
Planning a shower is an exciting time. Whether you are in the early planning stages, looking for a theme or even wondering the proper baby shower etiquette - we have you covered for all things baby shower related.
Before The Shower: Baby Shower Etiquette
Headed for a baby shower in the near future? They’re great events, to be sure, but if you’ve recently received an invitation, you may be wondering about your responsibilities as a guest. This quick guide can help you sort it all out.
RSVP
The invitation should have a number you can call or an email address you can use to let the shower host know if you’ll be attending. If you have a previous engagement for that date, you should certainly call to let them know you won’t be there. Make certain, though, that the shower isn’t a surprise before you tell the mommy-to-be that you can’t make it. Etiquette demands you tell at least the host, not necessarily the mom. If you’re not coming, you’re not necessarily expected to send a gift. Just wait until the baby is born to send the gift.
The Gift
You want to go to celebrate this exciting event in your friend or relative’s life, but there’s a little matter of the gift before you head to the shower. Wondering if you need to buy one at all? Generally gifts are expected at a baby shower. Unless otherwise stated on the invitation, you should at least bring a card or a small baby gift to the shower. If you’re having financial difficulties, there are lots of small gifts available, and if it’s a recycled shower, it’s completely expected that you’ll bring a gently used gift anyway.
You may have noticed registry information printed in the shower invitation. While you can certainly use that as a guide to know a bit more about what the parents-to-be would like, you don’t have to feel obligated to buy from the registry. This is a chance to shower her with gifts for the baby, but they don’t necessarily have to be specific gifts. In some cases, the shower might be themed for certain gifts, like a library shower where guests are expected to bring books for baby, but for the most part, you can bring whatever gift you like.
Deciding how much to spend can be the toughest part of the equation. Factor in how close you are to the mommy before you decide what you want to spend. If it’s a very close friend or a family member, you likely want to spend a bit more on that gift. Going with a big gift for a baby you’re going to get to know in the years to come is a perfect idea. If it’s a coworker or someone you don’t know very well, keeping it to around twenty dollars is completely appropriate. If you’re budget-challenged, spend only what you can afford on a gift.
What to Expect
If you haven’t been to a baby shower before, you may not know exactly what you’re getting into. Expect some party conversation, a few silly games that are always fun, snacks or cake (unless otherwise specified on the invitation) and the chance to see what everyone else brought as the new mommy opens her gifts.
When to Have A Shower
When you are pregnant, it seems like the celebrating begins right away. You start planning, making lists, and thinking about how to get ready for the bundle of joy that is going to be in your arms just months from now. Your friends and family are almost as excited as you are. A shower is a great way to share the happiness – and score some excellent baby shower gifts for your child! When is the best time to have a baby shower?
Timing is Everything
Baby showers are traditionally held one or two months before the mother’s due date. Why? There are a few reasons for this:
- You don’t want to wait too long because mommy may go into labor early.
- If the mother receives duplicates of gifts or needs to exchange things, she has ample time to do so.
- People are incredibly generous at baby showers; it takes time to sort through the gifts, set everything up, and wash clothing. Having a month or two is important so the expectant mother can “nest” without rushing.
- By eight months, she doesn’t care if she looks ridiculous so you can make her wear one of those hats made of gift wraps and bows.
Now, why not go earlier to give her even more time? Many women do not announce their pregnancies until after their first trimester. After the first three months, the chance of miscarriage declines dramatically (it is about 10 percent after that), so expectant parents feel more comfortable sharing their news. Then they may wait until they know the sex of the baby so they don’t end up with all things yellow and green. Usually, people wait until at least after the sixth month.
There is certainly something to be said for having it in the 6th or 7th month; many pregnant women feel much more comfortable during this stage of the pregnancy. They may be more open to a good party!
Tradition does not have as strong a hold on today’s expectant mothers as it once did. Many women are putting off their showers until after the baby is born. This is like a little “coming out party” for the baby, so friends and family can meet him/her. Some women opt for “Sip and See” showers because they have no family where they live, while others do so because of their religious beliefs. Still others hate the idea of having their newborn passed around to multiple (sick, germy, shaky, and/or weak) hands. It depends entirely on your preference and your comfort level whether you have your shower before or after. Also, there are plenty more fun baby shower themes out there so do your homework beforehand!
If you do choose to have the baby be the guest of honor at the shower, plan on waiting 6 to 8 weeks after the baby is born. The first weeks really should be about mom, dad, and baby bonding, not Great Aunt Selma pinching your child’s cheeks. Waiting also helps you determine what gifts would be most useful and appreciated.
