Best Places To Have A Baby Shower in 2024

This post contains affiliate links. Please visit my disclosure policy for more information.

These are the best places to have a baby shower in 2023, including free and inexpensive indoor and outdoor venues, plus other ideas and tips!

If you’re a first time mom and planning a baby shower, or a hostess for the mom-to-be, one of the biggest decisions you’ll have to make is what venue to use.

Do you go with some casual and laid-back or something more elegant and sophisticated?

And what about the budget?

If you’re struggling with this particular facet of your party planning, we’re here to help!

Below, you’ll find a list of the best places to have a baby shower in 2023!

You’ll find unique and fun venue options, including baby shower locations that are free or inexpensive.

You’re sure to find the perfect fit!

Table Of Contents

Things to Consider Before Choosing a Venue
Best Places to Have a Baby Shower
Fun Baby Shower Ideas and Tips
Smart Baby Registry Items
FAQs
The Bottom Line
Want More?
Your Turn

Things to Consider Before Choosing a Venue

A couple wearing pink poses in front of pink and gold balloons at a baby shower.

Before you start your search, it’s important to set clear intentions for your baby shower.

Ask yourself some simple questions:

What type of baby shower are you throwing?
Who is invited? Is it coed?
Will other children be in attendance?
How much money are you willing to spend?
How long will the shower last?
What do the parent(s)-to-be enjoy?

Each of these questions will help steer you toward the ideal venue and streamline the decision-making process.

Keep these in mind as you weigh the pros and cons of the venue locations, below!

Best Places to Have a Baby Shower

The perfect event space will vary from mom to mom. But these are the most popular locations for new moms and seasoned moms, too!

Indoor Venues

Collage of indoor baby shower venues including a banquet hall, home, hotel room, and nail salon.

1. Someone’s Home

The most common place to have a baby shower is in someone’s home.

It’s also one of the easiest, no-cost options.

This works especially well if it’s the home of the baby shower host.

Set-up and take-down will be so much easier, and you won’t have to worry about communicating with a third party about the event space.

2. Hotel Room

A hotel room is a great option for a girl’s night baby shower.

It’s an intimate setting that’s perfect for a small group.

And it can serve as a meeting point for friends and family that live further away.

3. Private Dining Room

Consider hosting the shower at the mom’s or parents’ favorite restaurant.

Request a private dining room so your guests can have a more private setting.

You’ll be able to enjoy the guest(s) of honor’s favorite foods, exchange gifts, and even play games.

4. Church Hall

A church hall is a great option for those on a budget. You can usually request space from a church for free or for a small fee.

This is a great location for a baby shower with young children in attendance as there’s often a nursery where kids can play, or at least enough room to set up a kid’s station so they stay entertained.

5. Banquet Hall

If you have a large guest list, consider renting out a banquet hall.

This is one of the more expensive options, but if you’re going for a big party, it’s an ideal space with plenty of room. And it may even include a dance floor.

Banquet halls are also used to working with rental companies, so it will be easy to set up catering and decorations if desired.

6. Tea Room

A tea room is a perfect space for small groups, and food will usually be provided in the form of sandwiches, finger foods, and of course, tea.

All you’ll need to do is bring a few decorations and plan some simple party games.

7. Country Clubs

If you’re prepared to spend a good chunk of money, you can rent a private room at a country club.

This is another great venue for larger gatherings. And it’s the ideal setting for a more upscale baby shower.

These clubs usually have beautiful and elegant surroundings, and you’ll likely be able to utilize their foods and beverages.

8. Golf Clubs

Golf clubs are similar venues to country clubs and you can think of them the same way when planning your shower.

They’re a common event space for special occasions, so it’s sure to be a smooth process with memorable results.

9. Local Community Center

Your local community center is another great location for large gatherings. These event spaces are usually inexpensive and fairly sizeable.

However, you’ll likely be responsible for your own food.

Plan on catering or making your own food and bringing your own decorations.

