The Ultimate Baby Shower Checklist: 5 Steps to Success
Mirthe GrootenThe moment has arrived: you, your best friend, sister, or colleague are having a baby. Organizing a baby shower is a wonderful way to celebrate, but it can also be quite overwhelming. What do you need? How do you make sure nothing gets forgotten? How do you keep it fun and organized?
With this ultimate baby shower checklist, we'll help you step by step. From the initial planning weeks in advance to the big party, including games, gifts, and decorations. We'll also provide clever tips, examples, and original twists you won't find anywhere else.
Why a checklist is indispensable
A baby shower consists of many parts:
- Organization: date, location, guest list, invitations.
- Decoration: streamers, flowers, tablecloths, photo booth.
- Food & drinks: snacks, cake, drinks, possibly a high tea.
- Activities: games, speeches, memory jar, photo corner.
- Gifts & keepsakes: from fill-in cards to personalized photo albums.
Without a checklist, you're likely to forget something or get stressed. A plan helps you stay organized and enjoy the process.
Are you organizing your own baby shower? Then our complete digital pregnancy planner might be just what you need. It'll help you easily stay on top of your budget and wish list, and you can instantly add fun memories—wherever you are.
Check 1: 6 Weeks Before the Baby Shower – Laying the Foundation
Determine date and guest list
Start (for example) by setting a date. Consider work, school, vacation, and the mom-to-be's preferences. Make a preliminary guest list and check everyone's availability.
Choose a theme for the shower (optional)
A theme provides direction for decorations, games, and gifts. Popular themes include boho pastel, jungle vibes, eco-chic, or vintage high tea. Looking for inspiration? Check out these trendy baby shower themes.
Send invitations
Digital invitations are quick, easy, and eco-friendly. You can use a digital RSVP tracker to keep track of who's coming. Feeling creative yourself? Create them with Canva—we have plenty of great templates available. Or browse our selection of invitations .
The anticipation begins
Start a group chat or a shared document where guests can ask questions, share ideas, and inspire each other. This encourages engagement and makes preparation more fun.
Check 2: 4 Weeks Before the Baby Shower – Planning and Preparation
Menu and snacks
Decide whether you'd like high tea, lunch, or drinks. Ask guests to bring something (potluck style) to spread the cost and add variety to the menu.
Arranging games
Coming up with your own games can sometimes be tricky. Fortunately, there are plenty of fun and simple baby shower games available. Digital baby shower games are ideal: they're print-and-play, easy to share with guests, and often cheaper than physical packages. Our Baby Shower Games, for example, are ready to use right away.
Prepare decoration
Buy streamers, balloons, flowers, tablecloths, and tableware that match the theme. Small details like photo booth props or place cards make the party even more fun (and personal).
Coordinating gifts
Make a list of ideas to avoid duplicate gifts. Consider a group gift for something larger, like a baby carrier or crib.
Check 3: 2 weeks before the baby shower – the finishing touches
Creating a script
Plan who will host which game, who will arrange the music, who will take photos, and when the snacks will be served. This prevents chaos on the day itself. And it means you don't have to organize everything yourself. You can just sit back and enjoy the beautiful day.
Test the games
Make sure printables, decorations, and props are ready, and (digital) games are tested. This way, you can be sure everything runs smoothly.
Collecting gifts
Ask guests to bring their gifts or drop them off at a single location so you have everything organized. Then create a beautiful "gift table" at the venue. This not only looks festive but also frees up space so it's not in the way.
Check 4: 1 week before the baby shower – the final check
- Check the menu, snacks and drinks.
- Print the games or check the digital version.
- Put on some music and, if necessary, make a playlist with cheerful, festive songs.
- Provide a special place for gifts and fill-in cards or memory jars.
- Please check the guest list again and confirm where necessary.
Check 5: The day itself – enjoy and make memories
Decoration
Make sure the decorations are ready well in advance. Dress tables, hang streamers, and set up photo booth props.
Activities
Start with a short welcome speech, introduce the games, and get everyone involved. Variety is key: combine short games (like our baby shower escape room) with longer games (like forbidden words).
Photo moments
Capture special moments. Consider a photo booth with props or spontaneous photos during the game. A Polaroid camera is often a great idea too.
Gifts and memories
Create a special table for gifts, cards, and fill-in cards. Gather everything so the mom-to-be can look back on the day later.
Enjoy
This is perhaps the most important thing: don't forget to enjoy the togetherness, the moments of laughter and the little surprises.
This baby shower checklist will help you have a fun and organized baby shower. Don't forget to enjoy this special day. Lots of love, My Sanctum.