Another factor to consider is if the expectant mother is going to be having multiple showers. Many people do: you have one with close friends, one with coworkers at the office, one with your book club or church club, etc. Make sure that these are spaced a few weeks apart. If that’s not possible, certainly don’t have more than one in a weekend. It can easily get overwhelming; so many people, so many gifts, so many questions, so many repetitions of “I’m due on…”
A few more questions:
- Should there be a shower when the baby is not the first? Traditionally, showers have been reserved for the first child of a woman or couple. Today, more and more people are having them for their second and third children (and beyond) as well. Every baby is special, and if people want to give you gifts, enjoy!
- Should an adopted baby get a baby shower? Absolutely. They are every bit as loved as biological children, and every bit in need of cute outfits, onesies, and toys. If the child is older, a shower could take on the form of a party with gifts appropriate for his/her age.
A baby shower is a wonderful way to celebrate and welcome a child. The “when” doesn’t matter as much as the people gathered to support the parents.
Planning a shower
Planning a baby shower for the expectant mother is the best way to congratulate her blessed event.
Who plans the baby shower? Any relative, close friend or coworker can host the baby shower.
Most baby showers are held before the baby is born. Some are held after the conception but, more often than not, most baby showers are held toward the end of pregnancy. It is a welcome diversion for the expecting mom to have her baby shower in the last trimester. It also brings more enjoyment and fun as the new mom is sporting a big belly towards the end.
However, before setting a date for the party, ensure to consult with the parents-to-be first and foremost. It would be a shame if a party is planned and invitations are sent and then find out that the most important people cannot make it.
Send out invitations early enough to give the guests a few weeks’ notice. This allows the guests to free up their schedules as well as to shop for the perfect gift.
In the traditional way, baby showers were held for the mother-to-be. However, there is increasing popularity for co-ed baby showers. In my opinion, a co-ed baby shower is probably more enjoyable and it is wonderful if the father-to-be is included. A father often feels left out throughout the pregnancy and after the birth of the newborn baby. A co-ed baby shower is a wonderful way to congratulate the father as well!
Themed baby showers are also very popular and makes the party more festive. Plan your theme and purchase matching invitations, napkins, plates and all other baby shower party supplies. Although it takes more work to plan, a themed baby shower can make the party seem more organized.
Lastly, what makes for a great baby shower gift? Chances are the new mother requires many baby necessities including clothing, bottles, a car seat, bibs, personalized baby blankets, and more.
Make the new mom’s baby shower one to remember. This is a wonderful event in her life and what better way to congratulate her!
Baby Shower Themes
The possibilities for baby shower themes are endless! The important thing to remember when planning a shower is to choose a theme that matches the personality of the mom-to-be. Here are a few popular baby shower themes to consider when planning your next shower.
Zoo Animal Baby Shower Theme
Whether the Mom-to-be is an animal lover or you are looking for a truly creative idea for a baby shower, zoo animals is fun, exciting, and unique. Here are some ideas to get you started planning your zoo animal baby shower.
Zoo Animal Baby Shower Invitations
Centering your theme around zoo animals is fun and provides a wide variety of options! To keep the focus on baby, a cute idea is using picture of a mama and baby zoo animal. Or you can also choose invitations featuring different jungle animals - such as some zoo animal baby shower invitations shaped like elephants, others shaped like friendly monkeys, others shaped like hippos, etc. Mix them up and send as many different animal invitations as you can.
Zoo Animal Decorations and Tableware
Think animal kingdom and incorporate images of all different zoo animals. Many party companies produce streamers, napkins, and zoo-animal themed decor items. Go to a discount store and purchase stuffed zoo animals. Arrange them on your table for a cute centerpiece. Construct a baby shower diaper cake using zoo-animal themed diapers.
In place of a tablecloth, try a long woven table runner or more green palm leaves. Wrap the table with raffia, readily available at craft stores, for a festive jungle feel. Arrange goodies and party favors in woven baskets or wooden bowls to further invoke the zoo animal's jungle world. Select napkins and plates in the shape of different zoo animals. Hang cutouts of zoo animal silhouettes or hang baby shower banners with images of zoo animals throughout the baby shower area.
Zoo Animal Baby Shower Food Ideas
Think treats like pretzels, ice cream bars, and other fun snacks you might find at the zoo. Another creative way to bring zoo animals into your treats is to make cupcakes with animal faces piped on them. Combine food coloring and vanilla frosting to create your colors of choice, and place the mixture in a pastry bag or a sandwich bag with a small hole cut from a corner. It's easy to pipe faces on the tops of cupcakes.
Zoo Animal Baby Shower Favor & Gift Idea
Carry the earthy, natural theme further with party favors. Fill animal print bags with pretzels, chocolate treats, banana-shaped candies. Wrap candy bars with animal-themed wrappers or place animal stickers on the outside of clear candy wrappers.
