Marisa Meidle's Baby Showers – Page 20 – Help from the Baby Shower Queen

Active Baby Shower Game Ideas

When hosting a baby shower, your ultimate goal is to make the mom-to-be or the parents-to-be feel special and loved. You also want to make every moment of the shower fun and memorable.

Often though, the problem of the host is how to make the activity fun for guests who are not acquainted with one another? You will need to create activities that will break the ice to make everyone feel relaxed and comfortable, and get the fun going.

The best way to break the ice is to engage your guests in games that will provide them opportunity to chat and mingle. Here are some high energy baby shower game ideas that you could choose from or may inspire you craft your own.

1. HANG THE DIAPER

Here’s a game that will need everyone on their feet, move around, and share some laughs.

WHAT YOU NEED:

– newborn baby diapers
– mini clothespins
– pieces of strings (2-3 yards each)

HOW TO DO IT:

You need to divide the guests into teams of equal number. If and when you have extra participant, then have him or her assist you for this game. However, ensure that they get to participate in the next one.

After you have teams, you will have to make clothesline according to the number of your teams. So if yoy gave two teams, then you need two clothesline and so on. Assign one member of each team to hold the ends of the clothesline or you can prop them up on sticks.

Distribute equal number of packs of newborn diapers to each team. Have each team line up behind the starting point away from the clothesline. Then set the time, and on your mark each member of the team will take turns in hanging as many diapers as they can on their assigned clothesline. The teams who get to hang the most number of diapers on the line wins.

It will also be fun to have some simple goodies for prizes.

2. DIAPER CHANGE RELAY

This game is a favorite and one of the funniest to play especially for seasoned or new dads. But, it is also fun to play even for moms.

WHAT YOU NEED:

– newborn baby diapers
– baby wipes
– baby jumpsuits
– baby dolls (or plush animals)
– tables

HOW TO DO IT:

Divide the guest into teams of equal number. Set the tables according to number of teams, and place equal number of materials on each table. Ask the teams to stand in line behind the starting point. On your signal, the first member of each teams races into their assigned table, changes the diaper, wiping the toy’s bottom with a baby wipe, putting a diaper on, and dressing it in a jumpsuit. Then, the next member of the teams does the same thing all over again, and so on until the last member.

The team who finishes first – with all members having changed the baby doll’s diaper and dressing it wins. This game of changing diaper may be classic, but it never gets old and is always fun to play.

3. WHAT’S IN THE BAG

Here’s another classic baby shower game that never gets old. This fun and goofy game allows everyone to get involved and mingle with one another.

WHAT YOU NEED:

– paper bags (or empty bags)
– baby items (like bottles, pacifier, diapers, etc)
– pen and paper (for each guest)

HOW TO DO IT:

Before your guests arrive at the baby shower, put a baby item in each paper bag and seal it. Make sure to number each paper bag. When the guests arrive, provide each guest with a sheet of paper and pen.

During the game, gather everyone in a circle and start passing out the paper bag one by one starting with the first guest to your right in the circle. Without opening, the guest must guess what is in the bag. However, they can shake the bag or feel what inside. After 30 seconds or so, say “pass” and the first guest passes the bag to the next guest while you pass another one to the first guest, and so on.

The guest who gets to make the most number of guesses correct wins. It would also be fun to have some simple prizes for the winners.

4. BABY BALLOON TWIST

This game is hilarious and fun, and lively. It will everyone some share of laughters.

WHAT YOU NEED:

– balloons.(not inflated)

HOW TO DO IT:

At the start of the game, give each guest a balloon. Ask them blow up a balloon at a certain size and place it under their shirt to make it as if they are pregnant. Then, give out some hilarious instructions – “bend down,” “do yoga pose,” “put your right hand to your left foot,” and other hilarious poses.

Ask the parents-to-be to judge who makes the best twisted pose. The guest/s who doesn’t pop or drop their balloon wins.

Finally, these games are just for inspiration and hopes to give you some ideas while you are crafting your own. Don’t worry about if the game you are designing will appeal to your guests. Let me tell you though, anything fun and exciting will surely appeal to all types of guests, so have fun!

Icebreaker Baby Shower Games

Celebrating the coming of the bundle of joy is a great reason for family and friends to come together. Playing games that everyone can join in will make the party fun and memorable.

