All the Baby Shower Ideas

By Christie Collbran | August 5, 2024
pregnant mom and husband at baby shower

If you’re pregnant and looking for some baby shower ideas… 

We’ve put together some great ones so you can have one less thing to worry about. 

As doulas, we know how important it is to celebrate these moments on your pregnancy journey. 

It might not feel like it right now, but pregnancy goes by in the blink of an eye. Taking time to make special memories is worth it. 

Baby Shower Locations Around Tampa

Firstly, you need to decide where to have your baby shower. We have some wonderful venues around Tampa. If you want to go the indoor, air-conditioned route, there are many options. Keep in mind the number of people attending, as indoor venues may not allow for as much space.

Here are a few great indoor options: 

Also, you can use Giggster or Peerspace to find other rentable spaces near you. 

On the other hand, if you want to be outside for most of the baby shower, there are a wide variety of options around Tampa as well. 

Here are a few outdoor options: 

Whether it is inside, outside, or both…

Your baby shower will be memorable!

So, don’t get too hung up on the location when it comes to baby shower ideas. Either way, you’ll be with people you love, who love you and your baby! 

Baby Shower Themes

Once you select your venue, the next item on your list might be deciding on a theme.

Not everyone dives headfirst into a theme, but they can be so fun. Also, a theme makes it even more unforgettable for everyone involved. 

Here are a few summer-themed baby shower ideas: 

Want to be more gender specific? 

Here are a few boy-themed shower ideas: 

Here are a few girl-themed shower ideas: 

And if you want to be more neutral…

Additionally, here are some great gender-neutral ideas: 

There are so many fun ideas out there. 

Choose one from this list that piques your interest! Or if you want to come up with your own theme, think about defining what matters to you and going from there. 

Baby Shower Games and Activities 

Baby showers are a great opportunity to let out your inner child, play games and have fun! 

Even if you’re not into games… 

There are a few low-key games you could add to your baby shower schedule. 

And a lot of them could greatly benefit you! 

Diaper & Wipes Raffle

On the invitation, tell your guests to bring a package of diapers and wipes.

If they bring this to the baby shower, they’ll get a raffle ticket to enter for a prize.

It’s an extra perk for your guests… and you! Specify which sizes of diapers you would like them to bring. And when it comes to wipes… you can never have too many. 

Sign a Book

Consider this a new take on the traditional guest book signing. 

For this game, select a children’s book that is near and dear to your heart. A book that you want your child to remember! 

Set it up at the entrance of the venue along with a sign with directions for your guests. Then, have them sign the book and add a sweet note. It will make a memorable keepsake for you and your child. 

Guess How Many

Choose an object… baby-related or theme-related. 

Here are a few examples: 

  • Pacifiers 
  • Ceramic figurines (bottles, babies, etc..) 
  • Marbles 
  • Cereal 
  • Sprinkles 
  • Candies

Then, fill a jar with this object. Make sure to count how many you put inside it. Have your guests guess the number. The person who is closest to the number wins a prize!

Late-Night Diaper Messages

Okay, listen…

When you enter the postpartum period, it is an amazing but also a challenging time. 

Spit-up, blowout poopy diapers, lack of sleep, weary nights….

It’s all part of the process. 

Something your guests can do is provide encouragement. 

So, in preparation for those early days… get a few packages of newborn and/or size 1 diapers out.

Using a Sharpie, have your guests write sweet, encouraging messages on them. Then, you’ll have a plethora of encouragement during those late-night diaper changes…

And those hard midday ones too.  

You won’t regret executing this baby shower idea!

Measure The Belly

Before the shower begins, measure your pregnant belly with some measuring tape, string or other object. Write down the measurement and keep it hidden. 

At a designated table, provide a space for your guests to guess the measurement. Quick, easy, and fun for your guests! 

Warning: This game may cause unsolicited looks and touches to your pregnant belly. 

Guessing the Birthday

For this game, your guests will guess when your baby will be born. 

You can share your due date with them, or not. 

Have your guests write down their guess birth date on a piece of paper or provide a calendar for them to sign their name on the day. 

After the baby is born, announce the winner. If you have a prize for them, ask them to come visit you to pick it up, or you can mail it to them. But a prize doesn’t have to be mandatory. They can also just have bragging rights for being the winner and you can share it on social media for fun. 

Registry Ideas for Your Baby Shower 

Handling the baby gift registry can be super overwhelming. 

If you’re a first-time parent, it can be hard to decide what you need. 

Hearing opinions from every direction can make it even harder to decide. Just know that our doulas are here to help you make decisions.

Luckily, there are several great places to create a baby registry. Having a registry makes it way easier to receive gifts you actually want and need.  

Here they are: 

Many registry sites give you perks, discounts, and free gifts. So, whichever you choose, you’re covered. Each of these options also makes it easy for your guests to look up your registry. 

Overwhelmed? We Can Help… Doula Style

Lastly, at your baby shower, you should be receiving a lot of baby items… (not just cute baby clothes.)

Allow your doula to make some recommendations as to what could be most helpful to you!  We also have this helpful blog post to get you started with different categories of items we recommend: The Best Baby Registry – Advice from a Postpartum Doula.

Remember… 

Motherhood is a journey many have traveled. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel. 

But, there are many opinions. 

Sometimes, it can help to have an objective, understanding ear and trustworthy advice to help guide you. 

Let us know if you need our help. We’re here to help with anything related to your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum journey!

Posted in Birth Prep, Your Pregnancy

About Christie Collbran

Christie believes in helping women recognize their own inner wisdom, strength and power. Having served as President of the Tampa Bay Birth Network for six years and with ten years serving families as a birth doula, she has a reputation for leadership, dedication and compassion. A childbirth educator, certified lactation counselor as well as a certified doula, she makes a point of ensuring mothers and their partners understand all their birthing options and what to expect on their journey.> keep reading