Or buy personalized baby shower favors like the ones shown above to give your guests. Options are endless and include notepads, gum, candy bars and more with lion, elephant, and monkey themes.
Zoo Inspired Baby Gifts
A stuffed zoo animal for baby's room will provide joy for baby and a memory for Mama of her wonderful baby shower. Ask guests to bring zoo-themed toys or other items, like a onesie with a giraffe on it, or a baby blanket gift with different jungle animals, and gather them in a large woven basket. The woven basket ties into the natural theme and provides a handy and attractive storage container Mom can use to store baby's toys.
The adorable jungle-inspired socks and adorable giraffe blanket are available from Baby Gifts & Gift Baskets. The also have a wide array of other gifts so shop for a baby gift basket today!
Sprinkle Themed Baby Shower
There’s nothing quite as special as that first baby shower. The first baby seemingly gets everything though. Big baby showers, completed baby book gifts, Mom’s undivided attention . . . While there’s not much other people can do about the last two, there is something friends and family members can do about the first one. Fortunately, many have decided to pitch in and give the second, third, and any additional babies a shower. It may not need to be quite as lavish as the shower for the first baby, though, which is why these parties for additional babies have been dubbed “sprinkles.”
Almost everything about a sprinkle is different than a shower. It’s a shower on a much smaller scale. The guest list is typically cut in half for a sprinkle. If Mom had fifty guests at her shower, she generally has around twenty for her sprinkle. The decorations are fairly minimal, as are the games and menu choices. Sprinkles typically include lighter bites and sometimes there aren’t any games at all. Sprinkles are almost always kid friendly, and including the big brother or big sister to be is an absolute must. If you do decide to have games, make sure sister or brother can participate in them or help out in some way.
The real key with sprinkle gifts is to offer up those basic necessities that will be used again and again in everyday life. From diapers and wipes to baby soap, lotion, and even formula if Mom won’t be nursing, going with gifts that are an absolute necessity are key with a sprinkle. Guests don’t need to feel restricted about buying new books, toys, and outfits (especially if the new baby is a different gender), but the focus should be on those basic needs.
Sprinkle Themed baby Shower Invitations
Not everyone understands the concept of a sprinkle yet, so you may want to use specialized wording on the baby shower invitation so anyone on your guest list can better understand the concept. Something like “All Babies Are Cause For Celebration/Join Us for a Smaller Shower – A Sprinkle – For Annie” should suffice. You may even want to go as far as listing out the gifts Mom needs this time around to help your guests understand exactly what to bring.
Sprinkles are a great way to welcome the second, third, or even fourth child into the world with the same excitement you did the first one!
Teddy Bear Themed Baby Shower

Incorporate one of America's most beloved toys, the teddy bear, into your baby shower theme! Children and babies form a special bond with these cuddly little creatures that they seem to tote around everywhere with them. The great thing about a teddy bear baby shower theme is that it's completely appropriate for a boy or a girl.
Teddy Bear Baby shower Invitations
For the teddy bear baby shower invitations, you have several options including buying fully customized invites or making the invitations yourself.
If you are on a tight budget, consider printable baby shower invitations that you can download and print. You can get the template by clicking here. After printing, you simply fill-in all the shower details and mail them or hand them out to your guests.

Teddy Bear Themed Shower Decorations
One fun idea for a teddy bear themed baby shower is to make guests feel like they are entering a bear den. On the sidewalk leading up to the front door for the party, make some paw prints out of chalk or washable paint. You can buy large bear print stencils at craft stores like Michaels. Then have a personalized baby shower banner printed or make your own banner that says something about 'Welcome to Mama Bear [mommy's name] Den'.
Bears and bees and honey all go together so use these items as inspiration for the shower decorations. You can find bee-shaped mylar balloons at your local party supply shop or online. Decorate some terra cotta pots to look like honey pots by painting them with brown paint and then use yellow like honey-overflowing around the pots edge. Buy some fuzzy bumble bees for decorating or make your own from construction paper to hang on streamers from the ceiling. You can place stuffed plush baby teddy bears throughout the shower area too.
Teddy Bear Themed baby Shower Food Ideas
No teddy bear themed baby shower would be complete without some honey! So make honey a central theme of your shower by making main dishes like honey chicken wings, honey glazed carrots, sticky honey buns and other honey-themed recipes.
Bears like berries too so for the punch freeze some raspberries to act as the ice cubes to keep the punch cold. Opt for a berry-flavored punch and then right before the party, float the frozen raspberries in the punch.
