Unique Baby Shower Venue Ideas

We know that planning the perfect baby shower can be a daunting task. Whether you're the mommy-to-be or her best friend, it seems like everything's been done before. Don't let that get you down. Even though someone else came up with that awesome baby shower idea you saw on the internet, you can use it as inspiration for your own party.

The experts at Mustela are here to provide the best inspiration possible. We've put together 19 unique baby shower ideas that will make for one unforgettable celebration.

And, since many people are turning to technology and online solutions nowadays, we're also including tips and ideas for throwing a virtual baby shower. However you choose to celebrate the mom-to-be, we've got you covered!

But before we get to all of that, let's start with the basics: the who, what, when, where, and why of baby showers.

Why Have A Baby Shower?

The simple answer is because it's both fun and productive. A baby shower can help the parents-to-be feel less overwhelmed. It can also relieve stress and anxiety. How in the world can a party do all that? Through the best therapy of all: gifts and gab.

Babies require A LOT of things when they finally arrive. Gifts from loving friends can go a long way toward ensuring that all the necessities are covered. Giving the essentials, like diaper products and skin care products (for babies and mommies), also helps reduce that sense of "Have I got enough?" that all new parents feel.

And then there's the gab. Even second- and third-time parents feel anxious about the new life on the way. Really, who wouldn't?

But talking and laughing about the adventures (and misadventures) of parenthood can significantly reduce that anxiety. In fact, that's one important purpose of a baby shower: to mentally prepare the parents for the important job to come.

For those leaning toward a virtual baby shower, don't despair! Remember that you can accomplish both goals (gifts and gab) online. While it might not be exactly the shower you had in mind, rest assured that it can still be a success.

Who Should Plan & Host The Baby Shower?

Whose job is it to throw a baby shower for a mom-to-be? Can a best friend, coworker, or neighbor plan the baby shower, or should you leave it up to a relative? The answer is that anyone who's willing and able is welcome to throw a baby shower. It doesn't really matter who plans and hosts the festivities, as long as it gets done. Plus, sometimes there could be more than one baby shower, each shower involving different groups of people.

Some expectant moms even plan their own showers. That's okay, too. But if that's the case for you, let us offer you a tiny bit of advice: ask a friend or relative to send the invitations and collect the RSVPs. That way, it doesn't look like you're throwing yourself a party.

When Should You Throw The Baby Bash?

Our advice when settling on a date for the party is don't wait! Even if your best friend only just found out she's pregnant a week ago, get started planning the shower now. And don't be afraid to hold the shower early in the second trimester, rather than waiting until the third trimester.

We recommend that for two very important reasons:

• It gives the prospective parents plenty of time to buy any essentials they still need after the shower.
• It ensures that the mommy-to-be has plenty of energy to enjoy her party.

Where Should You Host the Party?

We'll talk about this a bit more when we give you our baby shower ideas because the location of your baby shower completely depends on the guest list and the atmosphere you want to create! But for now, let's dive into a few different location ideas.

Your backyard or a local park are great locations for a laid-back couples barbecue or a girls' picnic. For a different feel (and quick clean-up!), host a shower at a restaurant. And, of course, your living room or kitchen are perfect places for just about any baby shower.

Finally, if your shower is going to be virtual, everyone will simply join in on the fun from their own homes!

When it comes to location, the possibilities are endless.

Who Should You Invite To The Celebration?

Here are some words that every baby-shower-planner should live by: keep it close. Invite only the people who are closest to the new parents so that no one feels obliged to attend. If that means just four friends and their spouses, then so be it.

Size doesn't matter where baby showers are concerned. Don't fall into the trap of trying to be the hostess-with-the-mostest and end up inviting everyone and your third cousin, once removed. Parents, close extended family, and a few girlfriends make up the ideal guest list for a truly memorable baby shower.

What Should You Do During The Baby Shower?

This, along with how to decorate, is probably the biggest question you have. It's hard to plan a baby shower that pleases everyone, so keep in mind that the pregnant mommy's preferences are the priority! Make sure to ask her what she wants to do during the shower.

A baby shower can be whatever the mom-to-be wants and might completely deviate from the norm! But, typically, a shower includes yummy food, a couple of games (or crafts, but more on that later), and opening gifts. And, of course, plenty of time to sit and chat!

Speaking of gifts, if you're the expecting mom, make sure there are enough items on your registry before the shower invitations go out. You'll want to make it easy for guests to know what you want for your little one.

If you're opting for something specific, like organic baby products, your registry should reflect that. Include eco-friendly and skin-safe baby products such as Organic Hydrating Cream and Organic Micellar Water, both made with olive oil and aloe.

