Rattle-Shaped Bath Bombs Are the Ingenious Idea You Need for Your Next Baby Shower
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There are a few tried-and-true conversations people love to have when it comes to babies: coming up with baby names (that they like and dislike, of course), fawning over how adorable newborn clothes are (so tiny!) and — perhaps the most fun of all — talking about the baby shower. That’s because, unlike so many other, more anxiety-ridden aspects of welcoming a new addition to the family, the baby shower can be all joy and excitement.
And it’s in these talks that you, as the host, can get a sense of what the parent- or parents-to-be envision for their big day. Are they hoping for a big party, with catered food and professional décor? Is a more rustic setting up their alley? Do they already have a theme in mind — or a must-play game?
Whichever route they want to take, there are plenty of options to throw an amazing baby shower—in exactly the way the works best for the guest or guests of honor. Here you’ll find inspirational and fun baby shower ideas for 2023 for all kinds of parties, themes and sizes, with food, favors, games décor and invitation ideas as well. Scroll through this list to get some ideas, consider running them by the parent- or parents-to-be, and then enjoy some prepping, baking and arranging.
DIY Ice Cream Bar
Has the parent-to-be been having midnight ice cream cravings? Go all in on it with an indulgent — and pretty! — ice cream bar, like the one pictured here.
Charcuterie Cups
For an app that looks fancy but is also super simple to pull off, try these charcuterie cups, which you can place on your food table or individually at each guest’s seat. Also great? You can tailor the cups to fit a variety of themes, like using only candy or breakfast items.
See more at Inspired by Charm »
Bath Bomb Rattles
Go the adorable and useful route with these baby rattle bath bombs favors, which can be made using a Cricut and a few other simple supplies, like a glue gun and bath bombs — in whatever color best matches your theme, of course!
Book Character Activity
Have fond memories of reading Clifford and Winnie-the-Pooh as a kid? Then why not quiz your guests’ on the names of these and many other cherished characters in this “storybook guess who game” that comes together with just a few standard supplies.
See more at Crafting Cheerfully »
Colorful Cake Pops
We love a good “ready to pop”-themed shower, but for a fun twist, consider the “pop by and celebrate” take they went with here for an all-day fête where guests came and went as they pleased. You can pair it with other "pop"-themed items, like popcorn and popsicles.
See more at Crazy Little Projects »
Fur Heart Décor
Faux fur, which comes in tons of different colors, takes center stage in this sweet and standout heart. As shown in this post, it can be hung as is, framed or even mounted on a wooden background for a more rustic feel.
Mulling Spices Favor
While these charming little jars of mulling spices were designed for Thanksgiving, they’d also make a fun favor for a fall-themed baby shower — or simply one being held in the latter half of the year. Bonus: You can make them yourself in just five quick steps.
Sunflower Kissing Balls
Here’s some inspo for a “you are my sunshine” themed-shower! The secret to creating these adorable “sunflower kissing balls?” Yellow whiffle balls. (Really!) And if you’re hosting your party at a venue and can’t hang them, you can also simply display them on a dessert table or even use them as centerpieces.
See more at Crafts By Amanda »
DIY Headband Activity
For a twist on the typical "decorate-your-own-bodysuit" activity, consider making headbands instead. All you have to do is put out some ribbons, glue and other accessories and let your guests do their thing. At this shower, the person who made the design the guest-of-honor liked best was awarded a prize.
See more at All for the Memories »
Itsy Bitsy Spider — and Friends
Sure, your guests might still know all the words to Itsy Bitsy Spider or London Bridge—but can they decode the title of the nursery rhyme when it’s spelled out in … emojis? See if they can with this interactive activity.
Hand-Painted Desserts
These gorgeous, hand-painted sugar cookies would look as good on a baby shower dessert table as they would wrapped and given out as favors. And the best part is, though they look hard to make, they come together in just a few steps — and can, of course, be coordinated with your color scheme.
See more at Handmade Farmhouse »
Set Sail
The many sweet touches — a rope ball, blue-white-and-red color scheme, Cricut-made sailboat décor — help bring this nautical themed baby shower together.