You can make many different foods bear-themed by using a bear-shaped cookie cutter to cut-out sandwiches, cheese slices, jello and cut-out cookies. Be sure to set out some bowls of gummy bears, honey roasted peanuts, honeycomb cereal, and teddy grahams for party snacks.
Teddy Bear Themed baby Shower Cakes

Images by Wilton.com
The teddy bear themed baby shower cakes and cupcakes shown above were put together by the team at Wilton. You can get step by step Baby Bear cake instructions and many other ideas at Wilton.com
Teddy Bear Themed Shower Favor Ideas
There are so many great ways to incorporate bears into the party favors. Just look at the photo above, you can find these baby shower favors online. There are so many retailers that sell cheap favors that incorporate the teddy bear theme... place card frames, bottle stopper favors, personalized mint tins, candles with pink or blue glitter bears, small photo album favors also available in pink or blue, teddy bear baby shower themed custom chocolate bar baby shower favors. The possibilities are endless!
One of my favorite ideas for DIY favors are either baby shower honey favors in jars or teddy bear shaped honey that you buy at the grocery store. In either case, you can purchase ribbons or stickers that have a teddy bear theme along with the shower details to thank the guests for sharing in mom's special day.
Teddy Bear themed baby Shower Gift Ideas
You can find a wide array of baby shower gifts that incorporate the teddy bear theme. Of course, the most obvious choice is a classic baby's first teddy bear, but make it extra special by having the t-shirt or bib that the bear wears customized with the baby to be's last name (or first if mom already knows it).
Other great gift ideas are teddy bear shaped ceramic banks, baby gift baskets with a teddy bear theme, and baby diaper cakes that feature a teddy bear sitting on top. The fantastic thing about the diaper cake idea is that you can utilize it as both the centerpiece at the shower and as your gift to the expectant mom. Check out this fun beary ballerina diaper cake from All About Gifts & Baskets.
Peapod Themed Baby Shower
If your mother-to-be is expecting one, two or even three babies, a Peapod Baby Shower Theme can be designed to fit your unique situation. A peapod baby shower theme works well if mom doesn’t know (or doesn’t want to know) the sex of the baby or babies, and if she doesn’t have a particular theme picked out for the nursery.
Peapod Themed Baby Shower Invitations
Starting with the shower invitations, have some fun with your theme by including peapod pictures and/or phrases. You can word the invitation with a catchy poem such as “Three Peas in a Pod, Three Bundles of Love, A Triple Creation, Three Gifts from Above!” Personalized peapod baby shower invitations can be printed for your shower, or make them yourself with some green construction paper. Simply cut dark green pod shapes for the outline, then paste on lighter green circles for the peas and print the invitation on the light colored paper.
Peapod Themed Baby Shower Decorating
Diaper Cakes not only make a great centerpiece, it also doubles as a useful gift for the new mommy! She is certain to use the diapers in the cake, and you can add some personal touches by tucking rattles, spoons, pacifiers or socks in between the layers. If you know the little sweet pea is going to be a girl, our Personalized Sweet Pea Baby Basket is a darling gift that comes already wrapped!If your shower is to celebrate the arrival of twins, we offer a number of gift baskets designed with twins in mind.
Peapod Themed Baby Shower Food & Drink Ideas
A tasty way to start is with a fresh vegetable tray that includes snow peas and/or snap peas. My favorite vegetable dip consists of 1 cup mayonnaise, 1 cup sour cream, 1 tablespoon minced onion, 1 tablespoon dill weed and 1 tablespoon seasoned salt. Mix up the dip the night before to let the flavors blend well prior to serving. A light and delicious salad option for your shower are listed below:
Tortellini Salad with Salmon and Peas (serves 6, double or triple as necessary):
- 8 oz salmon fillet, skin removed (fresh is best)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lb cheese tortellini
- 3/4 cup light mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 cup fresh or frozen (defrosted) peas
- 1/2 cup finely chopped basil leaves
- Season salmon with salt and pepper.Grill on high or pan fry with very little oil. Cook through until the fillet easily flakes apart with a fork (12 to 15 minutes). Set aside.
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook tortellini according to package directions. Drain, run under cold water and drain again.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and lemon juice. Toss in tortellini and peas to coat. Season with salt if desired. Gently stir in salmon and basil and serve.
(Recipe courtesy of All You Magazine)
Finish your sweet pea baby shower with a themed cake or tasty cookie favors! Be sure to have enough cake for all of your guests; I’ve found that a 9x13 cake will feed approximately 15 and a 9” round is roughly half the size of a 9x13. If you are expecting 25 guests at your shower, the cake described below should be the perfect size.