You’ll also be on the hook for cleanup.

10. Airbnb

An Airbnb is a great place for a destination baby shower.

If you have family from all over, this is another great venue that can serve as a meet-up place.

11. Lake House

Speaking of destinations, if you have access to a lake house, this location may just provide the perfect backdrop for a baby shower.

If you’re able to choose the lake house location, try to find one with large windows that overlook the water!

12. Virtual Baby Shower

This venue is not a physical space, but it’s perfect for moms with friends a family that live far away.

You can take advantage of virtual meeting platforms like Zoom, Facetime, and Facebook Messenger to plan an online party so those who wouldn’t normally be able to participate are included.

You can find ideas for virtual baby showers all over Pinterest!

13. Art Studio

Does your mom-to-be enjoy art?

Consider renting out an art studio or even planning the baby shower around a painting class or demonstration.

Your guests may be able to create their own party favors to take home!

14. Spa or Nail Salon

These are two of the more unique venues on this list.

Coordinate with your favorite nail salon or spa to plan the perfect baby shower!

Every mom-to-be would love to be pampered, especially during late pregnancy.

And if you can’t coordinate with a traditional spa or nail salon, you can turn your home into a mini spa or salon.

You can create DIY stations or utilize traveling technicians and massage therapists.

15. Barn

If your guest of honor is into rustic-chic, consider a barn!

If you own a barn or can rent one, this is the ideal location for a country-themed baby shower.

And they’re great for larger gatherings.

16. Winery or Brewery

While the mom-to-be won’t be able to indulge in the beverages, a winery or brewery is the perfect co-ed baby shower location.

And how cute would the theme, “a baby is brewing”, be?

Outdoor Venues

Collage of outdoor baby shower venues including a rooftop terrace, beach, backyard, and patio.

1. Botanical Garden

Botanical gardens typically offer event spaces at a reasonable price.

And they’re the perfect venue for a spring or summer baby shower.

Consider this event space for baby showers with a floral or butterfly theme.

2. Local Park

Your local park is one of the best free places to host a baby shower.

And it’s the ideal outdoor space for a party that includes young children.

You can decorate existing structures like a pavilion and picnic tables to match your theme and allow children to run free during the event.

3. Outdoor Patio

An outdoor patio is another low-cost option.

These are typically attached to a restaurant or hotel, so the only cost will be the food you order, and maybe a small additional fee to secure the patio.

4. Rooftop Terrace

Similar to an outdoor patio, you can also utilize the rooftop terrace of a restaurant or hotel.

With each of these options, you’ll need to keep a close eye on the number of guests you invite to insure you don’t exceed the occupancy limits.

5. Fire Pit

A backyard or park fire pit is another great location for a co-ed or child-friendly party.

This would be a nice spot for a fall-themed baby shower with smores and other roasted foods.

6. Beach

If you live near the beach, take advantage of it!

You can set up a cute shower over the sand and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

Beach entrance is usually free or inexpensive, so you’ll just be responsible for the food and decorations.

And think of the fun baby shower games you could plan!

This location is also great for kids and co-ed showers.

7. Vineyard

A wine vineyard would not be kid-friendly, but it’s another great co-ed location with a beautiful setting.

You can plan an elegant dinner or a more rustic dinner.

And, it’s okay to have guests pay for their own wine if it’s not in your budget!

8. On a Boat

If you have access to a boat or yacht, consider hosting your baby shower on the water!

This is a great venue for small groups.

And it’s a picturesque location for a spring or summer shower.

9. Farm

Finally, consider a farm!

If you own a farm or have access through the community or friends or family, this could be the perfect spot for a fall-themed shower.

Many local farms offer event space nestled in or near a pumpkin patch or apple orchard.

And prices are usually reasonable.

Fun Baby Shower Ideas and Tips

Several women embrace a pregnant woman outside in front of a hedge.

