Summer Baby Shower Tips & Ideas for the Practical Host
Hosting a baby shower this summer? We’ve got smart tips and cool ideas that you can *actually* execute to make it memorable and, most importantly, a great experience for the mom-to-be.
Tip #1: Choose your venue wisely
If you’re having an outdoor baby shower be sure to choose a venue with plenty of shade and seating options to keep guests comfortable. If you’re indoors, make sure there’s lots of natural light so it feels bright and airy. Some low-cost venue options to consider:
- Host's Home: Hosting the baby shower at the home of the expectant mother, a friend, or a family member is a great way to save money. It offers a comfortable and personal setting without any rental costs.
- Backyard: If someone has a spacious backyard, it can be transformed into a beautiful venue with minimal decoration. This is especially great for summer
- Parks: Public parks often have pavilions or picnic areas that can be reserved for free or a small fee. They provide a natural and open environment, ideal for a summer baby shower.
- Community Centers: Local community centers usually have rooms available for a nominal fee. These facilities often include tables, chairs, and kitchen access, making them very convenient.
- Church Halls: Many churches have event spaces that they rent out at low rates, sometimes even for free for members. These spaces are usually well-equipped and spacious.
- Civic Halls: Local civic organizations, like the VFW or Elks Lodge, often have halls available for rental at reasonable prices. These spaces are usually quite large and come with necessary amenities.
- Beaches or Lakesides: If you live near a beach or lake, these can be scenic and inexpensive venues for a baby shower. Just check local regulations about gatherings and permits.
- Botanical Gardens: Some botanical gardens have affordable rental options for small gatherings, especially during off-peak times.
- Clubhouses: If you or someone you know lives in a community with a clubhouse, these can often be rented at a low cost for residents. They provide a nice space and usually come with amenities like a kitchen and restrooms.
- Vacation Rentals: Websites like Airbnb or Vrbo offer options to rent a house or apartment for a day. This can be a good choice if you need more space and amenities than what a typical home can provide.
- Cafes or Restaurants: Some local cafes or small restaurants might offer their space for free or a low cost during off-hours, especially if you’re ordering food and drinks from them.
- Libraries: Many libraries have community rooms available for rent at very low prices. These rooms are typically equipped with tables, chairs, and sometimes even audiovisual equipment.
Tip # 2: Keep the theme broad
What are your favorite things to do in the summer? Use one of these activities as inspiration. Or pick your favorite summer treat. Keep it broad so you have lots of flexibility to make it your own.
Some adorable summer-inspired themes trending right now that we’re loving:
- Watermelon Baby Shower: This theme is vibrant and fun, featuring decorations in green, pink, and white. Activities could include crafting watermelon-themed items and games like a watermelon smash (MotherhoodEasy).
- Nautical Baby Shower: A classic theme perfect for summer, decorated with navy blue, white, and red. You can serve seafood dishes and have maritime games like a life buoy toss (MotherhoodEasy).
- Sunflower Baby Shower: Bright and cheerful, this theme is filled with yellow and green. Guests can make sunflower crafts and participate in activities like a sunflower seed spitting contest (MotherhoodEasy) (Maternity Comfort Solutions).
- Flamingo Baby Shower: This theme uses bright pinks and whites to create a festive atmosphere. Activities might include a limbo contest and making flamingo crafts (MotherhoodEasy).
- Aloha Baby Shower: A tropical and colorful theme with Hawaiian vibes. Decorations include tropical flowers and cocktail umbrellas, and food options could feature Hawaiian-style dishes like Kalua pork (Maternity Comfort Solutions) (Messy Bun Motherhood).
- Beach Baby Shower: Ideal for beach-loving moms-to-be, this theme incorporates beachy decorations and snacks served in sand pails. Activities could include beach-themed games and sand dollar cinnamon cookies as treats (Messy Bun Motherhood) (The Everymom).
- Garden Party Baby Shower: An elegant and floral theme with pastel colors and garden decor. Activities might include a floral arrangement tutorial, and guests could take home mini succulents or floral hand creams as favors (Messy Bun Motherhood) (The Everymom).
- Up, Up, and Away Baby Shower: Inspired by hot air balloons, this theme uses delicate pastels and balloon decorations. Food ideas include desserts and finger foods, and games like a diaper raffle add to the fun (Maternity Comfort Solutions).
Tip #3: Think outside the cute onesie box
As you prepare your gift registry, consider items you’ll need beyond cute outfits and pacifiers. By asking for personal care items for you, mom, you are prioritizing baby's well being in arguably the most important ways. Our mission at Baby Boldly is to provide products, services and educational content that helps new parents navigate birth and postpartum from a place of empowerment and confidence.
You’ll be fully prepared for birth and postpartum with these less-conventional yet oh-so-powerful giftable items:
- Pre-packed Hospital Birth Bag: Fully Prepared - $249.00
- A complete birth bag equipped with toiletry essentials and curated items for mom designed to ease the stress of packing for the hospital and bring comfort to her birth experience.
- Postpartum Prepared Kit - $119.00
- A curated kit containing all the necessary items to support moms during their postpartum recovery, ensuring they feel pampered and well-cared for.
- Diaper Backpack - $149.00
- Stylish and functional, this backpack is designed to hold all baby essentials, making it a must-have for on-the-go parents.
- Newborn Feeding Course with Certified Lactation Counselor - $225.00 (normally $449)
- An in-depth online course offering expert advice and techniques for breastfeeding and bottle-feeding, providing valuable support for new parents.
- 5-Day Challenge: Establish your Support System for Bottle + Breastfeeding - Free
- A complimentary challenge aimed at helping new moms set up a robust support system for successful feeding, whether breastfeeding or bottle-feeding.
- Maternity + Postpartum Robe - $29.00
- Soft, stylish, and comfortable, this robe is perfect for pregnancy, hospital stays, and postpartum lounging, offering convenience and ease for new moms.
Tip #4: Keep Mom at the center
As a host, your investment of time, money and care into your loved ones’ shower is such a generous gift. Try not to stress over the little stuff. By keeping the mom-to-be at the center, you’ll make a positive impact on her pregnancy experience. Happy hosting!
P.S. for great non-alcoholic drinks to serve at the summer shower - check out this post with recipes included!
