Opening presents, sharing cake, playing games — most baby showers feature certain classic elements. But one of the best opportunities to unleash your creativity and add personality to the celebration is with a baby shower theme.
While a baby shower theme certainly isn't mandatory, many hosts find that having a theme helps guide party decisions into place. Whether you go with a specific color scheme, a nod to a popular television show or a favorite vacation destination of the parents-to-be, a theme can serve as an anchor for the party's decor, food and activities.
How to pick a baby shower theme
Picking a baby shower theme can be tough — there are so many fun options! Think about what the parents-to-be are passionate about, and let that come through in the theme.
For example, if they love to travel, their favorite locale could inspire the shower. If they have a beloved show, movie or band, consider it for the party's focus. Or, if the baby-to-be's nursery already has a theme, you might center the shower around the same idea.
Need a little inspiration? We rounded up 35 creative baby shower theme ideas for a day the parents-to-be will remember forever.
Baby shower theme ideas
Elephant-themed baby shower
Embrace this sweet animal for a theme that everyone's sure to love. This classic idea allows for extra-cute invitations and decorations.
"Oh boy"-themed baby shower
Turn a classic expression into a baby boy shower theme. Add "oh boy" to the baby shower invite, and other elements like a photo backdrop or custom sweet treats.
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Nautical-themed baby shower
Incorporating sailboats, anchors, whales and various shades of blue, white and gray can make for a classic theme.
Dinosaur-themed baby shower
A prehistoric dinosaur theme is a perfect fit for Jurassic Park-loving parents who are psyched to start their baby's fascination with paleontology early.
The Office-themed baby shower
If the parents love watching The Office reruns, go for this hilarious theme inspired by the show. You can recreate the birthday party that Dwight and Jim threw for Kelly by hanging up brown and gray balloons and a hilarious "It is your baby shower" sign, in addition to recreating other iconic moments from the show. (How about putting Kevin's chili on the menu?)
Balloon-themed baby shower
If this sounds far too basic to be a baby shower theme, think again. Plenty of showers revolve around balloons, especially if they incorporate extravagant balloon decor. (Think archways made from tons of balloons.) Balloons are also a simple and sweet element to feature on invitations.
Minimalist baby shower
For the expectant parents who are into clean lines, all-white everything and simple details, a modern minimalist theme can be on-point and seriously elegant. Touches of nature and subtle pops of color add charm to a baby shower or baby sprinkle.
Fall-themed baby shower
Celebrate the little pumpkin with a beautiful fall-themed baby shower. Serve hot chocolate and pasteurized apple cider, or go all out with a s'more bar to embrace the autumn season.
Cowboy-themed baby shower
Whether the parents dig Western movies or are big country music fans, there is no shortage of cute cowboy-themed decor for a baby shower. Hay, hats, boots and a country soundtrack can set the stage.
Paris-themed baby shower
For the Francophile mom, the City of Lights offers plenty of inspiration — from the Eiffel Tower to Chanel. French cuisine could make up the baby shower menu, too. Croissants, macarons, éclairs are just some of the sweet treats you could serve.
Harry Potter-themed baby shower
Parents who are big fans of The Boy Who Lived might love a shower that pulls inspiration from the iconic books and movies. Your venue can become Hogwarts as you serve up non-alcoholic butterbeer and Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans.
Woodland-themed baby shower
Welcome your baby with lots of plaid, forest animals and woodsy details.
Bee-themed baby shower
From yellow and black decor to honey-flavored foods, a bee theme offers timeless appeal — not to mention ample opportunities for cute puns, like "parent-to-bee" or "ba-bee."
Space-themed baby shower
Incorporating astronauts, the solar system and starry details into a space-themed party can make for a colorful, fun and ethereal fête.
Vintage-themed baby shower
Pearls, lace and other elements that speak to a parent's love of thrifting, antiquing or crafting can create a sweet, elegant throwback theme.
Rubber ducky-themed baby shower
Photo via @prettybonitodesign and @the_pops_party
This childhood bathtime staple lends itself to a cute baby shower theme. Parents in the What to Expect Community who have had rubber ducky showers share that they had rubber ducks floating in punch bowls and cupcakes with little duckies on top.
Superhero-themed baby shower
If the parents-to-be have a comic book favorite — or love the entire Justice League — let their fandom inspire a colorful, empowering motif. (This is an especially great choice for a coed baby shower.)
Butterfly-themed baby shower
This adorable theme makes decorations easy (fill the room with paper butterflies!) and allows for cute expressions like "You give me butterflies."
Bunny-themed baby shower
Who doesn't love adorable bunnies? This timeless baby shower theme is sure to be a crowd pleaser and pairs well with everything from invitations to balloons.
Garden-themed baby shower
Flowers are an especially popular motif for celebrating baby girls, but you can also use floral decor to welcome a baby boy — especially if the parents-to-be are big Bridgerton fans!
Mermaid-themed baby shower
This magical theme lets you incorporate shimmery, oceanic hues and various other under-the-sea details.
Ladybug-themed baby shower
Many baby shower hosts draw inspiration from the sweet little insect and create a two-toned, charming theme to welcome a little ladybug.
High tea-themed baby shower
Photo via @robynkaurz and @rupzz
Pay tribute to the English tradition of high tea with pastel decor and treats like crumpets, scones and tiny sandwiches. You could even invite guests to don fascinators or other fancy hats.
Mustache-themed baby shower
Who doesn't get a kick out of mustaches on everyone? This simple but giggle-worthy baby boy shower theme can make for a bevy of funny photo ops.
Safari-themed baby shower
Animals like giraffes, elephants, monkeys and tigers, as well as jungle-esque plants and lots of green or gold decor, set the stage for a memorably wild party.
Sunflower-themed baby shower
Is there a happier flower than a sunflower? Opt for a yellow and black color scheme, and fill the space with sunflowers (real or fake) to set the stage for this cute baby shower theme.
Halloween-themed baby shower
For expectant parents due in October, throw a Halloween-themed baby shower. Even more fun? Your host can encourage guests to arrive in costume to make it extra joyful.
Disney-themed baby shower
Whether you want to highlight one specific movie or the entire cinematic universe, this theme is perfect for Disney- and Pixar-loving parents, whether you're looking for baby girl or baby boy shower ideas.
Friends-themed baby shower
Could this baby shower theme be any cuter? For parents who are passionate fans of the classic TV show, this theme offers tons of opportunities for desserts (Central Perk and couch-inspired cookies) and punny taglines ("The One Where [parent-to-be's name] Has a Baby" on the invites).
Winter-themed baby shower
If the baby-to-be is due in the colder months, embrace the season with this beautiful theme. A winter wonderland shower is elegant and gender-neutral, making it a perfect choice for baby boys and girls.
"Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star"-themed baby shower
This timeless lullaby lends itself to simple, heartwarming and adorable details — often done in soft whites, blues, silver and gold.
Unicorn-themed baby shower
A baby shower is sure to feel downright magical if it's peppered with all things unicorn-themed — from a rainbow-hued cake to glittery decor. This theme is especially popular for baby girl showers, but works equally well to celebrate a baby boy on the way.
Winnie-the-Pooh-themed baby shower
Parents love incorporating elements from classic children's books into their baby showers. Winnie-the-Pooh is particularly cute, with plenty of adorable illustrations to embrace.
Princess-themed baby shower
A classic princess-themed party is a great way to celebrate a new royal family member on the way. Adorn the room with tiny crowns and sparkly elements for extra glam.
Teddy bear-themed baby shower
Just like rubber duckies and balloons, teddy bears are simple and sweet childhood classics — and make for a timeless baby shower theme.
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