Not every family is the same — and not every baby shower needs to be either. All types of families bring babies into this world and not every mother- or father-to-be loves the idea of a ladies-only frilly, frou-frou to-do. Sometimes, families adopt or use surrogates. Older parents may have different goals for their baby shower than younger parents do. Some babies will born to same-sex or transgender parents and some families are multiracial or multi-ethnic, and want to honor that in their celebrations.
There are a lot of different reasons for a family to choose a non-traditional baby shower, and every one of them is valid. So we’re sharing some fun ideas to help all different types of parents — and their friends — start planning for their baby shower. Whether you want to go with a party or something entirely different altogether, we have lots of ideas to consider when hosting a baby shower.
Book Baby Shower
If the parents-to-be don’t love the idea of asking their friends and family members to foot the bill for all your baby gear, consider celebrating the impending baby (or older kid) with a book shower. You can plan a lovely party, and instead of having the couple register for baby gifts, ask each guest to bring a favorite book or two for the baby. It’s especially lovely if the subject of the book touches on the journey of the expecting family-to-be, whether it’s adoption, surrogacy, or something else all together, or the book features representations of how the family looks like.
Diaper Drop Baby Shower
Similarly, if the parents-to-be don’t need all of the gifts — or attention — expected at a traditional baby shower, consider hosting an open-house-style diaper drop. You can set a window of time, put out some refreshments, and friends and family members can swing by to drop off a package of diapers and spend a bit of quality time together.
Jack-and-Jill Baby Shower
If both parents-to-be want to get to enjoy the baby shower and celebrate the baby’s upcoming arrival together, these days it’s totally acceptable to have a couples’ baby shower. The shower can be less structured and more like a casual get-together, or you can still opt to do a theme and have baby shower games and giveaways.
Blessingway
A “blessingway” is a way to honor expectant moms ahead of their baby’s arrival that’s rooted in Indigenous American tradition. Instead of the celebration being about gifts for the baby, it’s all about helping the mother mentally prepare for childbirth and motherhood. Guests offer advice and usually a small ceremony is performed. The atmosphere should be calming and relaxing.
Baby Sprinkle
A baby sprinkle is generally a more casual affair to celebrate a second or subsequent baby, when most parents already have the big baby items at home. The guest list is usually pared down and only includes close family and friends. Sometimes guests bring gifts, but it’s also totally acceptable not to, and instead use the event as a time to celebrate the expectant parents and baby.
Virtual Baby Shower
In this day and age, many of us have grown accustomed to attending virtual events. If the expectant parents have friends and family across the country — or even the globe — a virtual baby shower is a wonderful way to include everyone. You can still register for gifts and have them shipped to their home, or not — it’s their choice. The point is to celebrate the new life they’re welcoming into their family.
Sip & See
If you don’t want to deal with the stress of a baby shower when you’re heavily pregnant or if your baby happens to arrive early — or if perhaps you are having a baby via surrogate or adoption — a “sip and see” is a great option. It’s essentially a casual cocktail party during which your family and friends get to meet your little one for the first time.
Adoption Shower
If you’re adopting a child, you can always opt to have a shower after your child comes home. An adoption shower is totally acceptable regardless of the age of your child, so it’s a wonderful option for families who are adopting an older child or even a teen and want to celebrate and introduce their child to family and friends.
'Stocking the Nursery' Party
A “stocking the nursery” party is a fun baby shower option for parents who are totally overwhelmed by the thought of putting together a baby registry or have an unexpected early arrival. Instead, a host can throw a party and ask guests to bring their personal favorite baby essentials and items — things every family will need.
Donation Shower
A lovely option for expectant parents who have the financial means to cover all of the baby essentials plus some on their own is to have a donation shower instead. You still get the party, but rather than keeping the gifts yourself, you donate them to families in need or organizations the parents-to-be support.
Parents' Night Out
Most of us have heard of a babymoon by now. It’s the soon-to-be parents’ last hurrah before a new baby joins the family. Well, you can apply the same concept to their baby shower. Instead of a traditional shower, consider planning a night out with their friends before baby’s arrival. Sure, you’ll all hang out again one day after you have the baby, but it might be a while, so soak up some QT now.
Spa Day
On that note, a spa day may be another great alternative for your pre-baby celebration. Gather up some of the parent-to-be’s closest friends and family members and spend a day at the spa indulging in some self-care before the baby arrives. This idea works for adoptive, surrogate, and same-sex families all the same. Gifts aren’t necessary, but can still be acceptable.
Meal Train
Every parent knows how difficult it can be to get a hot — let alone healthy — meal on the table after welcoming a new baby. In lieu of a baby shower, you might consider asking friends and family to participate in a meal train. You can plan it for before the baby’s arrival, and the expecting parents can stash meals in the freezer for later or after, on a day-by-day basis. And each time a friend or family member drops off a meal, they’ll get a moment to catch up with the new parents (IF that’s something they want).
