How to Plan a Fabulous Baby Shower: Games

Bring on the Fun!

As it turns out, "pin the tail on the pregnant lady" does not qualify as a suitable baby shower game. Never fear, dear reader, I have other (and yes, better) ideas to offer.

To DIY

All of the ideas in this section are technically "DIY" but, they require the craftiness of a fox, not of a Ms. Crafty Pants.

How do you measure up?

I recommend checking with the star of the shower before you try this game. All you need are some torn-up slips of paper, pens/pencils and a cloth measuring tape. When you're ready to start the betting, gather your guests together and distribute the paper and pens.

If the mommy-to-be is willing, she should take a stroll on the catwalk, oooh the catwalk, twirling and having fun. (You can even play "catwalk style" music to ham it up.) As she walks and twirls, each guest should write down their best guess for the current baby-belly waist size.

Collect the guesses, and make a big show of officially measuring the tummy. Whomever came closest wins! It's up to you if you want to give the winner(s) a small prize.

Test your vocabulary

This game requires a piece of paper and pen/pencil for every two-to-three players including the mommy-to-be, and basic knowledge of your ABCs.

The simplest way to play is to name a letter, and then give the teams one minute to list every baby-related thing they can (no names) that start with that letter. It helps to have pre-generated your own list so that you can add on to the suggestions from the guests.

When the minute is up, call "time" and share as a group. If you don't get some giggles going, my friend, you're probably not doing it right. You can play the same with baby names, though I don't recommend this if the name has already been chosen.

Insta-gifts

This activity happens to be my personal favorite. It's fun, easy to plan, gets your guests laughing and talking and, best of all, creates useful gifts for the upcoming bundle of joy.

Prior to the party, buy and pre-wash (according to the manufacturer's directions) sets of solid color onesies and baby bibs (and any other basic baby clothing and accessories you choose), fabric paint, stencils and a protective, disposable tablecloth. Break up a couple of cardboard boxes into panels sized to fit in between the front and back of clothing items, or underneath an accessory.

The day of the shower, set up your crafting station (or stations) on a table, kitchen island, bar or, depending on your guests, even the floor. Put out your fabric paints, items to be embellished, cardboard panels and stencils.

Once everyone has gathered for games, give your guests a brief intro to the crafting station, perhaps even provide an example of an item you've embellished, and allow for time for guests to get crafty.

COST: Varies

To Purchase

There are plenty of silly baby shower games that you can buy if you prefer to do it that way. Your options include Baby Shower Bingo and a pre-made version of the "Test your vocabulary" game described above. Once again, check out craft stores online or in-person, and/or Google "baby shower games."

COST: Varies

Next up... Yummies for Tummies

Previously... Invitations

Researched and written by Brigitta Kral, a sarcastic pessimist and freelance writer/editor/teacher who loves to laugh and craft. For examples of her craftiness, check out Brigitta's shop, BrigaBauble, which features handmade gifts designed for women and men. Follow BrigaBauble on Twitter for random musings and special deals.