If you're at a loss for how to create a registry, check out our registry checklist to help you get started.

Is It OK To Throw A Baby Shower For A Second Or Third Child?

A baby shower is a celebration of life. By that definition, then, should you only celebrate the first-born child? Of course not. Two, three, five — celebrate them all like they're the first.

But don't assume the second shower has to be exactly like the first one. Maybe the second or third time around, you plan an intimate brunch with only the girls. The parents-to-be most likely have everything they need anyway, so just go and have fun.

Remember, a baby shower is about two things: gifts and conversations. Even if you aren't "showering" the guests of honor with gifts like you did during the first party, enjoying each other's company is still an important part of celebrating their new bundle of joy.

Now that we've covered a few baby shower guidelines, it's time to get to the fun part: baby shower ideas! So, to help you plan the best get-together possible, here are 19 ideas for an in-person baby shower.

If you're planning a virtual baby shower, we've got tips and ideas for you, too! Keep scrolling down. Enjoy!

19 Unique Baby Shower Ideas

In all honesty, a baby shower can be whatever the mommy-to-be and her friends find enjoyable. But don't forget to take into account the baby on the way and what the mommy can and cannot safely do. Use the baby shower ideas below to get your creativity flowing.

1) Go Co-Ed

Baby showers are traditionally ladies only, but you can mix things up by inviting daddy's friends, too. If you choose to go this route, consider things like:

• Neutral decorations
• A variety of foods that everyone will enjoy
• Drinks (both liquor and beer)
• Games (partner games are best)

With the right planning, a co-ed baby shower can be a fun departure from the norm.

2) Think Outside The House

If the weather is right, take the party outside. Fire up the grill and plan some outdoor-only games, like a water-balloon toss or frisbee golf course. If grilling out isn't your thing, you can set up a large tent and have the party catered. Going the catering route can keep the event sophisticated but fun.

3) Host A Couples Buffet

Looking for a super simple way to throw a baby shower? Invite everyone to a buffet. Whether it's breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner, a buffet takes all the hassle out of preparing food for 20 (or more). Reserve a large room in the back, and the restaurant may even allow you to decorate to your heart's content...as long as you clean it up afterward.

4) Throw A Just-For-Mom Shower

If this is mom's second, third, or fourth baby, maybe she doesn't need baby items or she might just want to buy the few things she needs herself. In that case, throw a just-for-mom shower, focusing on gifts for her!

After all, pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting take a toll on a woman (and her body). Every mom deserves some extra TLC!

Tell guests the plan for the shower and ask them to bring a gift for the lady of the hour. These could be for her to use now (like maternity pajamas or Soothing Moisturizing Balm) or later (like a gift certificate for house-cleaning services or Nursing Comfort Balm).

The gifts can also be either practical or pampering. Here are some more ideas:

• A candle and a book for a relaxing night in
• Maternity pajamas to stay cozy
• A restaurant gift card for a pre-baby date night
• Stretch Marks Cream to smooth skin
• Home-cooked freezer meals for an easy, no-stress dinner
• Paraben-free, hypoallergenic Body Firming Gel to help her feel and look great
• A recipe book (homemade baby food, anyone?)
• Compression socks to get her through pregnancy

5) Pamper The Mom-To-Be

Speaking of focusing the baby shower on the mom-to-be, how about this for a baby shower:

• Thirty-minute massage
• Manicure
• Pedicure
• Facial

Ah! Sounds relaxing. Gather the girls and head out for a day at the salon, where everyone gets the full beauty treatment. When you're all relaxed and rejuvenated, head over to your favorite dessert shop for sweets and gifts.

6) Pick A Theme For The Gifts

Instead of choosing a theme that dictates decorations and dress, why not shake things up and pick a theme for the gifts? Our favorites are diapers and skincare. Guests can bring gifts that fall under this theme. Things like:

• Mustela's Bath Time Essentials Set
• The big box of diapers from Costco
• Cleansing Wipes
• Foam Shampoo For Newborns
• Gentle Cleansing Gel
• Body Firming Gel for mom
• Stretch Marks Cream

Other themes we love include books (every guest brings a book for the new baby), clothes, and pajamas. Don't be afraid to get creative with your theme, or assign a different theme to two or three of the guests.

7) Throw A Tea Party

Remember the tea parties you held when you were a child? Now you can do one for real. Specify in the invitation what you'll be doing and what the guests should wear. Then bring out the china, tea sandwiches, and pretty teapots and teacups!

And if a tea party sounds like a great baby shower idea but the thought of planning one makes you nervous, have it catered. All you have to do is show up in your best tea dress and enjoy the festivities.

