Pregnancy Blog

How to Create a Baby Shower on a Budget

Stephanie Martin

How to Create a Baby Shower on a Budget

Written by
Stephanie Martin

Baby Shower Ideas

Baby Showers have soared in popularity over the last few years, they are a great way for friends and family to celebrate a mum-to-be. If you're looking for instagrammable baby shower ideas, we have some tips to host a fabulous baby shower party.

Baby Shower Venue

Choose a baby shower venue that fits the mum-to-be's preferences and the theme of the baby shower.

  1. Friend or Family Members Home: If your numbers are not too high you can have your baby shower at home.
  2. Restaurant: Book a private room in a restaurant for a larger group. Many restaurants offer catering options too.
  3. Community Center or Hall: Renting a community hall provides ample space for decorations and activities, and it's often budget-friendly.
  4. Tea Room: A cute tea room offers a charming atmosphere for a traditional baby shower with tea, cakes, and finger sandwiches.
  5. Cocktail Bar: Consider a cocktail bar for a more upscale and modern baby shower. You can still enjoy mocktails and light refreshments.

Who Organises a Baby Shower?

A baby shower is often organised by close friends or family members of the expectant parents. This might include the expectant mother's best friend, sisters, cousins, or other relatives. Sometimes, multiple people collaborate to plan and host the event to help with the baby shower set up.

baby shower ideas
Baby Shower Ideas

Once you've organised a venue for the baby shower, you will want to make the room look extra special for the mum to be and party guests. If you're feeling creative, we have some easy & cost effective ways to decorate a baby shower everyone will love! We've tried and tested the balloon garland ourselves and found the cheapest way to make it.

Baby Shower Decorations

Creating a neutral baby shower allows you to celebrate the upcoming arrival without focusing on traditional gender-specific colours. Here are some of our top picks from Amazon to help you plan a beautiful and gender-neutral celebration:

baby shower ideas amazon

Baby Shower Balloon Ideas

baby shower balloons
Credit: Shani Grimmond

A balloon garland really makes a fabulous backdrop and will no doubt draw plenty of attention from guests. Creating a balloon garland yourself is also easily achievable. You can simply buy a balloon garland kit which includes balloons, accessories and tools needed to assemble yourself - ALL FOR UNDER £20!!

Check out the Video Tutorial below for a step by step guide on how to create a DIY BALLOON GARLAND

baby shower set up
Baby shower set up - White and Gold Theme Balloon Kit - Image by https://hooraymag.com

animal theme baby shower
Baby shower balloons - Credit: oh its perfect!

Baby Shower Balloon Arch Tutorial

Create a DIY pastel theme balloon arch using these amazing balloons - we've tried these pastel balloons and they're fab - For under £10 for the kit

pastel baby shower balloons
baby shower set up

Watch this simple TUTORIAL to create and hang your balloon garland:

You will need the following:

Clear Invisible Thread

Electric Balloon Inflator - so easy to use. Blows your balloons up in a second - Not necessary, but it will save your lungs and your time!

Double sided clear sticky dots so the balloons don't move out of place

Amazon have lots of options for Balloon Garland Kits but here are a few of our favourites:

Sage Green, cream and brown boho balloon garland kit

sage green baby shower balloons
Balloon arch kit from Amazon under £15 here
gender neutral baby shower balloons
Gold & Cream Balloon Arch Kit under £10 - get it on Amazon here

 

baby girl baby shower
A beautiful Rose Gold and pink baby shower set up

Baby shower Letter balloons make an amazing addition to a backdrop, and even better if you have the task of decorating a baby shower, these balloons are self-inflating - no helium required, making your job easier! Inflate these foil letters yourself and hang up for everyone to see, and take photos - Get them here

baby balloons gold
baby foil balloon from Amazon

Baby Shower Ideas

botanical theme baby shower balloons
Botanical theme baby shower balloon arch kit under £15 from Amazon here

A botanical theme for a baby shower can be a refreshing and elegant choice for several reasons:

