The popularity of baby showers shows no signs of abating, with thousands of people searching for baby shower ideas each month. But does the thought of present buying and guessing baby names fill you with dread? The traditional baby shower isn’t for everyone, so we’ve spoken to the experts for some unique alternatives perfect for mums-to-be.
Planning a baby shower and finding the process a little overwhelming?! You are not alone! In the UK more than 8,700 people search for ‘baby shower ideas’ each month – yet the classic baby shower format isn’t for everyone.
So, whether you’re planning a baby shower for a practical parent, you’re after more of a low-key party or you want something a little different to the traditional celebration, look no further.
7 Alternative Baby Shower Ideas
We spoke to Jess Martin, party decoration expert at Ginger Ray, who reveals a whole range of alternative baby shower ideas that are actually useful – and a far cry from the usual nappy games and present unwrapping!
1. Nursery Painting Party
“Getting the nursery ready for baby to arrive is a big task and one that can easily be put off until the last minute,” says Jess.
This is a great opportunity to get your friends and family involved by throwing a painting party, suggests Jess, and is a perfect alternative to a baby shower for the practical parent.
“Pick the paint colour out in advance and ask your guests to arrive with paintbrushes at the ready and in clothes they don’t mind getting messy.
“Crank up the playlist and you’ll have a freshly painted nursery in no time. You can guarantee that your friends will love being able to help out where they can. If you’re lucky enough to have artistic friends, why not create a mural?”
2. Cooking Session
Chances are that when the baby arrives you won’t have much time to cook for yourself.
“If you’re lucky enough to have some accomplished cooks amongst your friends and family, invite them over for a batch cooking session,” suggests Jess.
“Not only can you fill the freezer with enough meals to keep you going, but you can also make an occasion of it and sit down to enjoy dinner together.
“It is the perfect combination of a dinner party and a freezer refill. Now you just need to stock up on some storage containers.”
3. Mama Movie Marathon
Just want some peace and quiet? “For those who just want to put their feet up and have a cheeky snooze in front of the TV then a movie marathon is the baby shower alternative to go for,” says Jess.
“It’s a great relaxing option for those who just want to spend some quality time with nearest and dearest.
“Create or buy a movie night box containing everything you need for the perfect night in – including a popcorn box, customisable movie tickets, grazing board, and movie decider card with dice! Now you just need to decide on a film to watch.”
4. Hospital Bag Packing
Packing a hospital bag is yet another task that expecting parents might be putting off! Jess suggests leaning on the experience of your friends and family and invite them round to help, or they could bring practical gifts you’ll need to pack.
“They’ll be guaranteed to remember something you’ve forgotten or let you know when you might be overpacking.”
5. Pamper Party
“Being pregnant can take its toll so treat the mama to be to an at-home pamper session,” says Jess.
“Whether you get a beauty therapist in to do some massages or manicures in the comfort of your own home or you opt for a DIY version, this will be a relaxing baby shower that the mother-to-be and all your guests will love!
“Whilst this is a low-key baby shower option, you can still deck out your living room with some baby shower party decorations – it’ll look fab.”
6. Pregnancy Photoshoot
Why not celebrate the parents-to-be with a DIY photoshoot and capture some memories that they’ll treasure forever?
Jess says: “All you’ll need to do to prepare is to create a suitable backdrop, try a flower wall, balloon arch, or even a ribbon curtain. You could even combine this with a gender reveal moment!
“A smartphone will be just fine to take some snaps but a disposable camera or polaroid will allow you to create some hard copies to pop into a photo album.
“Making a pregnancy photoshoot an alternative to a baby shower will also give you the option to get some photos with those people who are going to be important to the baby before they are born- a perfect keepsake.”
7. Baby Book Swap
Need to think of yet another baby shower gift? “Baby showers often centre around gift giving however for those parents-to-be who would prefer a more sustainable or low-cost option, a book swap is a great low-key alternative,” says Jess.
“Ask guests to bring a pre-loved baby book favourite and encourage your guests to share and swap their reads. Not only will every parent benefit from some fresh bedtime stories for their kids but it is a great way to avoid unnecessary to extravagant gift giving.
“This idea is perfect for a group where multiple people are having babies at a similar time.”
For more baby shower inspiration head to gingerray.co.uk.