8) Break Out The Crafts

For a twist on typical baby shower activities and games, why not do arts and crafts? It's a fun way to spend time together, and the end products can function as gifts for the mom-to-be!

Pass out fabric paints and plain white onesies, and tell everyone to get creative. This craft serves a dual purpose: it's a fun party activity and a special gift for the new little one. For an added twist, have the mom-to-be pick her top three designs and pass out prizes accordingly. If you're feeling adventurous, try tie-dying the onesies instead of painting them!

Other baby shower craft ideas include painting baby hangers (no more boring hangers!), creating headbands and bows for the baby girl, and decorating letters to hang in the baby's nursery.

9) Play The Right Games

The right games can make or break a baby shower. Here are three of our favorite ideas:

• Have each guest bring a baby picture and guess who's who.
• Link up baby names with their celebrity parents.
• Write down baby traits (e.g., eyes, IQ, temperament, hair color, etc.) and then have the pregnant parent write down whether she wants the baby to get those traits from her or the dad.

10) Make It A Girls' Night Out

Invite the mommy-to-be's closest girlfriends, get all dolled up in your little black dress and high heels, and head out for a night on the town. If dressing up isn't your thing, hit a country western bar for some good ol' dancing fun.

Or maybe dinner at a fancy restaurant is more your speed. That's fine, too. No matter which venue you choose, the goal is for the guest of honor to have an enjoyable, relaxing evening with her best friends.

11) Have A Brunch Shower

Brunch — that time between breakfast and lunch — is a more relaxed, easygoing time of the day. This is what makes it an ideal time for a baby shower! Make little breakfast treats or casseroles for an easy menu.

Transfer the recipes onto notecards to pass out as keepsakes from the shower. Then open up the windows and let the natural breeze and sun in. It'll make the perfect setting for a baby shower!

12) Make It Kid-Friendly

Typically you don't see kids at baby showers, at least not the older kids. But this is the perfect opportunity for the sibling(s)-to-be to welcome their new brother or sister. Of course they'll be anticipating the arrival of the new little one as well.

With this type of shower, there's no pressure to have every little detail in place. Leave the stress of decorating behind you and just make it festive!

13) Offer Words Of Wisdom For The Mom-To-Be

Who doesn't love an encouraging word? Especially for the first-time mom, getting advice and gaining wisdom from those closest to her that have walked this road before will be a priceless gift.

It's really up to you how you want to incorporate this idea into the baby shower, but here are two you can start with:

• Book Of Wisdom — Pass around a notebook at the baby shower. Have everyone write a note of encouragement or give some words of advice for the mom-to-be. Tell her not to open it or read it until she's in labor...or after delivery. This will give her something else to look forward to.
• Basket Of Wisdom — Another idea is to fill a basket with items just for mom. These could be things solely for her or things that symbolize what you've grown to rely on and love during motherhood. Or you could simply fill the basket with baby essentials.

14) Request Books Instead Of Cards

Let's face it, most cards end up in the trash. So instead of a card, request that guests write a note in the front of a book welcoming the new baby! In the end, they'll only spend a little more money on a book than they would on a card.

Additionally, a baby shower is a great time to stock the new little one's book collection. Make sure you specify on the invitation to please bring a book in lieu of a card. The book will be used for years to come, and it won't end up in the trash!

15) Create A Storytelling Recording

For friends and family members who don't live near the expecting parents, making a storytelling recording is the way to go! For this gift, all you would do is record yourself reading a story. Include the book and the recording in the package and put it in the mail.

Not only will the new little one have it at birth, but it will last for years. The baby will know your voice even if you're not around all the time.

16) Ask Guests For Their Signature

Instead of a regular guest book (which, let's be honest, the new parents may never open again) ask guests to sign something that they'll use — or look at — every day.

That might be:

• The first page of a book to read to the baby
• A picture frame
• A decorative globe
• A wooden letter (consider the first letter of the baby's name or their initials)
• A special nursery decoration where guests can leave their fingerprint and signature

If you want more than just guests' signatures, ask them to write well-wishes for the baby too. This will make for a meaningful nursery decoration!

17) Write On Diapers

When you have a baby, it seems like there's always a dirty diaper to deal with! Make those future diaper changes more interesting for mom and dad with this fun baby shower activity.

Provide guests with diapers (make sure they're the brand the parents want to use on their baby's delicate skin) and permanent markers. Then get to work writing encouraging or funny messages for mom and dad on the diapers. This will make them smile months down the road!

18) Serve Mocktails

Just because the pregnant mommy can't drink alcohol doesn't mean you can't serve amazing drinks! Plan to make and serve mocktails or set up a mocktail bar where guests can make their own.