Paint the World Pink Theme
While this “Paint the World Pink” party wasn’t created specifically for a baby shower, leaning into this one-color theme — and its décor, like a hand-painted globe — will definitely add some wow factor to your fête.
Library-Theme Invite
Channel the vibe of an old-school card catalog with this cute and creative invite, made specifically for a “book-themed” baby shower. Add in a slew of other touches, like bookmark favors, to really make it feel complete.
See more at The Merry Thought »
Wooden Bead Wreath
Looking for a pretty piece of décor to welcome guests to an at-home baby shower — that the parents-to-be can then repurpose in the baby’s nursery? This wooden bead wreath is quick to come together — less than 30 minutes, they say! — and you can choose the color and type of faux flowers you use.
Umbrella Décor
Another fun idea for an “April Showers”-themed fête? These cute paper umbrellas, which are made using paper, air dry clay, wire and a few other materials.
See more at One Little Project »
Monogram Décor
This floral monogram letter, created using a Cricut, felt for the flowers and other easy-to-get supplies, can be customized to fit your color scheme and would look great on a dessert table or at the entrance to the shower.
Get the tutorial at Happiness Is Homemade »
Little Lumberjack Theme
Break out the buffalo plaid for this sweet lumberjack-themed baby shower, and then use it as inspo for your own dessert table, complete with on-theme cupcakes, cookies and easy-to-incorporate details. It works for a winter shower, or for anyone who loves those woodland vibes.
See more at Jordan’s Easy Entertaining »
Pie Bar
You’ve done the cake table already, so why not try a pie bar, perfect for a Little Pumpkin-themed baby shower — or really, any shower that calls for a delicious (and creative!) dessert table, complete with colorful pie stands.
See more at See Vanessa Craft »
Baby Photo Game
A hoop wreath and a few baby pictures of the parents-to-be are the basis for this adorable DIY Hoop Wreath Baby Guessing Game. Who will the baby look like?
Get the tutorial at Domestically Blissful »
Blueberry Muffins
If you're looking for something to serve at your shower, nothing beats a classic. Go traditional with these blueberry muffins. What makes them stand out? Buttermilk — plus a little turbinado sugar for good measure.
Get Good Housekeeping's blueberry muffin recipe »
Baby Block Invites
These imaginative invites, based on the work of designer and architect Alexander-Girard, can be folded flat for mailing — and leave quite an impression when they're popped back out into their block form.
See more at The House that Lars Built »
Chocolate-Dipped Hearts Favor
Show the mom-to-be how much you love her with these sweet chocolate candy spoons with hearts, which come together in about an hour with just a few ingredients, like candy melts and fondant. Display they on a dessert table or even wrap them to give as a favor.
Get the tutorial at A Sparkle of Genius »
Star Wars Theme
For a creative take on a classic movie, consider a Star Wars Baby Jedi theme, which can come together with lots of cute touches, like balloons masks and a black-and-gold color scheme.
See more at Laura’s Little Party »
Photo Line Décor
It’s so much more fun to see pics printed out right away, which is what makes this Polaroid photobooth the tops. The fact that guests wrote a note to the mom-to-be on each is just icing on the cake.
See more at Almost Makes Perfect »
April Showers Theme
Lean into the whole shower part of the baby shower with an “April Showers” themed party, like this one from Giggles Galore. The perfect centerpiece? A rain boot flower arrangement!
Diaper Cake
If there isn't a diaper cake, is it even a baby shower? You can DIY a diaper cake yourself, or buy these pre-made ones from The Honest Company.
Creamy Cannoli Dip
Consider this the perfect companion to cake: Place a bowl of this no-bake cannoli dip — and all its fixings (hello, waffle cookies and strawberries!) — at each table or make a big batch for the buffet table.
Get the Good Housekeeping recipe for cannoli dip »
Baby Feet Cupcake Toppers
For a sweet take on a cupcake topper, try your hand at creating this baby feet-themed style. And the difficulty level for this treat? Beginner!