Now that we’ve covered the best places to have a baby shower. Here are some other ideas and tips to help you pull off the perfect party!

Etiquette

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!

If you want our gathering to go off without a hitch, consider these guidelines.

1. The hostess is typically responsible for the cost of the baby shower.

Keep that in mind when you agree to host.

If you’re not comfortable shouldering that financial responsibility, you may want to politely decline.

Or, you can ask to share the expenses with a co-host or close family members.

2. 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 setting and theme that they’ll be comfortable with even if it’s not what’s trending on Pinterest.

3. Keep things Light and Interesting for Attendees

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.

4. Carefully Consider Foods and Drinks

Make sure your guests have plenty to eat, especially if your party falls during lunch or dinner.

You don’t have to spend tons of money on expensive foods, either.

Pick a few high-priced goodies, and then fill in the rest with common finger foods.

5. 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.

Themes

A dessert table at a baby shower with cake, cookies, and cake pops.

Along with choosing between the best places to have a baby shower, choosing the baby shower theme is one of the most important decisions.

You’ll also need to decide what type of baby shower to host.

Will it be a:

Traditional party
Baby sprinkle – 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.
Mother blessing – 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”.
Virtual shower – The party is completely online using a virtual platform.
Drive-by-shower – Guests drive through an outdoor setup to offer gifts and well-wishes. These showers are low-budget because the host doesn’t need to provide food or beverages, and decorations are kept to a minimum. It’s great for mitigating illness and for moms or guests that have compromised immune systems.

Once you’ve decided on the kind of baby shower you’ll have, you can fill in the gaps with a fun theme.

Here are some of the top themes for modern moms:

Collage of modern boy and girl baby shower ideas and themes.

Stay Wild Moon Child
A Little “Cutie” is On the Way
Baby in Bloom
Here Comes the “Son”
Mama to “Bee”
We Can “Bear-ly” Wait
Bonjour Bebe

Check out our complete list of modern baby shower ideas along with descriptions and image collages.

Games and Activities

Here are some fun and simple baby shower games and activities to include in your party:

Group Activities

Word scrambles
Baby item price guessing
Mom-to-be trivia

Party Stations

Book or card signing
Onesie decorating
Decorating wooden blocks
Writing words of encouragement on baby diapers for late-night changes

Food

And, here are some simple and delicious party foods to serve your guests:

Dips

Finger Foods

Tortilla pinwheels
Cocktail weenies
Meatballs
Tea sandwiches
Veggie tray
Fruit tray
Chips and crackers

Dessert

Cake pops
Dessert bars
Dessert hummus
Cupcakes
Mini cheesecakes

Drinks

Meyer Lemonade
Punch
Salted Caramel Apple Cider
Your favorite cocktails or mocktails

Favors

Consider these practical and unique favors:

Scented hand sanitizer
Candles
Lotion
Flowers
Treats like cookies, party mix, and chocolates

Smart Baby Registry Items

Collage of breastfeeding essential products.

Baby registries are often included in baby shower invitations.

Check out this first time mom baby registry checklist to make sure you’re not missing any key items.

Here are some of our top suggestions for new moms:

Love to Dream swaddles for ultimate comfort
A noise machine to help baby sleep for naps and at night
A baby swing to keep them entertained
Saline spray to help combat cold symptoms
A nasal aspirator to help baby breathe when sick
Burp cloths
A baby grooming kit
A bath chair and hooded towels
Car seat/stroller or a double stroller if you have more kids
A good baby carrier like the 360 for when you’re on the go

FAQs

Who should pay for a baby shower?

The hostess is traditionally responsible for the cost of the baby shower.

But, it’s also common to share the expense between co-hosts or close family members and friends.

What is a realistic budget for a baby shower?

This can vary wildly from mother to mother or hostess to hostess.

A baby shower budget will depend on your means, the size of your guest list, the venue, food, games, and favors.

If you have more, you can spend more. But you should expect to spend at least $100-$1000.