28 Baby Shower Activities for 2026

You agreed to host the baby shower… and now the pressure is on.

What activities will keep guests engaged? How do you avoid awkward silence-or worse, cringey games no one wants to play?

The truth is, most baby showers don’t fail because of food or décor-they fall flat because the activities don’t work.

In this guide, you’ll discover baby shower activities that are fun, modern, easy to run, and guaranteed to keep your guests genuinely engaged.

How to Choose the Right Activities for Your Guest List

Before you pick a single game or activity, pause and look at your guest list.

This is where most hosts go wrong. If you want the activities to feel natural and fun, you have to plan around the people in the room-not just what looks cute on Pinterest.

Are you hosting mostly close friends who love to laugh? You can lean into competitive or funny games. Is it a mixed-age group with a few shy guests?

Then you’ll want low-pressure activities like table cards, advice notes, or interactive stations people can join at their own pace.

If it’s co-ed, avoid overly traditional “mom-only” games and choose activities that involve everyone.

If your crowd includes introverts, skip anything that forces people to perform in front of the group.

The rule is simple: the more diverse the guest list, the more flexible and optional your activities should be.

When you match the vibe of the activities to the personality of your guests, everything flows naturally-and no one feels uncomfortable.

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Interactive Gift Guess

Want a low-pressure activity that gets everyone involved without forcing participation?

Turn one of the baby gifts into a guessing moment.

Display an educational toy or baby item and have guests write down what they think it does, costs, or how the parents might use it.

It’s subtle, fun, and keeps the focus on practical baby essentials instead of awkward group games.

You can reveal the answers during gift opening to spark conversation and laughs.

This kind of activity blends naturally into the event -no loud announcements, just quiet engagement that keeps guests interested.

Themed Treat Bags

If you’re already decorating, let your packaging double as part of the experience.

Instead of basic favor bags, create themed ones that match your shower concept -like cute animal or character designs.

It instantly ties your décor and activities together.

You can even slip a small card inside with a fun prompt like “Share your best parenting advice” or “Predict baby’s birthday.”

That way, the bag isn’t just a takeaway -it becomes interactive.

When your favors connect to your theme, the whole shower feels intentional instead of thrown together.

Decorate-a-Block Station

Not everyone loves traditional games -and that’s okay.

If you want something meaningful and relaxed, set up a decorate-the-block station.

Provide wooden alphabet blocks and colored pencils so guests can color letters or write short messages for the baby.

It’s calm, creative, and works especially well for mixed-age groups.

Guests participate at their own pace while mingling.

Later, those blocks become both nursery décor and a sentimental keepsake.

This kind of activity feels modern because it’s optional, personal, and quietly memorable -no microphones or scorecards required.

Wish Station

If you want a quiet moment that feels meaningful, create a dedicated wish station.

Set up a basket with cards and a decorative container where guests can drop written messages for the baby.

It doesn’t need to be complicated -just make it inviting and visible.

This works beautifully near the entrance so guests can participate as they arrive.

Later, those wishes become something the parents can reread during late-night feedings.

Not every activity has to be loud to be memorable.

Sometimes the softest moments are the ones that stay with you.

Pacifier Hunt

Need something that keeps energy high without organizing teams?

Hide pacifiers around the venue and turn the entire space into a playful scavenger hunt.

It’s simple: whoever finds the most wins. That’s it.

No long instructions, no awkward spotlight.

Guests naturally start looking around, laughing, and competing casually.

This works especially well for backyard or larger venue showers.

If you want movement and interaction without forcing structured games, this is your answer.

Mini Play Corner

If your shower includes families or kids, don’t overlook a small activity zone.

Setting up a themed play corner with cute props or toy displays keeps little ones entertained and gives parents breathing room.

You don’t need a full setup -even a styled mini station tied to your theme makes the space feel thoughtful.

It also doubles as a photo opportunity. When you plan for kids, the whole event feels smoother for everyone.

Message Plants

Instead of traditional favors that get forgotten, give guests something that grows.

Small potted plants paired with a printed message or note from the parents feel fresh and intentional.

It’s a subtle way to symbolize new beginnings while sending guests home with something lasting.

You can even encourage guests to “grow alongside baby” by caring for the plant.

When favors carry meaning, they stop feeling like an afterthought and start feeling personal.

Onesie Guest Board

If you want a guest book that doesn’t end up in a drawer, rethink the format.

Instead of a traditional notebook, create a display board where guests write messages on mini onesie-shaped cards and clip them up.

It instantly becomes part of your décor during the shower, then transforms into nursery wall art afterward.

