How to Plan a Baby Shower in Kansas City.
Are you planning a baby shower in Kansas City? Congratulations! A baby shower is a special occasion to celebrate the approaching arrival of a new baby and shower the parent-to-be with love, support, and gifts. Whether you're a friend, family member, or colleague of the expectant parent, organizing a memorable baby shower requires careful planning and attention to detail. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you plan the perfect baby shower.
What is a Baby Shower?
A baby shower is a joyous event held before a baby's birth to honor the expectant parent and celebrate the upcoming arrival of the new bundle of joy. It's an opportunity for friends and family to offer support, share parenting tips, and shower the parent-to-be with gifts and well wishes.
Who Usually Plans and Organizes a Woman's Baby Shower?
A woman's baby shower is traditionally planned and organized by close friends, family members, or colleagues. These people or groups are now the host or hosts of the event, in charge of planning, coordinating, decorating, and whatever else they feel is necessary to put on a successful baby shower. However, in modern times, it's not uncommon for expectant parents to be involved in the planning process or even plan the shower themselves.
Who Pays for a Baby Shower Traditionally?
Traditionally, the host or hosts of the baby shower are responsible for covering the expenses associated with the event. However, it's not uncommon for friends or family members to offer to contribute financially or help with specific aspects of the shower, such as catering or decorations.
What is the Order of Events at a Baby Shower?
The order of events at a baby shower can vary depending on the preferences of the host and the expectant parent. However, a typical baby shower may include the following:
1) Welcome and Introductions
Guests arrive and are greeted by the host and guest of honor, if available.
4) Gift Opening
The parent-to-be opens gifts and can share their gratitude with guests in person.
2) Games and Activities
Organize a few activities to create a festive atmosphere.
5) Thank Yous and Farewells
The host thanks the guests for attending and bids them farewell.
3) Food and Refreshments
Treat guests to a spread of delicious food and drinks.
Tips to Plan the Perfect Baby Shower in Kansas City
Select a Date and Time
Choose a date and time that works for the expectant parents, key guests, and baby’s due date.
Send the Invitations
They should be sent well in advance, including all the necessary details, especially RSVP information.
Come Up With an Agenda
Create a timeline for the events and special activities you plan to incorporate throughout the event.
Determine Guest List and Budget
Decide on the ideal number of guests to invite and set a budget for the baby shower.
Choose a Theme
Select a theme for the baby shower to tie the event together and make it more memorable.
Include Fun Games and Activities
Keep the party interactive with games and activities that keep guests entertained and engaged.
Pick a Venue
Choose a suitable venue for the baby shower. Bonus points if the location has sentimental value to the parents!
Plan the Menu
Decide on a menu that suits the theme and time of day. Consider including a signature beverage.
Pick Baby Shower Favors
Choose thoughtful and practical favors for guests to take home as a token of appreciation.
Baby Shower Basics and Frequently Asked Questions.
Remember essential items such as decorations and a guest book to capture memories of the event. Below are more details about planning a baby shower.
-
There are plenty of great spaces around the KC metro to host a baby shower. Take these common baby shower venues and make the space your own!
A loved one’s home
Restaurants
Their church
Any place that’s special to the parents-to-be
-
Common baby shower themes include:
Gender Reveal
Woodland creatures
Baby Brunch
Butterfly or Bumble Bee
Baby in Bloom
Jungle
Rainbow
ABC
Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
Add your spin on one of these tried and true baby shower themes for a cute and timeless event.
-
An excellent baby shower also has a fantastic spread on the refreshments table. Add some of these common baby shower food and drinks that are fan favorites to your baby shower menu.
Finger sandwiches
Fruit platters
Punch/Mocktails
Cupcakes
Charcuterie board
Cocktail weenies or meatballs
Cheese plate
Angel Eggs
Tea sandwiches
Chips and dips
-
Show your appreciation to everyone who came to celebrate with you using these common baby shower favors.
Candles
Mini succulents
Personalized treats
Sets of tea bags (customized or all one flavor)
Bath bombs
Body butter
Drink koozies
Candy
-
If you’re looking for something more your style or out of the box. Consider these creative and unique baby shower favors.
Seed packets for guests to grow their own plant babies
Mini sparking cider bottles
Homemade soaps or gifts
Mini honey jars
Magnets
Customized stickers
Still not meeting your needs? Visit crafting sites like Etsy! To find something that resonates with you.
Common Baby Shower Games Guests Will Actually Want to Play.
-
This game is a big hit at baby showers.
How to play: The rules of Baby Bingo are just like regular bingo. However, instead of waiting for N34 to be called, players mark squares off as the guest of honor opens gifts since the squares have baby items on them, like a teddy bear, stroller, etc.
You can find baby bingo cards sold in stores, on Etsy, or for free Canva downloads.
-
Guessing games are always fun. Adorable baby pictures are simply icing on the cake.
How to play: collect baby pictures from everyone who RSVPs in advance, and during the shower, attendees guess who is in each picture.
A variation of this game is to get various baby pictures of the expectant parents and players and guess how old they are in the pictures.
-
Based on the hit Price Is Right Game, this baby shower activity encourages guests to “come on down” and have fun.
How to play: display a few baby items (3-5) in person or virtually and have players guess how much they cost. Whoever is closest without going over wins a prize. If you want to stay faithful to the source material, whoever is closest within a $2 range wins a prize.
This game is a great option because it can be played in front of a group or as a passive activity as guests mingle! If you choose the passive option, you only need slips of paper, pens, and a jar to collect guesses.
-
Another game based on a game show, Family Feud Baby Edition, will surely create some friendly competition.
How to play: break your party into two teams and have them go head to head, answering questions about nursery rhymes, baby facts, and more.
You can find a Baby Feud template online, or if you have time, you can personalize the game by surveying friends and family before the event and see how in sync everyone is as a group.
-
This game doesn’t have players making racecars out of baby bottles, although that would be super fun. Instead, they’ll be chugging juice down to the wire.
How to play: get baby bottles and fill them with juice of your choice. Contestants then compete to finish their bottle first.
The silliness of this game is sure to keep the fun going at the baby shower.
-
If you want a cooperative game, try having a onesie decorating contest.
How to play: get white onesies of various sizes (0-3month, 6-9 months, etc.) and cloth markers. Split your guests into groups and give them a theme to decorate their onesies around. The group or groups with the best onesies get a prize.
This game makes a fun keepsake as your baby grows up.
Free Baby Shower Game!
At Grateful Heart Company, we know how difficult it can be to organize a baby shower. Download our Parent Brain: Unscramble Game and cross one more item off your to-do list as you run around Kansas City.
How Can I Plan a Low-Key Baby Shower in Kansas City on a Budget
Planning a low-key baby shower on a budget is possible with some creativity. Consider hosting the shower at home, whether in Overland Park, Hyde Park, or Lenexa. Kansas City has plenty of neighborhoods that would make beautiful backdrops for any baby shower. To help keep costs low, keep the guest list small and opt for DIY decorations and favors.
How to Throw a Baby Shower With a Theme
To throw a baby shower with a theme, choose a theme that reflects the personality or interests of the expecting parents and incorporate it into the invitations, decorations, food, and games.
Baby Shower Checklist
Use a baby shower checklist to stay organized and ensure you remember all important details while planning the event.
The Bottom Line
Planning a baby shower in Kansas City can be a fun and rewarding experience. By following these tips and guidelines, you can create a memorable and special event that celebrates the arrival of a new baby and honors the expectant parent.
Get Your Baby Shower Gift.
The journals from our shop in Kansas City make perfect presents. For baby shower gifts, we recommend our best-selling pregnancy journal.