Sweet Pea Themed Baby Shower Cake
- 9x13 cake, baked and cooled
- one dozen cupcakes, baked and cooled
- frosting and food coloring
- Frost the cake in a neutral background color. Cover all cupcakes with dark green frosting. If you are creative, decorate one cupcake to resemble a baby's face (or two, if there are twins).
- Using a decorating tip, make the outline of a peapod in green frosting on the top of the cake. Fill in with green frosting. Leave room for wording such as "Welcome Sweet Pea", "Two Peas in a Pod", etc.
- Determine the number of cupcake "peas" you want to place on top of the cake. Slice the tops off these cupcakes and carefully center them on top of the cake. Include your baby face cupcake(s) in the center of the pea pod.
- Arrange the remaining cupcakes around the cake, add vine and leaf details with decorator tips.
If your mother-to-be prefers cookies instead of cake, bake up a batch of round sugar cookies and decorate in a similar fashion.
Noah's Ark Themed Baby Shower
One of the most popular choices for showers, a Noah's Ark themed baby shower is both fun to plan and attend! If Mom is expecting a bouncing baby boy she plans to name Noah, if she is an animal lover, or if she is planning to decorate the nursery in an ark theme, the choice of this shower theme is a no-brainer. If Mom is expecting twins, the Noah's Ark two by two concept works great as well!
Noah's Ark Themed Invitations
For the invitations, you have several options and your choice will most likely be influenced by your budget and time schedule. If you are throwing an upscale shower and you are running a bit short on time, the best option will likely be fully customized invitations that have an ark theme such as the Noah's Ark baby shower invitations shown in the photograph. This type of invite can be customized with all of the shower details and will arrive at your doorstep ready for mailing.
The second more affordable option is the fill-in type invites that feature a Noah's Ark design on the outside and then blank lines on the inside where you must hand-write all the shower details such as the time, date, location, RSVP information, etc. While these invitations are more affordable, the process is much more time consuming as you must write the details inside each and every invite... this can take a long time for large showers.
Finally, if you are crafty and have some time on your hands, creating your very own one-of-a-kind baby shower invitations is a great option. You can create them on the computer using a program like MS publisher with clip art to achieve the desired Noah's ark theme.
Noah's Ark themed baby shower Decor
Many online shops and party supply stores sell Noah's Ark themed baby shower supplies. However, you can also create many decorations on your own that tie in perfectly with this baby shower theme. For instance, gather up all the stuffed animals in your home (and ask your friends for their animals too) and then place them all around the shower area in pairs (remember the two by two concept especially if the shower is for twins). You can also use pairs of animal balloons and pairs of cardboard animal cut-outs that you either buy or make yourself all around the room and on the walls.
Noah's Ark themed baby shower Food Ideas
Use these creative food and dessert ideas to tie in the Noah's Ark theme! No shower is complete without a bowl of punch for guests to drink. Rainbow colors are the perfect choice so why not try this Rainbow Punch recipe.
Rainbow Punch Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1/2 gallon rainbow sherbet
- 2 liter bottle of Sprite, ginger ale or 7-up
- 2 cups pineapple juice
Directions:
Chill juice and soda prior to mixing. In a large punch bowl, mix together the juice and soda, then add sherbet in one large block just before the party starts. Makes 25 servings. Don't forget to float a plastic boat in the punch bowl too!
Use animal-shaped baby cookie cutters to cut sandwiches, cheese slices, pizza and jello jigglers into various animal shapes. Don't forget to put bowls of animal crackers on the side tables as well as the buffet table for guests to snack on throughout the party.
Another great idea from creative baby shower ideas is to create an 'ark' out of a watermelon and then fill it with cut-up fruit. Be sure to add some plastic toy animals around the ark for a fun presentation. What a creative centerpiece on your buffet table!!
Noah's Ark themed baby shower Cake Idea

Wilton has done it again with this fun-shaped cake that is perfect for baby showers!
Noah's Ark themed Baby Shower Favors
Since Noah's Ark themed baby showers are so popular, you can find many online companies that sell favors that fit the theme perfectly. As shown in the photograph above, personalized candy bar wrappers, Noah's ark personalized baby shower mint tins and containers of lip balm can be customized with things like the mom-to-be's name and the shower date. Since these favors are personalized, they add an extra special touch to your party favors. You can also find things like animal-shaped soaps and Noah's ark shaped baby shower candles that come in little gift boxes so that you can hand them to guests. Buying favors is an excellent option when you are short on time and want elegant favors with a custom touch.
