Baby Shower Event Guide

Step 1:

Pick your recipient.

• Determine who is in need of a baby shower. Is this for a student, staffer, or faculty member on campus? Is this for a client of the local pregnancy help organization (PHO)? Is this a community event, where your school is invited to have fun and donate to the local PHO? 
  
  • If for the client(s) of a local PHO… Contact your local PHO and introduce yourself. Explain your intentions to host a baby shower and your initial ideas. Ask what materials their clients need and if they would like to participate.
  • If for someone on campus… Ask their permission before you start organizing. Ask if they already have a baby gift registry, or if they could provide a list of items and brands they would like.

Step 2:

Find a location on campus.

• Pick a space on campus that is large enough to host a baby shower (but not too big so that the room may feel empty) and reserve it. Make sure to reserve the space far enough in advance to get approved.

Step 3:

Advertise your shower.

• Post the event on social media and invite everyone you know on campus to come. Don’t forget about likeminded student organizations.
• Flyers can be posted throughout dorms, on message boards, in the Student Union, and more. Depending on your school’s rules, you may need to get this approved.
• Make sure to include the list of items that the PHO or individual mother requested in your advertisements.

Step 4:

Plan activities for the shower. 

• There are many free games you can print out online to keep your shower enjoyable. You can easily make a baby guessing chart (including name, weight, birth date, and hair color), decorate onesies, write funny messages on diapers, or pass around index cards for everyone to contribute “words of wisdom” or a message of encouragement. 
  • For more game ideas, check out: 12 Genuinely Fun Baby Shower Games and  Top 20 Baby Shower Games.

Step 5:

Contact local businesses for decorations and food.

• Talk to some local florists and ask if they would be willing to donate flowers for table centerpieces that could also be used as prizes. 
• Contact a local bakery and ask if they would be willing to donate baked goods. If not, make a sign-up sheet and have your members volunteer to bake or bring finger foods. 

Step 6:

Collect donations or make a group gift. 

• You may ask each participant to bring a pack of diapers or decide to collectively pitch in for bigger items. Show this mom (or moms!) how much your group cares. See some gift suggestions here. 

Step 7:

Decorate.

• Decorations don’t have to be expensive or complicated. Have fun with it! You can use balloons, streamers, or even a fun diaper cake. Try a local dollar store or Walmart for inexpensive items.

Step 8:

Designate roles.

• Assign group members to set up and clean up. You may want someone to be your “MC” or host, as well. They will help make smooth transitions between games, presents, and treats. 

Step 9:

Have your baby shower! 

• Enjoy the event and do your best to make sure the mother(s) being honored do, too. 
• Clean up when it's finished.

Step 10:

Wrap up the loose ends.

• If you are collecting donations for a local PHO, drop off donations within a week of the event. 
• Write thank you notes to ANY volunteers or local businesses that helped with the shower.