Baby Shower Planning Guide

Great baby shower ideas—from cute invitations and easy, shower menus to clever themes and party favors.

Planning Basics

Baby Shower Etiquette
As the host of a shower, you face a unique challenge: To make the honoree happy without making yourself crazy. The good news: It’s actually doable.

Baby Shower Planning Tips
Easy ideas for throwing a sunny shower that everyone will enjoy.

6 Easy Baby Shower Themes

Treat your favorite mom-to-be to a fun shower that’s easy to pull off.

Photo: Annie Schlecter

8 Gifts to Welcome a New Baby

Shower a bundle of joy (and the parents) with these special presents.

Photo: Anthropologie

How to Set a Pretty Table

Follow these tips for a special-occasion dinner, an informal lunch, and a Sunday brunch.

Photo: Jonny Valiant

3 Tips for Hosting a Spring Luncheon

Creative ideas for throwing an unforgettable get-together.

Photo: Maura McEvoy

Place setting for a special-occasion dinner

Invitations, Menus, and More

Baby Shower Tips

Fisher Price Brilliant Basics Nursery Rhyme Keys

On-the-Go Baby Toys
Real Simple presents traveling toys that are safe for tots.

Social Deadlines
A definitive primer on deadlines for gifts, thank-yous, invitations, and beyond.

Baby Shower Planning Checklist

What you need to do for a cloud-free shower.

Determine who hosts. Will it be you alone or will you share duties with a cohost?
Set a budget. Are you paying for it all, or are others contributing?
Decide where to have the party. A restaurant or catering hall? Your home, or that of a friend or family member? If you need an outside venue, scout around and book it early.

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