Check out these trendy and modern baby shower ideas for new moms. This ultimate list covers everything from invitations to decorations and cakes!
If you’re a first time mom and planning a baby shower, you might not know where to start.
Luckily, we’re here to help!
We’re sharing modern baby shower themes and ideas that new parents will love, including adorable baby shower decorations, ideas for baby shower favors, inspiration for baby shower invitations, and more.
We also share information on baby shower etiquette and smart party planning tips to make sure your party guests have a fun and memorable time.
Keep scrolling to discover these fun and creative ideas to celebrate the new baby in your life!
Pro Tip: Check the Dollar Store for inexpensive party décor and basic items that can be used to DIY unique party elements without breaking the bank.
Ocean, Beachy & Tropical Themes
Baby on Board
Here’s a fun “Baby on Board” beachy baby shower from Stay At Home Sawyer.
The play on words is super cute.
And the blue and aquamarine decorations are the perfect touch.
Aloha Theme
How fun is this Aloha Themed Shower from Tonya Michelle!
She shares so many cute baby boy shower ideas and decorations.
The gold accents make this theme super chic and special. We especially loved the idea she had for decorating onesies as a party activity.
Whale Theme
Check out this super sweet whale themed baby shower from Hello Island Mama. What a cute theme idea for a baby boy!
We love the blue tones in the decorations and the clever party activities.
The “He”rshey bar favors are such a great idea that could be tweaked and used for a girl themed shower as well.
Super Chic, Feminine & Boho Themes
Stay Wild Moon Child
It doesn’t get more Boho Chic than this “Stay Wild Moon Child Baby Shower” organized by Hello Pretty Events.
The feminine earthy color scheme, eclectic décor, and lux textures make it the perfect modern baby shower idea for your little girl.
Daisy Themed Baby Brunch
This adorable Daisy-Themed Baby brunch by Home with Holly J features bright and airy minimalist décor.
It’s a simple, yet impactful party theme that’s sure to impress your guests.
The white flowers with pastel yellow centers are so vibrant and cheerful.
If you’re having a baby girl, this sweet party theme is one to consider!
Ultra Pink Theme
Check out this ultra-pink, super feminine baby shower décor by Laughing Goat Design!
If you’re a fan of all things girly, this is the perfect theme to celebrate your baby-to-be.
Guests will love the bold marquee sign and glitzy oversized balloon arch.
Beverly Hills Hotel Theme
How cute and chic is this Beverly Hills Hotel Themed Baby Shower?
It’s the perfect mix of modern and old Hollywood charm. And the pink and green colors are the perfect combo for an adorable baby girl.
Photo and party credit goes to Details Details Weddings & Events.
“Hey Cutie”
Speaking of cute, this modern and fresh “Hey Cutie” baby shower by Bebeth Party Decor could not be any more precious.
It’s the perfect outdoor baby shower theme for spring or summer.
If you’re expecting a baby during warmer months, this is an excellent theme to consider.
Desert Theme
We loved this desert themed baby girl sprinkle from Cammeo Head to Toe.
This is such a unique theme with a great color scheme. The party favors are cute succulent pots and we can’t get over the fun signs and modern baby shower games.
Girly Boho Theme
This is another boho baby girl shower theme from SS Heart.
If you’re looking for summer baby shower themes, this is such a fun option. The cake has to be one of the cutest we’ve ever seen!
We love the soft pastels and simple details.
Pink and Gold Baby “Sprinkle”
Check out this Pink and Gold Baby Sprinkle from The Samantha Show.
What’s a baby sprinkle, you ask?
After having more than one kid of the same gender, you might not need a full-on shower. A baby “sprinkle” is a smaller, more intimate party for “repeat” moms.
What a fun theme and precious idea!
Modern Bohemian Mother Blessing
If you’re looking for unique and elegant baby shower ideas, here’s another twist on the traditional baby shower.
How special is this idea for a Modern Bohemian Mother Blessing from Navigating Parenthood!
We had never heard of a mother’s blessing before reading this experience, but we love the idea of this practice.
Instead of focusing more on the party and activities, it’s more about celebrating the mother’s transition into motherhood with, “well wishes, song, poetry, and pampering”.
Who wouldn’t love that!
Outdoorsy & Adventure Baby Showers
We Can “Bearly” Wait
Here’s a fun bear-themed party by Live Love Sophia.
The clever “We can Bear-ly Wait” party slogan is charming. And the neutral color scheme is both cozy and modern.
We’ve also included an image for some theme-appropriate “bear-ly wait” cookies by Emily Retamozo.
