Planning a baby shower is exciting and lots of fun, but I’m gonna level with ya. Baby shower guests will enthusiastically buy gifts, eat the cute little finger sandwiches, and compliment your decor without a second thought, but if you want them to participate in baby shower games with the same joie de vivre, bribery is sometimes required.
Something I’ve learned, though, is that even the most reserved great granny will join in the fun if the games don’t suck and the prize is worth them putting their snack plate to the side for a few minutes.
Here are a few baby shower game prize ideas to get everyone on your guest list in on the shower game action.
How much do you want to spend?
With decorations, refreshments and prizes to plan for, the cost of hosting a baby shower can start to add up pretty quickly. The scale of your baby shower favors will be determined by your budget first and foremost, but you might also want to consider how many games you’re planning and how involved they are for your party guests when determining what’s in it for the winner.
- For low-stakes games, something simple like a cute notepad or an inexpensive gift card can make a great little keepsake that anyone will be glad to walk away with. E-gift cards are also a great option if you’re hosting a virtual baby shower.
- If you’re planning fewer games that are more competitive and you have the budget for it, something on a larger scale like a movie night gift basket, spa gift basket, or higher end purchase like wine glasses or picture frames can make a great prize for your baby shower game winners.
What’s the baby shower theme?
Another way to plan your baby shower prizes is by running with your party theme if you have one.
Some shower themes are based on the baby’s gender, others are based on the hobbies or interests of the parent-to-be, the time of year, colors or types of food (like brunch or a tea party).
Whatever your theme is, choosing prizes that go with the theme is a cute way to tie everything together. Here are a few examples.
For a Tea Party/High Tea Theme:
- Tea cup candles (you can get them on Etsy or DIY them)
- Cute tea towels
- Specialty teas (loose leaf or tea bags)
- Homemade cookies or tea cakes
- Mini jars of jam or honey
- Tea infusers
Garden Party Theme:
- Seed packets from your local garden center
- Terrarium kits
- Succulents in cute pots
- Little flower bouquets or potted plants
- Garden tools or gardening gloves
- Floral-scented hand creams
- Flower seed bombs
- Fun and funky planters or flower vases (thrift stores often have an amazing selection)
Spa Theme:
- Mini bottles of bubble bath
- Hand/foot/body lotion
- Bars of soap
- Fancy lip balm
- Bath bombs
- Nail Polishes
- Face Masks
- Spa head wraps
Favorite Movie Theme:
- Popcorn
- Popcorn seasoning
- Bags of candy
- Specialty soda
- Fancy chocolate bars (Check Trader Joe’s)
- Theater gift cards
Brunch Theme:
- $5 coffee gift cards
- Mini bottles of champagne and orange juice
- Mason jars filled with granola
- Coffee mugs
- Specialty coffee beans
- Coffee syrups
- Pancake mix
- Cute napkins or tea towels
Sports Theme:
- Trading card packs
- Water bottles
- Sport or team-themed socks
- Bottle openers
- Drink coolers
- Golf balls
Baby Shower Prize Ideas For Any Theme:
- Drink tumblers
- Gift cards to local restaurants or shops
- Cute hand sanitizer
- Scented candles
- Photo frames
- Lottery tickets
Here’s a shoppable list of ideas
What makes a great baby shower prize?
If you’ve found yourself in the role of hosting an upcoming baby shower and are wondering where to start, don’t sweat it. Baby showers don’t have to be over-the-top extravagant to be memorable and special.
If you’re planning games for the event, try to consider who’s on the guest list and what their level of comfort will be like to ensure maximum participation. Asking your guest of honor their preference for the party’s vibe is also not a bad idea.
When choosing the best baby shower prizes for your shindig, figuring out how much money you have to spend can help you determine how many games you want to play and what prizes make sense to pair with those activities.
If you want to go the “participation ribbon” route, opt for smaller, less expensive gifts that jive with your party theme and the folks who are going to attend.
If you want to make a big splash with a prize to raise the stakes and bring out everyone’s inner Olympian, higher-ticket items or gift baskets are always a great option.
Whatever route you choose, don’t forget a little prize for yourself. Planning and hosting a baby shower is a big job and a huge honor – you’ve earned it!
Also check out: Baby Shower Trivia Questions + Free Answer Sheet Printable