  1. Gender-Neutral: Botanical themes often incorporate natural elements like greenery, flowers, and earth tones, making them suitable for both baby girls and boys. This inclusivity is perfect for parents who have chosen not to reveal the gender of their baby or for those who want to avoid traditional pink or blue themes.
  2. Symbolism of Growth and New Beginnings: The botanical theme symbolises growth, renewal, and the beginning of a new life, making it especially meaningful for a baby shower celebration. It reflects the anticipation and excitement of welcoming a new addition to the family.
  3. Versatility: Botanical themes can be interpreted in many ways, allowing for a wide range of creative possibilities. Whether you prefer a rustic garden party aesthetic or a modern and minimalist approach with sleek greenery accents, you can tailor the theme to suit your personal style and preferences.
  4. Natural Beauty: Botanical decorations such as fresh flowers, leafy garlands, and potted plants add natural beauty and elegance to the event space. They create a serene and inviting atmosphere that guests will appreciate and enjoy.
  5. Practicality: Botanical decorations are often readily available and budget-friendly, making them a practical choice for hosting a stylish and memorable baby shower without breaking the bank. DIY options such as handmade floral arrangements or botanical-themed crafts can also add a personal touch to the event.
baby shower props
gender neutral baby shower products
Shop our fave botanical theme baby shower products on Amazon

Setting up a baby shower photo station with party props is a great alternative to party games and will have guests enjoying themselves and taking snaps of the event.

baby shower photo booth
Baby shower set up - Photo Props Image Credit - Hooraymag
baby shower guest book
DIY baby shower guest book

One for making memories - a sweet scrapbook for guests to fill in.

baby shower popcorn bags
Baby shower popcorn bags - Credit: @coco.botanika

"Ready to POP" Popcorn Baby Shower Favours are the latest pinterest-worthy touches to add to your baby shower.

baby shower popcorn bags
Ready to Pop Bags - SET OF 3

Baby Shower Cake Ideas

minimal baby shower cake
Neutral baby shower cake

A simple, elegant cake can look super impressive with a shimmering cake decoration topper to stand out on the food and drinks table. Baby Shower Cake Topper

mint green baby shower cake
Mint Green Baby Shower Cake

oh baby cupcake toppers
Oh baby Ginger Ray Cupcake Toppers from Amazon under £5 here
baby shower sprinkle cake
Baby shower spinkles cake - Credit - Pretty My Party
Add some sprinkles to your cake for a glam baby shower look

Baby Shower Games

Baby Shower games should be interactive and garner a laugh rather than just time-fillers. They vary heavily from the cute and innocent through to satirical and risqué, but know your audience and plan around them. Try out nappy changing on a doll blindfolded, pin the bow on the baby’s head and cut the string to guess the size of the new mum’s bump. A sweepstake on the baby’s date of birth, weight and height makes for a great game lasting even after the event, and if you don’t know the gender or name options, note those down too!

baby shower printable games
These baby shower games are a bargain at just £3.99 and Instant Printable Download

If your group is a little more adventurous than the traditional Baby Shower crowd, why not spice it up a little? Pin the sperm on the egg or try a nappy toss into the bin from a distance. A Lego block fire walk is ultimate challenge and tasting and guessing baby food flavours is always sure to get some laughs.

baby shower games
baby shower notes for parents - Credit artbarblog.com

Wishes for baby - Create some super cute shapes out of coloured paper, clip onto a piece of string with some mini pegs and you have a unique little keepsake for mum and baby

baby shower diaper game
Baby shower diaper game - Credit: Uliana Olson

 

Here's a cute idea...guests can write a message on a nappy/diaper for the expectant parents to read when they change their baby in the small hours of the night. Babies go through many nappies in the first few months of their life and the extra lot will come in handy too!