Gender Neutral Woodland Theme
We think this Woodland themed baby shower from Modest Style could be cute for a boy or girl.
We adore the book signing idea for a baby shower activity.
It’s such a sweet gift and reminder of loved ones as baby gets older and it encourages an early love for reading.
Where the Wild Things Are
Here’s a cute Where the Wild Things Are Shower from SS Heart.
It’s a popular choice for new moms and is another of our favorite book-inspired themes.
We love the banner and backdrop for this party, the crown cupcake toppers, and the modern baby shower invites.
This shower also wins for the most creative party favor. A “from our shower to yours” soap bar!
Fun Adventure Theme
You’ll love this Adventure themed baby shower from Aratari At Home.
It’s such a cute idea to use a tepee for the gift station.
We also like the rustic touches included in this theme. If you already have farmhouse décor, this would be an easy theme to DIY.
Cabin Woodland Theme
Check out this Woodland Themed Baby Shower from Aratari At Home.
This party includes a clothesline banner with baby clothes for mom to take home.
The words of wisdom and “design a block” activities are also great touches.
Nature Themed Showers
Here Comes the “Son”
You’ll love these clever and modern “Here Comes the Son” baby showers by A Raw Collection and Morgan Skinner Smith, below.
They’re bright, cheery, and perfect for an indoor or outdoor party.
It’s such an adorable theme to usher in the arrival of your special little boy!
The balloons are by Balloon Bash Events. And don’t miss their Tik Tok party video, here.
Baby in Bloom
Check out this nature-themed “Baby in Bloom” shower by Viviana Bennawan.
We love the various shades of blue and cream.
And it’s another ideal outdoor baby shower theme for a spring or summer baby.
The bouncy house and beautiful wildflower décor are the perfect touches!
Mama to “Bee”
This “Mama to Bee” baby shower theme is both cute and modern.
We love the bright yellow accents. And we can’t get over the adorable honeycomb motif.
Guests are sure to love the bee and honey-inspired foods and décor.
Images are from Into the Wild Events and Styling and Life of Bliss.
Bonjour Bebe
Here’s a super chic and unique baby shower theme that can be tailored for a boy or girl.
And we love the elegant glassware, Patisserie foods, and adorable balloon arch.
If you’re looking for a more upscale party, this “Bonjour Bebe” shower might be perfect!
Image Credit goes to Poppati Events and the planning and design were created by Poppati Productions Events.
“Ice Ice Babies”
Having twins?
Consider this fun and funky “Ice Ice Babies” baby shower theme by White Space Creates.
It’s electric, modern, and filled with bright colors.
And it’s one of the most unique themes on this list.
“Oh Baby”
This “Oh Baby” shower theme is perfect for boys and girls.
And it’s an incredibly versatile starting point for a fun and festive gathering.
We love the larger-than-life marquee sign and balloons from Alpha-Lit Marquee Letters and @capableballoons.
And how cute are those “oh baby” cookies by Emily Retamozo!
Food-Themed Baby Shower Ideas
Simple Summer Brunch
Who doesn’t love a good food-themed party!
This idea for a Summer Brunch Baby Shower Theme from Katie Crenshaw is right up our alley.
She used minimalist decorations that are just the right amount of flair for a sophisticated get-together.
This is one of the baby shower themes neutral lovers will really appreciate. You could easily change this up with pink accents for a girl-themed shower.
Yummy Bagel Theme
If you’ve been searching for unique boy baby shower themes, you’ll love this next idea.
We’ve never seen a Baby Shower Bagel Bar, but can’t imagine why we’ve never thought of it. How yummy!
This fun baby shower theme is from The Okayest Moms.
Super Sweet Donuts Theme
If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll love this donuts themed shower from Chasing McAllisters.
We can’t get over the feminine touches with the fine china and hints of pink. The chalkboards and chalkboard banner are also great touches!
Saturday Brunch Theme
Here’s a Saturday Brunch Baby Shower from Hey, It’s Jenna.
This is another cute baby shower theme for spring or summer.
We really like the underlying garden vibe as well. It feels so fresh and inviting, perfect for a new beginning.
IVF Donuts + Bagels Theme
Bagels AND donuts? Yes, please!
For those who’ve had to endure the incredibly emotional process of IVF, you definitely deserve to double down on your party theme and celebrate big!
We love the photo timeline that documents all the special moments of this love-filled journey and the wildflower seeds + hair tie party favors!
Gender Neutral Winter Theme
Here’s a cute winter themed shower from Lindsay’s Sweet World.
If you’re having your baby around the holidays, this is a great theme idea that could potentially save you some time decorating.