Some great do-it-yourself ideas are animal shaped notepads with matching pencils, animal shaped chocolates that you either buy or make yourself using candy molds, animal-shaped keychain favors, boxes of animal crackers where you tie a ribbon and matching personalized hang tag, or small beanie baby animals.
You could also place things like mini animal-shaped soaps, candles, or gummy bears in clear cellophane bags or small baby bottles to give your guests as favors.
Noah's Ark themed Baby Shower Gifts
There are so many baby shower gift options for a Noah's Ark themed baby shower... especially if Mom plans to decorate the nursery with that same theme. You can find many companies that sell just about anything you can think of for a nursery in a Noah's Ark theme including the bedding set, lamps, wall art, rugs and more.
Jungle Themed Baby Shower
Your guests are sure to have a roaring good time at a jungle-themed baby shower! Tons of party stores sell fun and festive animal supplies so it is pretty easy to put this type of party together.
Jungle Baby Shower Invitations
Depending on your creativity, time constraints and budget, you have several options when it comes to invitations. The easiest, but most expensive choice is to buy fully personalized jungle baby shower invitations from an online printer that includes all of the custom shower details. These types of invites normally range in cost from $1.50 to $3 each.

The second option requires slightly more work on your part, but is more affordable. You can buy jungle animal invitations like those shown in the photo that are pre-printed with lines where you must hand write in all of the shower details. For smaller showers, these are a great choice. If you are having tons of people, it will be much more work to hand write each one. In that case, you may want to create invites on your computer and print them out.
Jungle & Animal Themed Decorations

For the tabletops, consider buying jungle themed partyware in the color scheme and theme of your choice. The primary colored jungle animals party pack is available through our website. They also offer party packs in pink and chocolate brown for a Queen of the Jungle baby shower theme, blue and chocolate brown for a King of the Jungle baby shower theme, and more pastel colors for a baby animal mobile shower theme.
An essential component to a jungle theme are jungle animals so use all the stuffed animals that you can (e.g. stuffed monkeys hanging from the vines). You can also buy cut-out cardboard animals at dollar and craft stores
Jungle Baby Shower Food Ideas

You can use animal shaped cookie cutters to create finger sandwiches, jello jigglers, cheese slices and even cookies that are shaped like animals. Create your favorite sandwich like chicken salad for instance on white bread, then use various cookie cutter animal shapes to cut them out. You'll end up with a tray of safari sandwiches for your party.
Bowls full of animal crackers or monkey mix are a must for snacking at a jungle baby shower theme party! To make monkey mix, you combine mini chocolate chips, cashews, banana chips, and shredded coconut for a wildly good treat! Be sure to serve all your jungle food on trays lined with banana leaves or banana leaf-shaped plastic trays.
Edible Jungle Themed Cakes

Wilton has a wide range of jungle-themed cakes that are perfect for baby showers.
Jungle Animal Themed Baby Shower Favors

Many local craft stores such as Michael's sell animal shaped candles, soaps and other small gifts that can be placed inside cellophane bags that are tied with a ribbon and small hang tag like the one shown in the above photograph.
One idea for cheap baby shower favors is to buy small boxes of animal crackers for each of your guests. They can enjoy them either at or after the party.
Jungle Baby Shower Gift Ideas

Lions and tigers and bears - oh my! If you've been invited to or are hosting a jungle-themed or safari baby shower, then consider giving a gift that ties in perfectly with the theme. Any of the baby baskets shown above would look fantastic on the gift table. You don't even need to wrap them since they usually come wrapped in cellophane or tulle and are topped with a big bow.
The gifts shown above includes all kinds of jungle themed items such as hooded towels, bath mitts, clothing, washcloths, bibs and burp cloths, and even pacifier clips. They are oh so cute and oh so clever for a safari or jungle-themed party!
Another great baby shower gift idea that can do double-duty as the shower centerpiece is a jungle or safari themed baby shower diaper cake. These inedible cakes are constructed from disposable diapers and items such as blankets, bibs, and other baby essentials that feature a jungle theme.
It's A Girl Baby Shower Theme
A pretty in pink shower is the easiest choice when it comes to a shower for a little girl. You can find just about any shower supply in a pink color scheme at affordable prices.
It's A Girl Baby Shower Invitations
When it comes to the invites, think pink. You have several options including making your own invitations, buying fully customized invites like the one shown in the photo to the right, or purchasing fill-in invitations. Be sure to consider your time and budget when deciding which way to go on the invites.
Fully customized It's A Girl Baby Shower Invitations are the most expensive option, but they require the least amount of time from you because you will receive them from the printer and simply need to mail them to the guests. The fill-in type of invitations are affordably priced, but you will need to hand-write all of the shower details inside each one prior to sending them out to all of the people that you are planning to invite.