This works especially well if you want something visual and interactive.

Guests can read what others wrote, which naturally sparks conversation.

When a keepsake doubles as decoration, it feels intentional -not like something you remembered at the last minute.

Memory Blocks

Here’s a twist on the decorate-a-block idea: instead of just coloring letters, invite guests to add symbols, doodles, or short notes on plain wooden blocks.

The beauty is in the randomness.

One guest might draw a heart, another writes a tiny wish, someone else adds stripes or polka dots.

Later, when those blocks are stacked in the nursery, every side tells a small story.

If you want an activity that blends creativity with sentiment without feeling overly structured, this is it.

Floral Bath Favors

Want your favors to feel luxurious without overspending? Fill small glass tubes with bath salts and dried flowers, then tie on a personalized tag.

It’s simple, elegant, and feels like a thoughtful thank-you rather than a generic giveaway.

You can match the florals to your shower theme for a cohesive look.

Guests leave with something they’ll actually use -and every time they do, they’ll remember the celebration.

When presentation meets practicality, you’ve nailed it.

Photo Props

If you’re already planning a backdrop, add themed photo props on sticks and let guests have fun with it.

Think playful phrases, baby-themed cutouts, and “team boy/team girl” signs.

This works especially well when you want natural interaction without announcing an activity.

People gravitate toward photo corners on their own.

Plus, you end up with candid, shareable memories from the day.

When an activity doesn’t feel forced and still gets everyone smiling, you know it’s working.

Late Night Notes

If you want something both practical and emotional, set up a “late night diapers” station.

Place a basket of diapers with markers and invite guests to write funny or encouraging messages on them.

It sounds simple, but imagine the parents reading those notes during 3 a.m. diaper changes.

That tiny burst of humor or love can mean everything in the early weeks.

This idea works especially well if you want an activity that doesn’t interrupt the flow of the party.

Guests can participate casually while chatting, and the result is something genuinely useful.

Fingerprint Art

Not every keepsake needs words. Sometimes a simple fingerprint can say more.

Set up a canvas with a baby-themed outline and let guests add their fingerprint as balloons, leaves, or decorative details.

Each print becomes part of a collective piece of art the parents can frame in the nursery.

It’s creative without being messy, structured without being strict.

If you’re looking for something sentimental but visually beautiful, this one strikes the perfect balance.

Curated Gift Tray

Instead of scattering favors across the table, present them as a styled gift tray.

Layer jars, candles, small plants, and baked treats together in one cohesive display.

When guests see a beautifully arranged tray, it elevates even the simplest items.

It also creates a photo-worthy moment before guests take their gifts home.

If you want your shower to feel polished and thoughtfully planned, presentation is everything -and grouping items intentionally makes a big difference.

Candy Bottle Favors

Want to lean into the baby theme in a playful way? Fill mini baby bottles with colorful candies and decorate them with ribbons or small charms.

They’re instantly recognizable, fun, and perfect for gender-specific or pastel themes.

Line them up on a table for visual impact, then let guests grab one on their way out.

Sometimes the most effective ideas are the ones that are obvious but executed well -and this one always gets smiles.

Printable Game Set

If you want zero stress but maximum engagement, printable game sheets are your best friend.

Lay them out on tables and let guests complete them while they mingle, eat, or wait for gifts to be opened.

Word scrambles, “What’s in Your Purse?”, baby name races, or price-guessing games work because they’re self-paced.

No one has to stand up or perform. You can collect them at the end and announce winners casually.

This is perfect when you want structure without turning the shower into nonstop group activities.

Guess the Jar

There’s something timeless about a classic guessing jar.

Fill a clear container with baby-themed treats and have guests write down how many they think are inside.

It’s simple, visual, and surprisingly competitive.

Place it somewhere central so everyone sees it early on.

You don’t need complicated rules -just closest guess wins.

It adds a playful challenge without disrupting conversation, and it works for almost any theme.

Prediction Cards

If you want guests to feel personally invested in baby’s arrival, hand out prediction and advice cards.

Ask them to guess the birth date, weight, or who baby will resemble.

Later, when the baby arrives, the parents can look back and see who guessed closest.

It turns anticipation into part of the celebration.

This idea works especially well when you want something sentimental but still lighthearted.

Sprinkle Play Zone

If you really want guests to walk in and say “wow,” create a themed play zone.

A sprinkle-inspired ball pit or soft play setup instantly turns your shower into an experience instead of just a gathering.

This works beautifully for co-ed or family-friendly showers where kids are invited.

It keeps little ones entertained while adults mingle.

