A baby shower is a special gathering of close friends and family to celebrate a mum-to-be (or parents-to-be) and to help provide items she’ll need for the new addition to the family.

For many, being responsible for planning a baby shower can be stressful, but if you start planning early you’ll be organised and will feel in control.

To make things easier, we’ve prepared a Planning a Baby Shower Checklist to help you plan a fun and memorable day for everyone.

When is a baby shower held?

Normally a baby shower is held in the last one or two months of the pregnancy, but you can hold it any time that’s suits the mum-to-be. 

Why is a baby shower held?

A baby shower shows support for the mum-to-be which is important for any parent to be, but particularly a first-time parent. Guests can share positive stories advice to put the parent-to-be at ease.

Also, the shower helps the parents set up a nursery. Gifts help relieve money worries and provide key essentials that a new parent may not realise they even need. 

Should you involve the mum-to-be in the planning and preparations?

Whilst you should run past the big details like the guest list, preferred date/venue, present list, etc. the mum-to-be shouldn't be responsible for very much of the planning. The shower should be an opportunity to spoil her and for her to relax.

Planning A Baby Shower Checklist

1. Prepare a guest list

• You’ll need to ask the mum-to-be who they’d like to invite.
• Create a list of all invitees and keep a record of RSVPs, so that you know who is attending.

2. Prepare a list of needed baby gift items

• Ask the mum-to-be what items she needs for her new addition.
• Collate a list of needed baby gift ideas and provide this to all guests with the invitation.
• If an expensive item is on the list, perhaps suggest a group present where people contribute the same amount for the item to be purchased
• Don’t forget pampering gifts for the mum-to-be may also be very welcome and she might not mention this.

3. Set the date and hours

• Confirm with the mum-to-be the best date for her and her family.
• A shower normally lasts for 3 - 4 hours. Pregnant women often are quite weary in their last trimester, so be mindful that you don’t make the shower last too long.

4. Find a venue

• Consult with the mum-to-be about her preferred venue. She might like it to be held at a friend’s or relative’s home, or she’d prefer a relaxed outdoor picnic in a park or a meal in a restaurant or cafe.
• Make sure you choose a place with enough room for the number of guests you’re inviting.
• You’ll need to consider the time of year, weather and everyone’s budget when choosing a venue.

5. Choose a theme

• Check with the mum-to-be if she’d like a theme, she might like a fuss-free gathering.
• If you’ve decided on a theme, then select one that reflects the personality of the mum-to-be.
• Make sure the theme guides the style of the invitation, decoration, food selection and games.

6. Invitations

• Select invites that reflect the theme of the day and style of the vent (remember to include an RSVP date on the invite). You could send out a printed invite, an email, text or create a Facebook event.
• We recommend including a list of needed baby gift items with the invite to help guests buy a suitable baby present.
• Send out the invites 4 to 6 weeks prior to the event to give everyone plenty of notice.

7. Select a designated friend to be the photographer

• Pick a friend who you know can take good photos and make them the designated photographer for the day. Confirm that they are happy to do this for the mum-to-be.
• Tell the photographer the type of photos you’d like captured, e.g., candid snaps of guests, group shot, mum opening presents, etc. By doing this there will be some great memories of the day for everyone.

8. Plan the menu and drinks

• Planning the menu for the event will depend on the budget. If everyone is happy to pay a cost per head, a stunning grazing table will make the day incredibly special.
• For a cheaper option, consider ordering food boxes (as above) or platters to use to create your own light spread for guests.
• Alternatively, ask each guest to bring a plate. Make sure you allocate the type of food they should bring, e.g., dessert, salad, sandwiches, to avoid guests bringing the same type of foods.
• You could also order or make cupcakes or a cake in keeping with your theme.
• Purchase soft drinks, tea and coffee if hosting the event at a private home.
• Ask everyone to bring their own alcoholic beverages to reduce costs.
• If you want to provide guests with a party favour, consider small treats like cookies, cupcakes, or chocolates.

9. Plan games

• Opening the gifts is a traditional baby shower activity, and a wonderful way to get guests chatting. We think planning a few games is necessary. They’re great ice breakers for guests who may not know other guests and are often lots of fun. Consider buying small prizes to make the games more interesting.
• You don’t want more than four games and they should be inclusive for all people (with and without kids).
• For some ideas check out First Response’s website: 32 Fun Baby Shower Games

10. Buy or hire decorations

• If you have a theme, you can head to your local party store and select decorations to match. Banners, balloons, streamers, tablecloths, confetti, and floral arrangements can all add a festive feel to the shower.
• If you’re arranging for the hire of furniture or decor, call and book items required 4 weeks prior to the event.
• If possible, decorate the venue the evening prior to the baby shower to prevent stress. If not possible, allow at least 2 -3 hours on the day prior to the start time to set up.
• Put together a playlist to set the mood.

11. Confirm and prepare food

• If using a caterer, contact them one week prior to the shower to confirm your order and any set up or delivery or pick up times on the day.
• If guests are bringing food, send them a friendly reminder of what they should be bringing.
• If you’re preparing food, make sure you shop the day prior and do any preparation prior to the big day to ensure you’re not stressed out before everyone arrives trying to get everything done.
• Lastly, enjoy the special day!

Best baby shower gift ideas

At Present Box we've got some great gift ideas for a new baby. We also recommend considering an indulgent pampering gift for the mum-to-be because she won't have a lot of time for self-care once a new baby arrives.

Our unique baby boxes are the perfect gift for a new born as they are filled with practical quality products that are fun and functional.

Baby gift box range

Our baby gift box range includes:

• New Baby: A gender neutral gift box filled with stylish baby items
• It's A Girl!: A delightful pink filled baby box.
• It's A Boy!: A beautiful blue filled baby box.

For more information on the baby gift boxes click here.

Self-care gifts for mum

Don't forget that self-care gifts will be greatly appreciated by a new mum or mum-to-be, as often she'll be putting herself last. Spending money on pampering herself may be viewed as indulgent and not a priority at the time a new baby is about to arrive.

Our range of quality pampering gift boxes will make any mum-to-be feel like a queen.  For our range of perfect gift boxes simply click here.



The Present Box team xxx