There’s nothing quite like the joy of celebrating a soon-to-arrive little one. A baby shower is one of those milestones that brings together friends, family, and laughter. It’s a beautiful way to honour the mum-to-be before her big day.
Planning the perfect baby shower comes down to a few key ingredients done well. It’s all about creating a celebration that feels warm, joyful and memorable, filled with good food, fun games and those picture-perfect moments everyone will want to capture.
This guide will take you step by step through how to plan a baby shower in Australia, from setting the date and choosing a theme to organising games, food and décor. Whether you’re hosting your first shower or helping a friend prepare theirs, you’re in good hands.
Start With a Clear Plan
Every great baby shower starts with a solid plan. The first thing to decide is when and where the celebration will happen.
When Is the Best Time to Host a Baby Shower?
In Australia, most baby showers are held four to six weeks before the due date. This gives the mum-to-be enough time to enjoy the celebration comfortably while leaving room for any early surprises.
If you’re planning an outdoor baby shower like a park picnic or backyard brunch, aim for a seasonally comfortable time. Spring and early autumn are perfect for alfresco events, while cosy indoor showers work beautifully during the cooler months.
Choosing the Venue
You don’t need a fancy space to host a beautiful baby shower. Popular options include:
- At home: intimate, easy to decorate, and cost-effective.
- A local park or garden: perfect for relaxed, picnic-style gatherings.
- A café or community hall: ideal for larger groups and catering support.
Check accessibility, comfort and travel for guests. Always have a backup plan if it’s outdoors.
Set Your Budget Early
Before diving into the fun details, decide on a realistic budget. This helps shape decisions around food, décor, and games. Baby showers don’t have to be extravagant to be beautiful; thoughtful touches always make the biggest impact.
Send the Invitations
Next up: it’s time to spread the word! Your invitations set the tone for the event, so choose something that reflects your theme whether that’s chic digital invites or printed cards tied with ribbon.
Be sure to include:
- The time, date, and location
- The honouree’s name (the mum-to-be)
- The host’s details
- RSVP information
- Gift registry or wish list details (if applicable)
Tip: Try to send invitations at least four weeks before the event, giving guests plenty of notice to RSVP and plan ahead.
Plan the Menu
Now for one of the best parts, the food! A delicious baby shower menu adds warmth and personality to any baby shower.
You can base your menu around the mum-to-be’s favourite foods, or match it to your colour palette or theme. Some simple, crowd-pleasing ideas include:
- A grazing table with pregnancy-safe cheeses, fruit, dips and crackers.
- A dessert platter filled with cupcakes, macarons and chocolate-dipped strawberries.
- A DIY bar for mocktails and iced teas (perfect for toasting together).
If you’re hosting a virtual shower, send guests a short ingredients list for a signature mocktail so everyone can share a drink and toast the occasion from afar.
Choose a Theme and Style
Now for the fun part, bringing your vision to life! A baby shower theme ties everything together, from invitations to table décor.
Popular Baby Shower Ideas in Australia
Here are a few trending theme ideas right now:
- Boho Chic: rattan, dried flowers, and soft neutrals.
- Coastal Calm: ocean blues, sandy tones, and white linens.
- Floral Garden: pastel blooms and feminine charm.
- Gender-Neutral Bliss: sage green, beige, or lemon yellow for a timeless look.
Your theme can also reflect the mum-to-be’s personal style or nursery inspiration. And don’t worry, you don’t need to spend big. DIY decorations, a few statement balloons, and a pretty grazing table go a long way.
Create a Baby Shower Checklist
Once you’ve set your theme, menu, and budget, get organised with a baby shower checklist to keep everything on track. Here’s a simple guide to get started:
Invitations & Guest List
Decide who to invite and send your invitations at least three to four weeks in advance. Digital invites via Paperless Post or Canva templates are easy and eco-friendly.
Food & Drinks
Keep the menu simple and crowd-pleasing. Think grazing platters, bite-sized desserts, and refreshing mocktails. If you’re hosting outdoors, finger food works best.