Get the tutorial at Persia Lou »
Gender-Neutral Shower
With a chic, long white table and chairs, The Blonde Abroad's gender-neutral shower featured a “graze-style picnic lunch” for a fun twist on the traditional sit-down meal.
See more at The Blonde Abroad »
Wish Bracelet Favors
Guests can make a wish — for themselves or the new addition — and then wear this cute bracelet, which works so well as a favor. Meaningful and sweet. It was part of a shower with a "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" theme.
Air Plant Place Cards
Small but impressive, you can DIY these mini air plant wreath place cards to add a personalized touch to your guest tables. It's something you can pull off no matter what time of year you hold the shower.
Find the tutorial at Lovely Indeed »
Fall Theme
This “Oct2berfest” twin baby shower leans in on a season that goes big on all things fall, from pumpkins to candy corn. It's a great theme if you don't want something that screams "baby shower."
Who Knows Mama Best? Game
Before the big day, ask the mom-to-be a few key favorites. Then hand out these adorable printable “Who Knows Mama Best?” game sheets at the shower, and see which guests come up with the most correct responses.
See more at Hey Let's Make Stuff »
White Chocolate-Dipped Madeleines
If you need a last-minute addition to your menu, it takes just 30 minutes to create these chocolate-dipped madeleines, which are made with — surprise! — cookies you can pick up from your nearest grocery store.
Get the Good Housekeeping recipe for white chocolate-dipped madeleines »
Aqua and Green Theme
An “aqua, green, and chalk” themed baby shower is a bright twist on the pastels that usually dominate baby showers. Find lots of sweet décor ideas to match, including printable toppers that are great for muffins, like the ones shown here, or cupcakes.
See more at Let’s DIY It All »
Cali Cool Baby Shower Invites
Set the tone right from the start with these super cute cactus invites— that you can totally make yourself. These were used for a baby shower with a Palm Springs theme, which is both colorful and creative.
Get the tutorial at A Beautiful Mess »
Cupcake Party Hat Toppers
These fun party hat cupcake toppers, made with colorful paper, come together in just 10 minutes — but the results look like you spent way longer. They make store-bought cupcakes feel extra personal.
Get the tutorial at Oh Yay Studio »
Neutral Photo Backdrop
Whether the photos will be posted to Instagram or secured in a scrapbook, setting up a creative backdrop like the one, with the baby block prop, is almost a guarantee you’ll get some great shots. The color palette is neutral, but the shower was actually teddy bear-themed.
Baby Predictions and Advice Game
For a game that guests can play at their leisure, these body-suit game sheets are all you'd need. On them, guests can include their predictions for the baby's stats, as well as advice to the new parents.
Fall Centerpiece
Grab some mason jars, lace and a few other supplies to create these stand-out vases to use as centerpieces, like those at this gender-neutral fall baby shower.
Get the tutorial at Design Improvised »
Roasted Cauliflower Tacos
Shake up your classic taco combos with this fun take, featuring cauliflower, slaw and a slew of spices that takes just 25 minutes to make.
Get the Good Housekeeping recipe for roasted cauliflower tacos »
Balloon Décor
A simple décor trick: balloons! These pink and gold balloons, which were used for a “gold, pink and glam”-themed baby sprinkle, add a nice pop against a white wall, along with cute banners as accents.
Succulent-Themed Desserts
A baby shower with a succulent theme deserves equally as creative sweets, and these chocolate mousse succulent desserts — made with chocolate mousse, Oreos and succulent-shaped candy molds — really fit the bill (er, menu)!
Get the full tutorial at Meaningful Mama »
Mo Willems-Inspired Theme
You might not want to let the pigeon drive the bus, but you do want to let him be the inspiration for a super cute baby shower theme. This shower takes inspiration from The Pigeon Needs a Bath by Mo Willems, complete with bath-themed diaper cake, rubber ducks and other cute details.
