Nesting Party: the practical alternative to the baby shower

Not everyone envisions a large baby shower with bright streamers, loud games, and an abundance of plastic gifts. Since 2025, we've seen more and more expectant parents opt for a quieter, more personal alternative: the Nesting Party .

This trend, which has emerged in the US in a short time, is not about entertainment, but about something more fundamental: preparing, relieving and connecting together.

The concept ties in with the idea of 'matrescence' – the physical and mental transition to motherhood. Research shows that many women in the third trimester feel like they're preparing for the birth (source: Evolution of Human Behavior).

A Nesting Party is the physical translation of contributing to this 'urge' and offers support.

1. What exactly is a Nesting Party?

The name says it all: "nesting" refers to the natural urge many parents have to prepare their home (the nest) for their baby's arrival. While a traditional baby shower often revolves around the mother as the "centerpiece" of the celebration, a Nesting Party revolves around the mother as the "receiver" of help.

It's a time when a small group of loved ones gathers to check off the last few to-dos. This can range from washing the first onesies to stocking the freezer with nutritious meals. The result is not only a tidy house, but also a tidy mind for the expectant parents. It's a celebration of the community that will soon surround the baby.

2. Why more and more parents are choosing this

There's a growing need for authenticity and sustainability in how we celebrate major life events. The Nesting Party is gaining traction because it offers a response to the often overwhelming commercial side of the baby industry.

Firstly, it's significantly less stressful. For a pregnant woman in her third trimester, an afternoon filled with attention and social obligations can be exhausting. A Nesting Party has a lower heart rate; there's work, conversation, and rest at a pace she sets. Moreover, it's an expression of lasting charity. Instead of things that might never be used, you're giving your time and energy—something that's often much more precious in our busy society.

3. How do you organize a Nesting Party?

There's no set script, which is precisely what makes this format so powerful. The content depends entirely on what still needs to be done in the house. The goal is for the guests to depart and leave the expectant parents in an environment that feels "ready." This leads to a dramatic drop in cortisol levels (the stress hormone), which is beneficial for the final stages of pregnancy.

Tips for organizing a nesting party

• The Meal Prep session. Have guests bring ingredients and cook three or four healthy meals together that can be frozen. Nothing is as valuable as a healthy meal during the postpartum week without having to cook.
• The nursery finish line. Use the afternoon to assemble the last of the furniture, sort clothes by size in the dresser, or pack the hospital bag.
• Create a moment of calm. Besides the "work," make sure there's time for a communal lunch or a cup of tea with soft music, without having to follow a strict schedule.

Also read: 6 Tips: Organizing a personal baby shower for your best friend

4. Gifts and Etiquette: Help in Kind

Nesting Party etiquette is fundamentally different from a baby shower. Gift lists with toys or clothes give way to help. This requires a different mindset from the guests. The best gift you can give at a Nesting Party is your presence and your willingness to roll up your sleeves.

Gift tips for a nesting party:

• Gift certificate for assistance. Want to give something tangible? Give a certificate for "sitting for one afternoon," "walking the dog twice," or "doing laundry for a week."
• No dress code. Let guests know they can wear comfortable clothing suitable for work. This immediately takes the pressure off of having to look their best.
• Focus on connection. Use this moment to create memories, but do it informally while folding laundry.

Also read: Baby Shower Gift Guide - Tips for Guests and Expectant Parents

5. Plan it wisely

Because a Nesting Party often takes place later in the pregnancy, proper planning is crucial. You want to prevent the day itself from becoming chaotic. Use a tool like the Digital Pregnancy Planner to map out the to-do list in advance and divide tasks among the guests who come to help.

Want a baby shower that truly contributes to a relaxed start? Then choose the down-to-earth approach of a Nesting Party. It's not just a gift for now, but an investment in the peace and quiet of your postpartum period.