Head to Aldi for the best and cheapest nappies around

baby shower baby food game
Baby shower food game - Credit: Kara's Party Ideas

Have guests taste each baby food and write down their answers, most correct answers win a prize. Or buy a set of pre made baby shower games like these

baby shower games amazon
Baby shower box of games from Amazon here


baby shower game guess the birth date
Credit: inspired by this Place your bets on the baby's birthday! grab a chalk board and some chalk board markers to create this look or buy these ready made baby prediction cards to guess babies weight, date of birth, time of birth, eye colour and hair colour

Baby Shower Food Ideas

Here are some tasty and creative baby shower food ideas:

  1. Mini sandwiches or sliders: Offer a variety of fillings like chicken salad, cucumber and cream cheese, or ham and cheese.
  2. Fruit skewers: Thread a mix of colourful fruits like strawberries, grapes, pineapple, and melon onto skewers for a refreshing and healthy option.
  3. Veggie platter with dip: Serve a colourful array of fresh vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes with a delicious dip like hummus or ranch.
  4. Caprese salad skewers: Skewer cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and basil leaves drizzled with balsamic glaze for a delightful appetizer.
  5. Mini quiches or frittatas: Bake bite-sized quiches or frittatas with various fillings such as spinach and feta, bacon and cheese, or mushroom and Swiss.
  6. Cheese and cracker platter: Arrange an assortment of cheeses, crackers, and garnishes like grapes, nuts, and dried fruit for a simple yet elegant option.
  7. Deviled eggs: Prepare classic deviled eggs or get creative with flavours like avocado and bacon, buffalo chicken, or smoked salmon.
  8. Dessert bar: Set up a dessert bar with a selection of sweets like cupcakes, cookies, cake pops, and fruit tarts for guests to indulge in.
  9. Mocktail station: Offer a variety of non-alcoholic drinks like fruit-infused water, sparkling lemonade, or virgin cocktails for guests to enjoy.
  10. Baby-themed treats: Get creative with baby-themed treats like baby rattle cake pops, onesie-shaped cookies, or cupcakes decorated with baby booties or pacifiers.

baby shower food
Baby shower food - Credit: Cohen & Co.
baby shower table set up
Baby shower set up

Oversized platters full of goodness...an amazing and simple way to feed guests and look really beautiful too.

donut wall amazon ginger ray
Who doesn't love a donut - Try this baby shower donut wall by Ginger Ray
food platter baby shower
Create a pushchair out of fruit - Mum to be will be super impressed with this. Credit Tulamama
baby shower drinks
baby shower drinks set up - Credit: Chelsea's Messy Apron
baby shower animal biscuits
Woodland Baby Shower Biscuits - Credit unknown
momosa baby shower drinks
Baby shower drinks Credit - Archzine

Baby Shower Mocktail Recipes

Ingredients You Need

  • 1 bottle of Raspberry Acai Trop 50
  • 1/2 Bottle Lemon Lime Pop
  • 1 Cup sliced Strawberries
  • 1 Sliced Lemon
  • 1 Cup Sliced Peaches (you can use whatever fruits you have on hand or like)

Baby Shower Gifts

The mother-to-be should leave with beautiful gifts, but ideally not multiples of the same thing. If there’s a gift list or group of guests to organise with, do this; but if not, opt for something more unusual. A keepsake box of the headlines and popular items from the year of birth can be made up by you bespoke for the baby and will be cherished for years to come. A white baby-grow with a set of fabric pens allow for all guests to leave a message for the little one. Of course, you can focus entirely on the mum – she needs indulgence too. A gift voucher for a beauty treatment or some pampering won’t go amiss… and probably neither would some non-alcoholic cocktails!

Amazon Baby Wishlist

Mums-to-be can create an Amazon Baby Registry, add baby items and share with family and friends looking to buy a gift for expectant parents. Mum can also receive a free welcome gift too!

We hope you have a fabulous time, whether you're creating your own baby shower or for a special friend. If you’ve organised a Baby Shower with a twist or have been to one a little bit different, get in touch and share your stories.

Amazon baby registry

Make sure you follow us on pinterest for lots of other baby shower ideas.

For more baby, toddler and parenting information see our Baby & Toddler Hub.

This blog post may contain affiliate links. We earn a small commission from products we recommend - We only recommend products we have used or are highly rated by our parent panel.

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