Diaper Bouquet
New parents can always use more diapers, and what more adorable way to incorporate that into a baby shower than with a diaper bouquet? You can make them easily with supplies like diapers (of course), tissue paper and craft sticks.
Get the tutorial at The Best Ideas for Kids »
Jet Setter Favor
What “Welcome to the World” or travel-themed baby shower would be complete without a cute suitcase-style shower favor? In this case, the flight number is the baby's due date. Inside was a bag M&Ms.
Biscuits and Bubbly Them
This “Biscuits and Bubbly” shower — held on the same day as the Kentucky Derby — featured lots of great fixings, including biscuits (of course) and some well-displayed jam favors.
See more at Pretty Plain Janes »
Over the Moon Theme
A sweet Over the Moon theme set the stage for this fun baby shower, which included creating these stylish shibori dye bodysuits and other baby accessories.
Umbrella Invite
Let your guests in on all the party details with these pretty DIY invites. They're as easy as printing and personalizing yourself!
See more at Tried and True Creative »
Repurposed Bottle Centerpiece
The mom-to-be might not be drinking, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take some leftover wine bottles and create these pretty candle centerpieces, complete with greenery to give it a festive look. You can alternate the wine bottles with smaller medicine bottles, too.
Get the tutorial at Lily Ardor »
BBQ Theme
Head outside to celebrate the new addition. This take on a traditional BBQ includes lots of cute touches, like homemade lemonade, red gingham accents and honey pots as favors.
See more at Amy’s Party Ideas »
Sea-Salted Nut Butter Cups
Here’s what we love about these nut buttery candies: They work great piled high on a dessert table — or, wrap a few in cellophane and tie with a ribbon or place them in a colorful box and they easily double as a favor.
Get the Good Housekeeping recipe for sea-salted nut butter cups »
Hot Air Balloon Lollipop Favors
Send guests home with these super stylish — and adorable — lollipop hot air balloon favors perfect for a hot air balloon-themed shower. Go with blue, as they did here, or opt for another color to match your theme.
Get the tutorial at Pretty Providence »
Floor Seating
Laid-back floor seating adds to the laid-back atmosphere of a this baby shower, which the hosts pull off with pillows, a jute rug and petty table settings.
See more at Mint Event Design »
Colorful Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs to match your color scheme? Yes, please! These recipes for rainbow deviled eggs — from pink to green to yellow — can help you do just that.
Get the Good Housekeeping recipe for colorful deviled eggs »
"Bug Juice" Drink
Nature lovers will, well, love a camping-themed baby shower, with lots of fun food-centered touches, like a baked potato and chili bar, s’mores bar (with mini burners!) — even “bug juice” served in mason jars.
Neon Sign
If you know the baby's name, a neon sign is a unique way to shout it to the world, while also providing a great photo backdrop.
Cotton Candy Mocktail
Who says a baby shower has to be so adult? Up the playful factor with these colorful (and color-customizable) Cotton Candy Mocktails. The kids will love them!
Get the recipe at Kid Friendly Things to Do »
Black and Pink Theme
The DIY elements, like the embroidery hoops and vases wrapped in thread, give a personalized touch to this color-themed baby shower. It focuses on two that are always on-trend: pink and black, with touches of white.
See more at Tell Love and Party »
Draped Décor
Consider decorating the area where the mom or parents-to-be will be opening gifts with a sweet set-up, like this one. It'll make the photos top notch.
Flower Décor
To really make an impact, consider putting together a paper flower backdrop. Customize the colors to match your theme, and then watch as everyone from mom-to-be to the future grandparents get in on posing in front of it.
Get the tutorial at Jennifer Maker »
Parmesan-Chive Chips
For a more sophisticated take on simple potato chips that packs an impressive punch, just add some Parmesan and chives.
Get the Good Housekeeping recipe for parmesan-chive chips »
Fiesta Theme
It doesn’t get more fun than a fiesta-themed baby shower, complete with mini cacti, taco bar and inventive to-dos for guests, like decorating bibs and leaving a note in the children’s-book-turned-guest book, Dragons Love Tacos.
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