Party Game Ideas for Baby Showers
Showers to welcome a new child into a family don't have to include games, but often a host livens up the occasion with them for fun. There are lots of options to choose from and some of the suggestions below might even inspire you to invent some games. While most of these are skewed toward the arrival of a new baby, it's okay to make adjustments and create games when you're welcoming an adopted baby, toddler or older child into the family as well.
If you're a guest, be considerate and participate, even if you think it's silly or even bizarre. That said, a good host doesn't force their guests to participate in structured party activities past the point of enjoyment. If it's really not your thing and you choose not to participate, be sure to pay attention and cheer others on while they play.
If you're the host, have a few prizes on hand for the game winners who have participated with good humor and grace. Prize ideas include a set of hand lotions or soaps, a box of chocolates, a beautiful set of kitchen towels, napkin rings, or small votive or candle holder with a candle. Of course, don't limit your games and prizes to these ideas alone—get creative, and have fun! The most important thing to remember is to check with the parent(s) to be that these games would be welcome. If it's a surprise shower, once the guest(s) of honor arrive, take a moment to check with them on your plan before just announcing these games will be played. Here are some game ideas:
Measure the Mom
Pass around a ball of string and a pair of scissors. Have each guest guess the circumference of the expecting mother's belly by cutting the length of string accordingly. The guests will then wrap the string around the honoree to see who came closest. The most accurate guesser wins! (This game is a must to run by a pregnant mom or surrogate before engaging in it.)
Advice for the Mom to Be
Each guest receives a card to fill out with the best advice they have to offer the expectant parent(s). Winners can be chosen at random from everyone that has filled out a card. Or, cards can be read aloud and the host can choose awards based on the best advice, the funniest advice, etc.
New Baby Mad Libs
Create a little story about the first few months that a new parent and baby will experience together and then eliminate certain words (choose a variety between nouns, verbs and adjectives) to create fill in the blanks. Print out enough copies for each guest to receive one as well as the honoree and then let the good times roll. Read the stories aloud and send the honoree home with all the versions. They could be good for a laugh, or maybe even some encouragement.
Building Baby's Library
Pass a scrapbook or journal around the room and have each guest write down the title and author of their favorite children's book, along with a brief description of why they chose it. Give the book to the honoree at the end of the party to keep on hand for ideas for bedtime readings with a personal touch.G
Guess The Baby's...
A very classic shower game is to guess the baby's weight, length, hair color etc... For this game a winner will have to be chosen after the birth. But it's fun to take the time to speculate as a group.
Baby Food Taste Test
Depending on the number of attendees, purchase 6 to 10 jars of baby food. Conceal the labels with construction paper and number the jars accordingly. Have each guest sample the baby foods and write down their guess of the contents of each jar. The guest with the most correct guesses wins. While there is a version of this game that involves diapers and chocolate bars...you can guess where it goes from there. We recommend going the baby food route instead. The "guess what's in the diaper" version can truly put some guests off.