Even if you scale it down, the idea is the same: build one interactive area that feels immersive.

When your décor becomes something guests can actually use, it elevates the entire event.

Paint a Onesie

Here’s an activity that doubles as a practical gift: set up a paint-your-own-onesie station.

Lay out small easels, neutral onesies, and fabric-safe paints, and let guests create something unique.

Some will keep it simple, others will go all in -and that’s the fun of it.

Later, when the baby wears those pieces, each outfit carries a memory.

If you want an activity that feels creative but meaningful, this one never disappoints.

Balloon Bottles

Instead of regular balloons floating around, turn them into part of the décor theme.

Decorate balloons with patterns or seasonal designs to match your shower concept, then use them as table accents or interactive props.

They can mark different activity stations or simply add visual personality to the space.

When small decorative elements are intentional, the whole event feels cohesive rather than random.

Themed Cake Moment

Don’t underestimate the power of a themed cake reveal.

Design your cake to match the shower concept -colors, baby motifs, even the baby’s name -and make cutting it a moment everyone gathers for.

You don’t need an elaborate ceremony.

Just pause the flow, call everyone over, and celebrate together.

Sometimes the simplest shared moments create the strongest memories.

Pop the Belly

If you want something high-energy that instantly grabs attention, create a “Pop the Belly” board.

Attach small balloons to a display and hide prizes or notes inside.

Guests throw darts (safely supervised) or use pins to pop one and reveal what’s inside.

It’s playful, competitive, and perfect when you need a moment that pulls everyone together.

This works especially well midway through the shower when energy dips.

A quick, loud, laughter-filled activity can reset the mood and bring excitement back into the room.

Rustic Guessing Game

Want a guessing game that feels charming instead of basic? Present it with personality.

Use a chalkboard sign, themed containers, and a styled table setup.

The activity itself may be simple -guess how many items are inside -but the presentation elevates it.

When the display matches your overall theme, even classic games feel refreshed and thoughtfully planned.

Balloon Reveal Wall

If you’re planning a gender reveal or surprise moment, a balloon wall adds suspense.

Guests pop balloons to uncover colored confetti or clues about baby’s gender.

It builds anticipation and gives everyone something to participate in.

Just make sure to gather guests before starting so the reveal feels like a shared experience.

Moments like this turn a simple activity into a highlight of the event.

Diaper Pong

If you want a game that feels playful but still fits the theme, try diaper pong.

Instead of cups, attach mini diapers to a board and assign point values to each one.

Guests toss ping pong balls and rack up points based on where they land.

It’s competitive without being complicated, and it’s easy to run in small rounds throughout the party.

This works especially well for co-ed showers because it feels more like a party game than a traditional baby shower activity.

Add a small prize for the highest score to keep the energy up.

Spin the Bottle

When you can’t decide on just one activity, let the wheel decide.

A “Spin the Baby Bottle” board adds surprise and spontaneity to your event.

Each section can include a prompt -sing a lullaby, share advice, take a selfie with mom-to-be, suggest a baby name.

It’s interactive without being intense, and it naturally breaks the ice.

This works beautifully at the beginning of the shower to get guests laughing and participating.

The unpredictability is what makes it fun -no one knows what they’ll land on next.

Tulle-Wrapped Favors

If you want your baby shower to feel instantly elevated without spending a fortune, start with how you wrap your favors.

Instead of handing out plain boxes, wrap them in soft tulle and tie them into a delicate knot at the top.

It adds texture, softness, and that “Pinterest-worthy” finish that guests notice right away.

This works beautifully for minimalist or neutral-themed showers.

Even simple treats inside will feel special when the presentation is thoughtful.

Keep the colors aligned with your theme and add a small personalized tag for that extra touch.

Sometimes it’s not what you give -it’s how you present it that makes the biggest impression.

FAQs

How many baby shower activities should I plan?

You don’t need a long list -you need the right mix.

For a typical 2–3 hour baby shower, 3 to 5 well-chosen activities are more than enough.

If you’re including interactive stations (like decorate-a-onesie or advice cards), those count too. The key is balance.

If you want a relaxed vibe, choose one structured game and a couple of optional activities guests can do at their own pace.

More isn’t better -smoother flow is.

What if some guests don’t like playing games?

Then don’t force them. The best baby showers offer options.

If you want to avoid awkward moments, include low-pressure activities like prediction cards, fingerprint art, or a wish station.

These let guests participate naturally without standing up or competing.

When activities feel optional rather than mandatory, everyone stays comfortable -and the event feels effortless instead of staged.