Planning a Baby Shower? Here is Everything You Ever Needed to Know About Baby Shower

If you’re new to the concept and wondering what is a baby shower, it’s a celebration held in honor of an expectant mother to welcome the new baby and offer love, support, and practical gifts. Traditionally, baby showers are organized by close friends or family and serve as a beautiful way to commemorate the soon-to-arrive little one. Want to know more?

This blog post will provide you with every information that you need to plan a baby shower. Stick till the conclusion to become the master of hosting a baby shower. Let’s get you started!

Why Have a Baby Shower?

You may ask yourself, what are baby showers for? The answer is simple: they’re about love, celebration, and preparation. Having a baby is a wonderful and life-changing experience—but it also brings a long checklist of things to do. A baby shower helps lighten that load by allowing friends and family to offer gifts, advice, and emotional support.

Whether building a nursery or stocking up on essentials, baby showers make the process fun and communal. They’re also a great opportunity to create lasting memories. So, if you’re unsure, remember this is a celebration of a major life chapter.

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Why Is It Called a Baby Shower?

You might be curious—why is it called a baby shower? The term “shower” comes from “showering” the expectant mother with gifts, love, and good wishes. While the term itself is relatively modern, the tradition goes back centuries.

Origins and Baby Shower Traditions

Baby shower traditions have evolved, but they stem from historical rituals. While the exact origins are unclear, some believe baby showers date back to ancient Greece. After giving birth, new mothers were secluded, and family and friends would bring essential gifts to support the newborn and the mother.

Another theory suggests that in ancient Rome, baby showers were held to ward off evil spirits by making noise and offering offerings. Over time, these customs evolved into the joyous and heartfelt baby shower traditions we know today—complete with themed decor, food, games, and gifts.

Read more: How Private Chefs Make Baby Shower Hosting Stylish and Stress-Free

When Do People Have Baby Showers?

One of the most frequently asked questions is: When do people have baby showers? While there’s no hard rule, baby showers are typically held during the final trimester—about four to six weeks before the due date. This timing allows the expectant mother to be comfortable enough to enjoy the celebration while giving her time to organize gifts and prepare for the baby’s arrival.

If you’re wondering when people normally have a baby shower, the answer is usually the seventh or eighth month of pregnancy. However, for second or third children (often referred to as “sprinkles”), a baby shower may be held closer to the due date—usually two to three weeks before.

Who Plans the Baby Shower?

A common question is: Who plans baby shower events? Traditionally, a close friend, sister, cousin, or even a group of friends takes on the planning. The idea is to allow the mom-to-be to relax while someone else organizes the day.

However, who plans the baby shower can vary. Some moms prefer to be hands-on, while others hire a professional event planner. Regardless of who’s in charge, the goal is to plan a thoughtful and personalized celebration that reflects the mother’s personality and preferences.

Read more: Stress-Free Baby Shower Brunch Ideas (With the Perfect Menu & Private Chef)

How to Throw a Memorable Baby Shower

If you’ve been assigned the task, throwing a baby shower can be a fun yet intricate responsibility. Begin by asking the honoree what kind of event she envisions—whether it’s women-only, coed, themed, or casual.

Build your to-do list early. Decide on a theme, send out invitations, set up a gift registry, and select a venue. Think about catering, decorations, and baby shower games to keep guests entertained. Ensure the food, decor, and activities align with the mother’s style.

Who to Invite?

Crafting the guest list can feel tricky. Keep it simple by prioritizing close family and friends. The guest list should reflect those the expectant mom would be most comfortable with.

If it’s a surprise party, consider who she talks to most and who knows her best. Don’t feel obligated to include distant acquaintances. Quality beats quantity in creating an intimate and joyful environment.

Read more: Cincinnati Recipes for a Baby Shower

Ideal Places to Host a Baby Shower

Choosing a venue is essential. Popular options include:

• The mom-to-be’s home – is familiar, comfortable, and budget-friendly.
• A close friend’s or relative’s house – perfect for smaller gatherings with a personal touch.
• Renting a space at a café or local event venue – ideal for larger parties or if you’re looking for a stylish and unique atmosphere.

The key is to choose a location that’s accessible, cozy, and easy to decorate.

Games and Activities to Make It Fun

Want to make the celebration truly unforgettable? Include a few fun games and activities! Some top picks include:

• Guess the Belly Size – a hilarious classic.
• Diaper Changing Relay Race – keeps the energy high.
• Blindfolded Baby Food Tasting – a tasty challenge.

Games help break the ice and make sure everyone is engaged and entertained.

Read more: 10 Lexington-Inspired Games for a Memorable Baby Shower

Delicious Baby Shower Food and Drinks

The menu is a critical part of your celebration. Whether you’re planning something casual or gourmet, here are a few must-haves:

• Mocktails like Cucumber Mint Melon Coolers are refreshing and baby-bump friendly.
• Chocolate Mousse and Red Velvet Cupcakes – dessert favorites.
• Finger Sandwiches, Chicken Gyros, and Fajita Quesadillas – for guests who want something savory.

Want to go the extra mile? You can hire a personal chef to create a custom menu, which is especially helpful if you’re planning a more upscale affair. (For events in Ohio, CookinGenie offers an excellent in-home chef experience that adds a special touch.)

Thoughtful Gift Ideas for Baby Showers

Looking for meaningful gifts? Consider these unique ideas:

• A personalized world map – perfect for travel-loving new parents.
• A gourmet spice set – ideal for foodies.
• A CookinGenie gift card – so they can enjoy a home-cooked meal without lifting a finger.

Whatever you choose, the best gifts are thoughtful and practical.

Read more: How to Host a Budget-Friendly Baby Shower in Tampa?

10 Unique Baby Shower Ideas to Inspire You

If you’re bored of traditional baby shower themes, here are ten unique options:

1. Choose Your Adventure Shower – guests vote on themed options.
2. Coed Baby Shower – invite dads, brothers, and male friends too!
3. BINGO Shower – baby-themed fun for everyone.
4. Diaper Raffle – a great way to build up essential supplies.
5. Potluck Shower – share the culinary responsibility.
6. Scavenger Hunt – for a fun twist.
7. Baby’s Firsts Theme – celebrate upcoming milestones.
8. Character-Themed Shower – think Disney, Sesame Street, or favorite childhood books.
9. Photo Booth Party – snap lasting memories.
10. Digital Baby Shower – perfect for guests who can’t attend in person.

These themes make your baby shower unforgettable and fun for all.

In the End

Planning a baby shower doesn’t have to be stressful. With creativity, organization, and heart, you can create a day the mom-to-be will cherish forever. If you’re still asking yourself when people do baby showers or what a baby shower should look like, the answer is—whatever feels right for the guest of honor.

Read more: Tips to Plan a Perfect Baby Shower in Cleveland

If you need help planning food or want to take it up a notch, consider hiring a personal chef to create a custom dining experience. At CookinGenie, our chefs help you build the perfect menu for any special occasion. Get started on planning a celebration filled with warmth, joy, and love!