Our favorite part of this cute, baby shower theme is the Hot Chocolate Bar. The Marshmallows and Peppermint Stick Stirrers were served in cute little bags!
How To Throw A Modern Baby Shower
Baby showers can vary so much from person to person, and we love seeing how different moms choose to celebrate their babies and show their creativity.
If you’re planning or hosting the event for the mom-to-be, here are some tips to make sure this special occasion goes off without a hitch.
Take Steps to Prioritize the Guests of Honor AND the Party-Goers
Your guest list will usually consist of family members and close friends as well as the new mom or both parents for a co-ed baby shower.
That’s a lot of people to please!
Our advice is to keep things simple and follow these guidelines.
Keep in Mind what the New Mom or Parents-to-Be Like
Try to center the parents’ interest rather than trends.
If they prefer casual get-togethers, take steps to plan a more informal gathering. And if they’re fancier, go with something a little more upscale.
Choose a baby shower location and theme that they’ll be comfortable with even if it’s not what’s trending on Pinterest.
You can even plan the event at their favorite restaurant and forgo the typical games and party activities if that’s what they’d prefer.
You can also create a virtual baby shower for families that don’t live close to each other using platforms like Facetime or Zoom.
Keep things Light and Interesting for Attendees
Offer Options
Instead of planning every move for your party guests, consider offering options.
You can put together a couple of group activities, and then allow your guests to choose other activities at their leisure.
This will allow them to participate in the events that they’re most interested in and not feel pressured to do activities that don’t suit them. (Not everyone wants to guess melted chocolates from a baby’s diaper!)
Plan a couple of group activities like:
- Word scrambles
- Baby item price guessing
- Mom-to-be trivia
Set up stations like:
- Book or card signing
- Onesie decorating
- Decorating wooden blocks
- Writing words of encouragement on baby diapers for late-night changes
Carefully Consider Foods and Drinks
Make sure your guests have plenty to eat, especially if your party falls during lunch or dinner.
Consider including regular party foods like chips and dip, a veggie tray, and other finger foods along with fun desserts like cake pops and other sweet treats for your dessert table.
Consider Offering Party Favors and Prizes
Your guests made the effort to get a baby shower gift and take time out of their schedule to celebrate mom and baby.
So, it’s always a nice touch to offer party favors and prizes to show appreciation for their love and support.
They don’t have to be expensive items, just something they’ll actually use and appreciate.
Things like:
- Scented hand sanitizer
- Candles
- Lotion
- Flowers
- Treats like cookies, party mix, and chocolates
FAQs
If you don’t like the idea of a baby shower, you can opt for a baby sprinkle or mother blessing, instead.
A baby sprinkle is a smaller party for moms who already have a child of the same gender so they don’t need as many registry items.
A mother blessing is another alternative gathering where instead of focusing more on the party and activities, it’s more about celebrating the mother’s transition into motherhood with, “well wishes, song, poetry, and pampering”.
You can also go out to brunch or dinner, instead of having a formal party.
Or, even just share your baby registry with friends and family.
The hostess is traditionally responsible for the cost of the baby shower.
But, it’s also common to share the expense between cohosts or close family members and friends.
The average number of guests for a baby shower is 15-30.
Want More?
If you love party planning, be sure to check out these other festive ideas:
- 115 Unique First Birthday Party ideas and themes
- “I Am A Child of God” LDS Baptism Party For A Boy
- Mia’s Pumpkin First Birthday Party
- Ella’s Golden Birthday Party
- Ella’s Floral First Birthday Party
- Zoo Animal First Birthday
- Easy DIY Superhero Birthday Party
Your Turn
To help you make the transition to motherhood as seamless as possible, I created several printables including baby sleep schedules, a 4-week meal plan, and a stain removal guide.
As a bonus for joining our weekly-ish newsletter, you’ll get access to all of those printables (plus a few more!) Click the link above to subscribe or you can use the nifty box below.
Heather
Wednesday 15th of January 2020
Thanks so much for including us! All of these ideas are so fun!
jessicalyne
Wednesday 15th of January 2020
You're welcome Heather!
Ashley Ziegler
Thursday 24th of October 2019
So many cute themes and ideas!! :) I have a couple of baby showers coming up next month and I'm so excited! :) I love parties!!! Also, I love that you always suggest the dollar store. Sometimes (most of the time I guess) I forget that you can get basic party supplies and even cute stuff at the dollar store and you don't need to spend a fortune!!
jessicalyne
Thursday 24th of October 2019
Thank you Ashley!! There are so many good finds at the dollar store! Totally possible to throw an amazing party on a budget!