Nesting Party: the practical alternative to the baby shower

Not everyone envisions a large baby shower with pink or blue streamers, gift tables, and games. More and more expectant parents are opting for something more relaxed and personal: a nesting party . This trend, which has quickly spread from the US, is growing rapidly.

A nesting party isn't about gifts or entertainment, but about something more fundamental: preparing, unburdening, and connecting together.

What is a nesting party?

The name says it all: "nesting" refers to the natural behavior of many parents to prepare their nest for the arrival of their baby. A nesting party is a time when friends and family gather to help with this preparation.

This can be practical – think of cooking meals for after the birth or helping with decorating the nursery – but also emotional: an intimate togetherness where the emphasis is on rest and connection rather than entertainment.

The idea fits perfectly with the shift we are increasingly seeing: less spectacle, more meaning .

Why more and more parents are choosing this

There are several reasons why the nesting party is gaining ground.

For many people, a traditional baby shower feels too busy or too focused on gifts and display. A nesting party is just that:

• quieter, more intimate and less stressful,
  
  
• aimed at real help and support,
  
  
• better suited to a sustainable lifestyle,
  
  
• less dependent on budget or location.

Rather than a day full of activities that revolve mainly around the moment itself, a nesting party is about what comes afterward: those first, hectic weeks when help really makes a difference.

What a nesting party can look like

There's no set script for a nesting party, and that's perhaps precisely its strength. You can tailor it entirely to the needs of the expectant parent(s).

Some common forms:

• Preparing meals: cook together and freeze them to make the first weeks at home less stressful.
  
  
• Preparing the baby's room: assembling furniture, hanging accessories, and decorating the room together.
  
  
• Complete practical to-dos: wash clothes, pack bag for the delivery, sort things.
  
  
• Relaxing together: tea, soft music, a quiet gathering without pressure or expectations.

No balloons, no compulsory games — just a sense of togetherness.

Gifts and etiquette: just a little bit different

While a baby shower often involves gift lists, gift giving, and decorations, a nesting party usually doesn't revolve around material gifts. Those who do want to bring something often choose something practical or personal: a meal, a personal care product, or a gift in kind.

Etiquette is also more relaxed. No strict script, no dress code. The emphasis is on what truly matters.

Sustainability and authenticity

What makes this trend particularly interesting is how well it aligns with a broader societal shift: people are looking for ways to celebrate that are less taxing on the environment and more meaningful.

A nesting party almost automatically has a smaller ecological footprint: less decoration, less waste, and less focus on appearances. It's also much easier to organize.

Discover: Throwing a sustainable party

Checklist for a successful nesting party

✔️ Choose a time that fits within the last weeks of pregnancy

✔️ Tune in to the wishes of the expectant parent(s)

✔️ Plan the day around rest and practical help

✔️ Let go of the format — it can be simple

✔️ Think about warmth rather than decoration

More about celebrating your pregnancy