Sometimes it feels awkward to host a shower party with guests who are not acquainted. How do you make the party fun for guests who feel uncomfortable with each other? Here are some game ideas that can surely break the ice, and get the fun going.

1. DON’T SAY BABY
This game is the easiest to prepare – with the least material needed. Also, this game can be played from the start to end of the baby shower. That is why many guests love it.

WHAT YOU NEED:
– 5 clothespin for every guest

HOW TO DO IT:
Upon arrival, give each guest 5 clothespin and ask them to pin it on their shirt. Give one instruction – don’t say the word “baby” throughout the party.

This is actually fun because it allows everyone to really listen to everyone during conversations. And because it’s a baby shower, it is almost impossible not to utter the word “baby.” Everytime a guest catches another guest saying the word baby, they get that person’s clothespin and pin it on their shirt. The guest who has the most clothespin collected at the end of the party, wins. It would be fun to have a little prize for the winners too.

2. GUESS WHO?
This is a really great icebreaker and good way for each guest to know a little bit of one another. Its an adorable game actually.

WHAT YOU NEED:
– baby photo of each guest (make sure number each photo)
– number blank list for each guest
– pens or markers

HOW TO DO IT:

When you send out invitations to your list of guests, ask each of them to bring a baby photo. If they don’t have baby photo. Collect all these photos, number each and post them around the venue.

Then, provide each guest a blank numbered list and ask them to go around, look at each picture and guess who is pictured in each photo by writing their name under the corresponding number in the list. See who will have the most correct guesses.

It’s really adorable to see baby photos of everyone, with their cute chubby faces. And it’s a real good way to make everyone feel comfortable.

3. FIND THE GUEST
This is another fun icebreaker that allows each guest to get to know and learn a little about each other while having fun.

WHAT YOU NEED:
– pens
– paper
– computer
– printer or photocopier

HOW TO DO IT:
Gather a few facts about each guest. You can ask them to give you some interesting information about themselves when you send the invitation. You can also give out pens and paper to each guest upon arrival and ask them to write fun facts about themselves. Encode these fun facts without indicating who its from (best to have assistance for encoding while you’re hosting).

Print the list of fun facts and give each guest a copy. Ask them to identify which fact belongs to which by mingling with one another and doing a little chat. At the end of the party, the guest who gets the most correct answer wins. It will also be great to arrange some simple goodies for a prize.

4. WHAT AM I?
Here’s another fun and easy baby shower game that will surely break the ice and get the fun going. This game will also provide opportunity for guest to mingle with one another while testing their knowledge on baby stuff.

WHAT YOU NEED:
– note cards (plain)
– pens
– safety pins (for each guest)

HOW TO DO IT:
Write baby items like “diapers,” “baby bottles,” “crib,” “pacifier,” and so on and pin one at the back of each guest. Ask them to identify or guess the item pinned on their back by mingling with one another asking them “Yes-or-No” questions that will help them guess the item. Once the guest have guessed the item correctly, they will then pin the card on the front of their shirt.

Hope these ideas will be of help to you. These games are quite easy to do and will provide your guests the opportunity to get acquainted and have lots of fun. There may be more fun icebreakers you can come up with, hope these ones here could give you an idea or inspiration.

Funny Baby Shower Game Ideas

Often baby shower invitees are not familiar with each other. As host of the party, you would want it to be fun and memorable for everyone, especially the mom-to-be or the parents-to-be.

What better way to break the ice, set the mood and get the fun going than playing some games. Here are some favorite fun game ideas that really work for many type of guests – whether they are family, friends, and colleagues of the expecting parents.

I listed down some details for each game – what you will need and how to play the game. Don’t get stuck though, these games can be modified as you see fit, to make them more fun.

1. DON’T DROP THE “BABY” EGG

This game will surely give everyone a laugh. I have played it myself and we all had fun and laughters. This game can be played individually or in pairs. Players will do two things: first, decorate a raw egg to make it look like a baby using food colorings, markers and pens. Second, racing while balancing the egg on a wooden spoon.

WHAT YOU NEED:
– raw eggs
– paint, food coloring, markers, pens, and other decorating stuff
– wooden spoons

HOW TO DO IT:
Have each player or pair to decorate the egg as fast as they can using the materials available. They have to make an egg look like a baby. And when they finish, they must race to the finish line carrying the egg on a wooden spoon. The wooded spoon can be held by hand or between the teeth.

