal, for example: “Soon we'll be three – celebrate with us before the little wonder arrives!”

Baby shower gifts: the loveliest ideas

The perfect baby shower gift is practical, original and from the heart. Especially popular are diaper cakes – they combine useful nappies and baby items with a lovely look and are an eye-catcher on the gift table. More ideas:

• A diaper cake, personalised with the baby's name on request.
• Personalised baby gifts like embroidered blankets or rompers.
• Care and newborn-essentials sets for the first weeks.
• A voucher for the young family – always a safe choice.

Baby shower vs. babyparty – what's the difference?

“Baby shower” is the English term, originally from the USA, where the mum-to-be is “showered” with gifts and good wishes. “Babyparty” is the term used in German-speaking countries. Today both mean the same thing – a celebration of the joyful anticipation of the baby, whatever you call it.

Frequently asked questions about baby showers

What games do you play at a baby shower?

Popular ones are “guess the bump size”, guessing baby food, the clothes-peg game (no one may say “baby”), a diaper-change race and guessing the due date and weight. They're easy to prepare and great fun.

What are some ideas for a baby shower?

A consistent theme makes the difference – such as “clouds & stars”, boho with eucalyptus, safari/animals or a gender-reveal party. Add matching decorations, a candy bar and games to round it off.

What shouldn't be missing at a baby shower?

The essentials are a few games, something to eat (finger food & a candy bar), decorations in the theme colours and, of course, gifts for the mum-to-be – for example a diaper cake as a practical eye-catcher.

Who organises and pays for the baby shower?

Traditionally a close friend or sister hosts the baby shower as a surprise for the mum-to-be and covers the main costs; often several guests share the expenses. The mum-to-be should simply be celebrated on her day.

The loveliest baby shower gift

Games, decorations and food are planned – now all that's missing is the gift. Our handmade diaper cakes are the ideal baby shower gift: practical, original and personalisable on request.