Creating your own baby shower invitations is a great option for the crafty women out there. In this case, it is hard to say where your invitation will fall on the cost scale because it is so dependent on your design. However, unique one of a kind invites can leave a lasting impression on guests and often times, they can be the most affordable option of all.
It's A Girl Baby Shower Tableware & Decor
All About Gifts & Baskets sells an entire line of It's A Girl baby shower tableware and supplies that are fully coordinated. As shown in the photo, the plates, napkins and cups have a fun pink and white color scheme with a Caucasian baby design (African American designs are also available). In addition, check out the wide variety of pink and white supplies available on Amazon.
When it comes to decorations for the shower, think pink. Pink and white baby shower balloons, streamers, and a personalized baby shower banner with some sort of pink coloring are great choices.
This fun It's A Girl Baby Shower Diaper Cake is available online as well.
It's A Girl Baby Shower Food
Pink punch is a necessity at an It's A Girl baby shower so consider either simple pink lemonade or one of these punch recipes that yield a pink-colored beverage for your guests to enjoy.
Pink and Bubbly Punch Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 (6 ounce) cans frozen pink lemonade concentrate
- 1 (6 ounce) can frozen pineapple juice concentrate
- 1 gallon cranberry juice
- 2 liters cranberry ginger ale
- 4 cups crushed ice
Directions:
In a large punch bowl, mix lemonade concentrate, pineapple juice concentrate, and cranberry juice. Add ice and slowly pour in the ginger ale.
Pretty in Pink Punch Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2/3 c. red cinnamon candies, divided
- 1 qt. strawberry ice cream softened
- 1/4 c. sugar
- 1/2 c. water
- 46 oz. can pineapple juice
- 12 oz. can frozen pink lemonade concentrate (prepared)
- 1 ltr. bottle ginger ale, chilled
Directions:
Sprinkle 1/3 c. cinnamon candies into a 5 cup ring mold sprayed with vegetable spray. Spread ice cream on top. Cover with plastic wrap and freeze until ready to use. Combine remaining cinnamon candies, sugar and water in a small saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until candies dissolve, stirring often. Set aside and cool completely. Poured cooled mixture into a large punch bowl and add pineapple juice and pink lemonade.
Just before serving: stir in ginger ale; remove ice cream ring from mold and float in punch. Make 4-5 quarts.
When it comes to the food for an It's A Girl baby shower, it is all about pink creations. The best resource for pink recipes (that are equally as good for Breast Cancer Awareness or Sweet 16 birthday parties) can be found at Recipe Bazaar. As of today, they have 1,928 pink recipes including things like pink brie that can be served with fruit or crackers, penne pasta with creamy pink vodka sauce, pink jello and pineapple salads, shrimp luncheon sandwiches, pink potatoes and so much more!
You can also serve a fruit tray with all pink fruits like watermelon, strawberries, pink grapefruit and pink lady apples. A great fruit dip is to combine a jar of marshmallow cream with 1 package of strawberry cream cheese. Mix it up and you'll get a great tasting pink colored fruit dip.
It's A Girl Baby Shower Favors
The above photo shows just a few of the It's A Girl personalized baby shower favors. Just about any favor with a pink color scheme would work perfectly for a little girl's shower so don't feel limited by having something that reads it's a girl. Personalized honey jars, cocoa packets, lemonade packs, tea and coffee baby shower favors are shown in the photograph. All of them have a lovely pink and white colors scheme. Guests love receiving personalized favors to take home with them.
If you'd prefer to create your own unique favors for your guests, consider purchasing small cellophane bags, little pink baby shower favor boxes, or some pink tulle to wrap small gifts such as pink jelly beans, pink bath beads, M&M's, candles and even small soaps. You could even buy some Avery labels to make custom stickers or favor hang tags with the Mom-to-be's name along with the shower date that can be tied with ribbon to your adorable favor creations.
It's A Girl Baby Shower Gift Ideas
Baby Shower Gift Baskets
If you'd like to tie your gift in with a specific theme, gift baskets are an excellent option because they often contain many of the smaller items on Mom's gift list that are packaged and presented in an adorable way. Most baby gift baskets contain essentials such as baby blankets, bibs, booties, bathtime kits (shampoo, washing mitts, hooded towels, etc), adorable outfits and so much more.
You can see just some of the adorable baby baskets available online in the above photograph. Another advantage is that baskets normally arrive assembled with the bow and card already attached so you just need to carry it to the party, really great if you are running short on time.