Decorations & Setup
Match your décor to your theme with balloons, signage, and fresh flowers.
Games & Activities
Plan two to three baby shower games and activities to keep things lively. Mix light-hearted games with personal moments, like “Advice for the Parents” cards.
Gifts & Thank-Yous
Encourage guests to bring something meaningful items from the mum’s registry or a thoughtful keepsake.
You can find more inspiration and gift ideas in our baby shower gift ideas
Select Baby Shower Favours
Baby shower favours aren’t essential, but they’re a lovely way to thank guests for coming. You don’t need to go over the top; small, thoughtful tokens always make a big impression. Some simple ideas include:
- Scented candles or mini body wash
- Sweet treats wrapped in ribbon
- Small potted plants or bud vases
- DIY keepsakes like decorated cookies or handmade potpourri
Tip: You can even make the favours part of an activity! Set up a little “make-your-own” station where guests can decorate cookies or create a sachet to take home.
Set Up the Event Timeline
Once you’ve locked in your checklist, it’s time to map out the flow of the day. A baby shower timeline keeps things running smoothly so everyone can relax and enjoy themselves.
A typical baby shower runs for two to three hours. Here’s an easy structure you can follow:
- Welcome & Mingling (15-20 mins) greet guests and offer drinks.
- Food & Refreshments (30-40 mins) let everyone settle in with grazing tables or light bites.
- Games & Activities (45-60 mins) a few fun, interactive games to keep things lively.
- Gift Opening (30 mins) the main event! Capture photos and reactions.
- Thank-Yous & Farewells (10-15 mins) wrap up with a toast or short thank-you speech.
Keep the energy flowing. Alternate between sitting and mingling moments so the day feels relaxed and engaging.
Baby Shower Games and Activities
No baby shower is complete without laughter and that’s where the games come in! Here are some fun baby shower games and activities guests love:
- Baby Bingo: Guests fill out cards with baby-related words; the first to get a line wins.
- Guess the Baby Photo: Everyone brings a baby photo of themselves. Can you tell who’s who?
- Advice for the Parents: Collect heartfelt or funny tips for the soon-to-be parents.
- The Price Is Right: Have guests guess the cost of everyday baby items. Closest wins!
- Measure the Belly: Cut string to guess the mum-to-be’s belly size.
For something more sentimental, set up a “Wishes for Baby” station where guests can write notes or hopes for the little one. It’s a keepsake the parents will treasure forever.
Gift Ideas for the Mum-to-Be
Gift-giving is one of the sweetest parts of a baby shower. The best gifts are practical, meaningful, and stylish. Here are a few ideas that never miss the mark:
- A pamper pack for the mum-to-be (think bath salts, robe, candle).
- A keepsake memory book for recording baby’s first milestones.
- Quality baby essentials like swaddles, onesies, muslins.
- A beautiful baby bag is a must-have for every parent.
Tottie’s range of modern, functional nappy backpacks and tote nappy bags are designed with real mums in mind. Stylish enough for every outing, and practical for every day. The kind of baby shower gift that’s both beautiful and useful.
You can explore the nappy bags collection here.
Planning Your Perfect Baby Shower
When it comes to planning a baby shower, remember, it’s all about celebrating love, connection, and new beginnings. You don’t need everything to be perfect; you just need the people who matter most, a few thoughtful details, and a plan that makes the day feel effortless.
A little preparation and creativity go a long way in creating moments the mum-to-be will cherish forever.
Before the big day, here are a few quick reminders to help everything run smoothly:
- Delegate tasks. Let friends handle food, games, or decorations.
- Prep the day before. Set up as much as you can early.
- Have a wet-weather plan especially for outdoor venues.
- Keep the focus on connection perfection isn’t the goal; celebrating the mum-to-be is.
Remember, every shower is unique. Whether you’re hosting a picnic under the trees or a chic café brunch, it’s all about celebrating love, laughter, and new beginnings.