Supply all needed ingredients and fun add-ins as well as a few recipes guests can follow if they choose.

19) Pass Out Favors & Prizes

Favors and prizes make baby showers fun for all involved and are the perfect way to end the perfect celebration.

Looking for unique ideas for favors? Consider hair ties, succulents, a small kitchen tool (like a spatula or measuring spoons) in blue or pink, fancy tea, or personalized wine corks.

Virtual Baby Shower Tips And Tricks

Virtual baby showers aren't exactly the norm for most people. But they're a great option for friends and family separated by miles or for groups that don't want to gather for health reasons.

And, as we mentioned earlier, these online parties can still be a raging success and make the mother-to-be feel loved, celebrated, and ready for her little one!

Keep reading for a few of our favorite virtual baby shower ideas and tips for pulling it all together.

Send Invitations

Just as with any baby shower, one of the first things you'll need to do is send invitations. Since paperless invites are becoming more and more popular and you're having a virtual shower anyway, you may choose to send invitations via email.

That said, don't hesitate to send paper invites if you prefer! Your event might be online, but that doesn't mean you have to forego all other typical shower traditions. Plus, everyone still loves getting snail mail, right?

Decorate

Decorating is another baby shower tradition that doesn't necessarily have to go by the wayside for virtual showers. It just looks a bit different.

Once you decide where the guest of honor will sit for the shower, get creative with balloons, wall decorations, banners, and the rest.

If you're really embracing the virtual nature of the baby shower, skip the decorations and use a Zoom background.

Play Games

Get guests involved and make it a fun time with a couple of games! Here are a few of our favorite ones that can be played on a video call.

Name The Song

In this game, the shower host plays a kids' song or lullaby without telling everyone what it's called. The first person to "ring in" and correctly say the name of the song gets a point.

Guests can participate by typing the answer in the chat or virtually raising their hand.

Guess The Price

Just like one of our favorite game shows, this shower game has to do with knowing your stuff when it comes to the value of typical baby items.

Before the shower, the host should gather a few baby items and calculate the combined value. Then, during the shower, the host shows everyone the baby gear and guests must guess the price of everything combined. The closest guess wins!

Who's Who

To prepare for this game, you need to ask each guest to send you one of their baby photos ahead of time. To play, the host shows everyone a photo and guests decide which baby photo belongs to which adult.

Charades

Playing charades is always good for a laugh and doing it online is no different. To play, guests can think of their own baby-related action to act out, or you can plan ahead for the game and include different charades in each invitation.

Open Gifts

There are a few different ways to open (or not open!) gifts during a virtual baby shower.

First, you can have guests send their gifts to the expectant mom ahead of time. Then, during the shower, she'll open all the goodies for everyone to see.

If you go this route, think carefully when picking a date for the shower and sending invitations. Allow enough time for guests to buy a gift and put it in the mail.

Another option is to reverse the roles and have guests "open" or show their gifts during the shower. Simply ask guests to keep their gifts until the shower, when they will show them to the mom-to-be and then mail it to her after the fact.

Lastly, not opening gifts is also a possibility! You can skip the ritual, but don't skip writing meaningful thank-you notes to everyone who sends a gift.

Take A Photo

Don't forget to take a photo to commemorate your time with friends and family. One advantage of virtual showers is that snapping a group photo is easier than ever. Have everyone smile, and a screenshot will do the trick!

Make it even more fun by asking guests to come prepared with their own props for the photo op.

Make It Special

Most importantly, make the virtual baby shower special for the pregnant mama.

If she loves words and wisdom, ask guests to give words of encouragement or share their wisdom and experience.

Foodies might not be able to share snacks with their guests, but the mom-to-be can still enjoy a treat with those who are in her home. Indulge in cute cupcakes or her pregnancy craving for the special occasion.

If she's especially put off by the idea of a virtual shower, why not change it up and try a drive-through shower in her driveway for guests who live in town?

Don't be afraid to get creative and be flexible!

Show Your Love For The Expecting Mother

At the end of the day, a baby shower is one more way to show your support for your friend and her new little one on the way!

No matter who you invite, where you host the shower, and what you do during the shower, make sure the mom-to-be feels loved and cared for with a fun party and gifts like Mustela's stretch marks products just for moms!

Pregnancy is a special time for parents-to-be. Celebrate the soon-to-be mommy by choosing one or all of these unique baby shower ideas as a starting point for the baby bash. Use what works for you and throw the rest away. We'll even let you take all the credit! Happy party planning!

Unique Baby Shower Venue Ideas

Source: https://www.mustelausa.com/blogs/mustela-mag/19-unique-baby-shower-ideas

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