A traditional baby shower is not for everyone. So we have compiled 18 fun and original baby shower alternatives. Some of us love huge parties while others like a more intimate occasion. This list offers a celebration to fit anyone’s taste. These include;
- Virtual Baby Shower — Because of COVID-19 and local lockdowns, a virtual baby shower has become popular. This is where you hold your party online. If this is something you would like to do read our article on how to hold a virtual baby shower.
- Drive Through Baby Shower — Another way to celebrate during a pandemic is a drive-through baby shower. This is where the mum-to-be stands in the driveway. Her friends, relatives, and well-wishes drive to their house. Here they can stop, have a quick chat while social distancing and leave a baby shower present if they wish.
- Gender Reveal — A gender reveal party has become more popular in recent times. This is a gathering where you announce the sex of the baby. This can be a standalone event or included in the baby shower. If you are looking for ideas on gender reveal gifts we have a large selection.
- Shower by Mail — The shower by mail is like a virtual baby shower. Although it focuses on gift-giving. Here you post your invites to attend a baby shower online. People would send gifts for you to open while online. You can also play games and eat cake. If you are thinking of doing this we’d recommend doing a full-blown virtual baby shower.
- Sip and See (Welcome Party) — The sip and see or welcoming party is held shortly after the birth of the baby. It is normally held at the new parents’ home with the couple’s closest family and friends. This will give everyone dear to the parents a chance to meet the new baby. Some light drinks and snacks are also provided.
- High Tea — A high tea is perfect for those who have a small or close circle of friends. This is a perfect baby shower alternative for people who want to invite only their closest friends or don’t have a huge network of people around them.
- Stocking the Nursery Party — You may not want your guests to spend lots of money on gifts. If so stocking the nursery party would be a good alternative. This is designed as a small get-together where people give you consumable items. Specifically, products that you are constantly buying after the baby arrives. Think nappies, rusks, wipes, bibs, and dummies. For ideas visit our baby shopping list.
- Small things — There are many items to buy when preparing for a baby. A small things party is for guests to give those smaller items. Think of things like nail clippers, baby burp cloths, bottles, bibs, beanies, and swaddles. You can even put a limit on the value, say nothing over $30
- Jack and Jill (boys and girls) party — A Jack and Jill or boys and girls party is where you invite men and women to the baby shower. They are quite common for an engagement party but aren’t as popular for baby showers. I love this idea as all your friends get to attend, not just the women.
- Dinner party — Large gatherings and parties might not be your thing so you may choose something a little more intimate. A dinner party with your closest friends and family could be the perfect solution for you. This would also take less organising and choosing the baby shower venue would be a lot easier.
- Mother Hens night out — We are all familiar with hens nights. The mothers’ hens night is similar but it’s to celebrate your pregnancy. This is where you and your girlfriends get together and celebrate at all your favourite bars. Don’t do this at 40 weeks as your last stop might be the maternity ward. This party is designed for the younger generation and those that love to party.
- Baby Que — A Baby Que is a unisex celebration that’s normally held in a backyard or park. It’s less formal and a more relaxed atmosphere with a few drinks and a barbecue. For a baby que, you can still do some of the traditional things like gift-giving and baby shower games.
- Surprise Baby Shower — The surprise shower can be a fun way to celebrate with the mum-to-be. It also takes away the stress of her thinking about the baby shower. Some people don’t like surprises so this isn’t for everyone.
- 100 Days Celebration — The 100-day celebration is a party to welcome the baby after they are born. It is held approximately 100 days after birth. Normally celebrated throughout Asia, this party is attended by both men and women.
- Blessingway — Most alternatives to baby showers focus on the baby and the upcoming birth. This is where the blessingway is different. It focuses on the mother and is traditionally attended by women only. These are the mothers’ closest and most trusted people and can include friends and family. The celebration is a spiritual shower and can involve bead making, massage, belly dancing, and telling birth stories.
- Baby Sprinkle – A baby sprinkle is generally held for mums-to-be who already have children. It’s a more relaxed party to celebrate the upcoming birth of a second, third or more children. The gifts for a baby sprinkle focus more on consumables and products they will use regularly.
- Spa Party — Treat the mum-to-be and her family and friends to a spa party. Ideal for spending time in a relaxed atmosphere with her closest friends and family. All the while being pampered.
- Nothing at all — Finally, you may wish to do nothing at all. After all, it is your choice and you may want to spend the time with your significant other or prepare for the upcoming birth.
No matter what kind of baby shower you have (Or don’t) we hope you enjoy it.
Owner, designer, and maker of the My Little Love Heart range of baby gifts and accessories. I have been working in the fashion industry for over 15 years and baby accessories for the last 7. My love of fashion has enabled me to work and study around the world.