It's A Girl Baby Shower Decorations
Add a few balloons around the gift table, decorate the guest of honor’s chair with pink streamers and add a pretty pink tablecloth to your food table. It’s not necessary to go overboard on decorations - especially if you are decorating on a budget. By using a bit of creativity, many of your decorations can even double as prizes or guest favors. A beautiful baby girl diaper cake makes a great centerpiece and can later be taken apart so mom can use the diapers. You can also order a baby girl cookie bouquet as a centerpiece, then send each cookie home with special guests as sweet treat! When setting out punch cups for your guests, tie a pretty pink ribbon on each handle to continue the color scheme. You can even decorate one of the punch cups with a white ribbon and the person who uses that cup receives a special prize. If you will be setting the table for your guests, position a special baby shower favor at each place setting for the guests to take home.
It's A Boy Baby Shower Theme
The most obvious color choice for your shower decorating is blue – but don’t discount bright red, green or purple – primary colors make a bold statement and add a masculine feel to the shower. If you do decorate in blue, choose varying shades to add depth and variety.
When inviting guests to the shower, including details about where mom is registered so they can shop accordingly. Depending on the time of day your shower is held, you may want to serve dessert only, a light lunch or a full meal. Check with your guest of honor for any recent cravings and serve some of her favorites. You may also want to offer vegetarian choices or sugar-free desserts for guests with special dietary needs.
Baby Gifts & Gift Baskets offers a number of baby shower favors, personalized baby boy gifts and shower centerpieces designed to complement a fun “It’s A Boy” shower.
It's A Boy Baby Shower Decorations
When planning decorations for your It's A Boy baby shower, it's fun to include all shades of blue. From tablecloths to candies to balloons and confetti, mix blue stripes with patterns and polka-dots to add variety and a touch of whimsy to the event! Fill baby boy-themed favor boxes with blue M&M's, jelly beans or Jordan almonds and use them to tie down helium balloons. Cover your gift table with a paper or plastic tablecloth, then lay out a marker and have guests leave words of wisdom on the table cover.
Keep your party favors tied into your theme with a practical compact mirror or personalized lip balm favor that features the image of an adorable baby boy! Fill a fancy basket with your favors so guests can grab one on their way out, or ask the new baby's older sibling to pass them out after all guests have arrived. Stay true to your "It's A Boy" theme by filling the room with blue and ordering your favors to match.
Under The Sea Baby Shower Theme
Depending on her stage in the pregnancy, your mother-to-be may be most looking forward to the food at her Under the Sea baby shower, and you certainly won't want to disappoint her! Plan your food around the theme you have chosen to elicit "oohs" and "aahs" from your shower guests.
Start guests off with a refreshing sea-blue punch served in a large goldfish bowl. Then offer finger sandwiches using the Under the Sea cookie cutter sets pictured above. These cutters also make great take-home under the sea baby shower favors for your guests! After sandwiches and punch, serve a delicious crab salad or refreshing seafood dip with crackers. For dessert, try your hand at a fish-shaped cake. If you don't think you can shape a cake the way you want, cheat and order a fish-shaped cake mold - then all you have to do is frost the cake using brightly colored icing and your Under the Sea shower be complete!
Brunch Baby Showers
Article Contents
- Before The Shower: Baby Shower Etiquette
- When to Have A Shower
- Planning a shower
- Baby Shower Themes
- Zoo Animal Baby Shower Theme
- Sprinkle Themed Baby Shower
- Teddy Bear Themed Baby Shower
- Peapod Themed Baby Shower
- Noah's Ark Themed Baby Shower
- Jungle Themed Baby Shower
- It's A Girl Baby Shower Theme
- It's A Boy Baby Shower Theme
- Under The Sea Baby Shower Theme
- Brunch Baby Showers
- Farm Animal or Barnyard Baby Shower Theme
- Christmas Themed Baby Shower
- Baby Bottles Themed Baby Shower
- Cute As Can Bee Baby Shower
- Other Baby Shower Theme Trends
- Baby Shower Games
- Printable Baby Shower Games
- Farm Animal Baby Shower Games
- Creative & Fun Baby Shower Games
- Baby Shower Game Ice Breakers
- Question: How Much Does a Polar Bear Weigh?
Answer: Enough to break the ice!
- Set the Stage with Fun Decor
- Start With Name Tags
- First and Foremost
- Activity 1 - Scrapbook!
- Baby Scrapbooking
- Activity 2 - Introductions
- After Games, Celebrate With Dessert
- Activity 3 - Mom & Baby Trivia
- Activity 4 - Take Some Yarn
- Pop the (Fake) Bubbly & Get the Party Started
- Activity 5 - Have Fun and Take the Lead
- Baby Shower Mocktails
- Baby Shower Drink Ideas
- After the Shower: Writing Thank You Notes
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