Most baby shower guides will give you the same checklist: pick a date, choose a venue, organise games, sort the food and so on
But the truth is, no one remembers the checklist! What they remember is how the day felt.
At My Baby Days, we speak to parents and gift-givers every day who are trying to capture those fleeting early moments, and what we’ve learned is this - the best baby showers are the ones that create lasting memories.
So instead of another generic planning guide, here’s how to plan a baby shower that feels personal, thoughtful, and genuinely memorable.
Decide What Kind of Baby Shower You’re Planning
Before you think about decorations or games, decide the type of shower you want:
- The Intimate Gathering - small and emotional, focused on close friends and family
- The Social Celebration - think larger, more traditional, with games and group activities
- The Keepsake Shower - this style is becoming increasingly popular and designed around creating memories the parents can keep
Choosing this upfront makes every other decision easier - trust us!
Build the Day Around a Moment
Instead of filling time with games, think about one central moment people will remember.
Perhaps this could be arranging for everyone to share a piece of advice or a wish for the baby.
The best memory I have of the baby shower for my first born, is 'the wish tree'. The week before I made a simple tree with white wire and then on the day asked my guests to write a short note to the baby. That tree lived in the nursery for the first year and I loved reading the messages at odd time - some were so loving, some funny and some has wise words! I now keep all the notes in a folder with a picture of the tree on the front. - Laëtitia, founder of My Baby Days
Another good idea is to have guests contribute towards something the parents can keep. Perhaps this could be a decorated wooden building blocks, or something a friend of ours made was a beautiful handmade blanket with squares embroidered with messages written in fabric markers at the shower.
Create Something That Lasts Beyond the Day
One of the biggest shifts we’re seeing from speaking to parents-to-be is that parents increasingly want something tangible from their baby shower - not just photos on a phone that are rarely revisited. The most memorable baby showers should ideally include some kind of element element that lasts beyond the day itself, something that can be returned to in the weeks, months, and even years that follow.
The most memorable baby shower I went to was of a great friend, who asked the guests to record their messages for the baby. Her partner then edited them all together is a beautiful video. It's a really beautiful reminder of the lovely warmth of the day and the excitement of a new baby and captures us all as we were on that day! - Alexandra, co-founder of My Baby Days
Keep the Details Simple - They Matter Less Than You Think
It’s so easy to get caught up in the smaller details, be it matching decorations, carefully styled tables, or planning out a full timetable of games and activities. While these things can look lovely, they very often don't define the experience for guests or the parents-to be.
What people actually remember is how relaxed and included they felt. A calm, welcoming atmosphere will always leave a stronger impression than perfectly coordinated décor. In many cases, simplifying your plans allows more space for genuine connection, which is ultimately what makes the day feel special. Stripping things back often leads to a more natural, enjoyable celebration for everyone involved.
Think About the Parents, Not Just the Event
We find the most thoughtful baby showers are those that reflect the personality of the parents themselves, rather than following any set formula or tradition.
Every parent-to-be is unique and their pregnancy journey is too! What feels meaningful to one person might feel overwhelming or uncomfortable to the next. Some parents love being the centre of attention, whilst others prefer something quieter and more intimate. Some will appreciate structured activities, while others will value a more relaxed gathering.
Designing the day around thinking through what makes you happy, if you are planning your own shower, or what their personality is, if you are planning on behalf of a parent-to-be.
The Perfect Baby Shower Gifts
Of course we need to mention baby shower gifts as they are so much a part of the event. Speaking to friends, the trend seems to very much be to encourage guests to choose meaningful, long-lasting presents alongside practical items.
One idea that beautifully captures this shift is a keepsake that grows with the baby; something that doesn’t get packed away after a few weeks, but instead becomes part of everyday life. The My Baby Days All My Firsts prints are designed with exactly this in mind.
They allow parents to record and celebrate those fleeting “first” moments as they happen, from the early days through to the milestones that follow. Not only does it create a visual story of a baby’s first years, but it also turns those memories into something tangible that can be displayed, revisited, and treasured over time. As a baby shower gift, it strikes that balance perfectly - thoughtful, personal, and lasting in a way that many traditional presents simply aren’t.
READ Our Top 6 Unique Baby Shower Gift Ideas