For an added fun, this game is best played in pairs or by group. This way they will have to pass on the egg from one to the next while balancing it on a wooden spoon. Just like a relay game.

2. WE ARE HAVING A BABY

This game is easy to do but is really hilarious and especially best played in groups of four or six.

WHAT YOU NEED:
– Balloons (not yet inflated)

HOW TO DO IT:
Divide the guests into groups of four or six, depends on how many guests you have. Show a sample of an inflated balloon that they will have to match. Now give each player a balloon. In your mark, each group or team must start blowing up their balloons that must be close to the size of the sample inflated balloon. After each player blow up the balloon, they will tie it and stick in under their shirt.

Teams must blow up their balloons, tie it and stick it under their shirt one player at a time. Once all players of the team have their balloons inflated, the first two players must pop their balloon by bumping their bellies against each other. Their arms must be behind their backs while doing this. The first team to finish popping their balloons win.

3. I SAID SO

This one is for the giggles. It is another fun and hilarious game that surely everyone will love.

WHAT YOU NEED:
– Pens
– Paper Slips
– Bowl (where to collect all the paper slips)

HOW TO DO IT:
Gather guests around and distribute paper slips to everyone. Ask them to write on their paper slip – funny parenting sayingS or some piece of parenting advice that they can associate with their parents. Collect all the paper slips in a bowl and mix them.

Ask each guest to draw one, if they pick their own they must pick another. After reading it aloud, they must guess who wrote it. Then, ask them to say their thoughts about saying or piece of advice, and if they will say it to their own child.

4. DOUGH BABIES

This is not only fun, but an interactive game to play. It will provide opportunity for your guest to bring out their artistic and creative side.

WHAT YOU NEED:
– Dough (homemade or ready-made, and in different colors)
– baking cups
– baking utensils (knives, scissors., etc.)

HOW TO DO IT:
This game can be played individually, but best to do it in pairs. Give each pair equal amount of dough in different colors l, provide them with the other materials. Set the timer for 15 – 20 minutes. The goal of the game is to create the cutest dough baby. Then ask the mom-to-be or the parents-to-be as the judge of the winner. And what’s fun is that, these dough baby can be baked too.

Hope these fun activities help you succeed in hosting a fun and memorable baby shower. Remember, don’t worry so much about what will work for the guests. Center on the mom or parents-to-be, and don’t forget to have fun yourself.

Let me tell you this – you’re doing a great job, really. YOU are awesome!

Things To Do During Baby Showers

When planning for baby showers, like any other form of parties, you want everyone happy. But, the fact is it’s hard to please everyone. What party theme or activities appeal to some guests may not be appealing to others.

So if you are the planner of the baby shower, my advice to you is – don’t think about what the guests want, because you will never be able to meet all of them. Instead, focus on what the mom-to-be wants and what will make her enjoy the moment. Ask the expecting mom about her preferences – theme, food, games, and especially what gifts she would want to receive.

Apart from the decoration and food, one of the challenges in organizing baby showers is what to do “during” the baby shower. Ofcourse, opening of gifts is one – that’s like the big finale. But, what will everyone do before that?

Now, have in mind that not all the invitees know each other, although most of them if not all know the mom-to-be or the parents-to-be. We know that the purpose of the baby shower is to provide emotional support to the expecting mom, and the best way to do this is for everyone invited to have some fun – chat, play games and all.

However, putting together group of people who may be stranger to one another might feel awkward. So, what do you do? Break the ice! Come up with something that will allow guests to feel comfortable.

Remember, whatever activity during the baby shower you plan on – center on the mom-to-be. That way you won’t have to worry of pleasing guests.

1. GAMES

Everybody love to play games. Whether the people on your list do not know each or may already know each other, a good game is great way to break the ice and get the fun going. It will also give those who don’t know each get acquainted.

You can have the guest play individually or divide them into teams or they can play by pairs. Make sure that games allow them to interact nd communicate with one another. Change grouping or pairs for each game, so that at the end the party everyone were able to work mingle.

I will share a separate article on different games you can do during baby showers.

2. KARAOKE

Who doesn’t love some karaoke? Almost everyone I know has a go to song. Like playing games, singing along some ABBA songs or even belting some Celine or Whitney songs will surely break the ice and set the mood.

Put on the mic, write everyones name and put them in a bowl. Then have the mom-to-be randomly pick who sings. Let’s see who gets the highest score.

Another great thing about singing karaoke is that other guests can dance along while someone is singing.

3. BAKING

This is another fun activity to break the ice but give each the chance to showcase their artistry. Have your guests work by pairs and bake some cute, colorful baby cookies – using homemade or ready-made ones.

You can also bake some cupcakes or cookies and see who can create the most colorful, unique and artistic cupcakes.

4. PAINTING/DRAWING

Another fun ice breaker is to paint or draw. Time to play and get messy. For an idea, you can ask each guest to decorate an egg to look like a baby using food coloring or paint, markers and other decorarive materials. For fun, you can ask them to race and see who can come up with the cutest and most artistic design.

You can also do it a little bit formal, like using real canvass and oil paint. They can work on real paintings or drawings. You will be surprised that some guests can actually paint.

Finally, there can be many other ways to set the mood and get the fun going for your baby shower. The idea is to do something that will put everyone at ease, especially the mom-to-be.

When is the Best Time to Throw a Baby Shower?

Can anyone – from the mom-to-be’s sister, bestfriend, relatives, co-worker or friends throw a baby shower? Can you throw more than one baby shower?

Well, the answer to both question is YES! Anyone from family to friens to colleagues of the parents-to-be who have the means and willing to organize a baby shower is more than welcome to do so. I mean, why not?! On the other hand, yes a baby shower can be thrown more than once. In fact, the more baby showers there are the better, and with each baby shower inviting different set of guests could only mean – more gifts.

The purpose of baby shower is not only to celebrate and have fun. More than the party, the pupose really is to support mom-to-be prepare emotionally and mentally for the job to come, and also help gather items and baby stuff as gifts for the expecting mom. These gifts will be a great help even for second-time, third-time or so moms-to-be or parents-to-be.

Ofcourse, the moms-to-be can throw their own baby shower. Most of the time, they do. That way also, the shower are more personal and intimate. However, it would be better to have anyone from the mom-to-be’s family or friends to send out invites, so that it wouldn’t seem like the expecting mom is throwing herself a party.

Now we know anyone can throw a baby shower, and it can be thrown many times. But, when’s the best time to do a baby shower?

There isn’t really a bad time for a baby shower, so long as you don’t do it a time when the baby is already due to come.

Planning though for the shower can be done the moment pregnancy is announced. It is better to prepare early, especially when you plan to rent a place for the venue. And also, to give invitee notice in advance so they can arrange their schedule and also have ample time to prepare for their gifts.

To help you decide for the time, the first question is where do you plan to have the baby shower – will you do it in your place or rent a venue? Second question is – are you going to wait till the baby’s gender is revealed or will you opt for a unisex theme for the baby shower?

If you will rent a place, then it might take some time for the reservation. If you plan to wait for the baby’s gender reveal for the theme, then you’ll have to wait till 18th – 22nd week of pregnancy for an accurate result.

If this is the case, then it would be great to schedule the baby shower or baby showers, if there will be more than one shower, after 6th to 8th month of pregnancy. But, the problem when you wait before the gender is known is that you will also have to wait before sending out the invites.

On the other hand, if you plan to organize the baby shower in your own space – in the house, garden or by the pool, and then opt to have a unisex theme for the baby shower (baby showers if there will be more) then you can throw the party anytime from first to third trimester. The only thing you need to consider is giving ample time for your invitees.

On a personal note, the best time is around fourth to sixth month of pregnancy for three reasons:

First, you will have enough time to prepare for the decorations, food, venue, and essentials needed for the party.

Second, ample time for the invitees to mark their calendar and make time, and to prepare for their gifts.

Third, the mom-to-be is at a period of her pregnancy where she may have already gotten over the morning sickness and all, but also isn’t too close to due date. So, she is at the time of her pregnancy where she has the energy and can really enjoy the party.

Finally, moms-to-be or the parents-to-be should have enough time left to secure all the essentials they still have not purchased or prepared. And to also have enough time to rest, especially for the expecting moms – to prepare themselves physically after all the partying during the baby showers.

So, it should be done within the time when the expecting mom has regained her energy to really enjoy the baby shower, and still have enough time left after the baby showers to prepare before birth.