Simple and Budget-Friendly Baby Shower Ideas

With three babies under my belt, I know my way around a baby shower. I’ve had them thrown for me, and I’ve hosted more than I can count. A couple things I know about baby showers – they are usually pretty expensive to host and if you get lost in the rabbit hole that is Pinterest, you can get overwhelmed by the details.

This is why I’ve curated these big-impact but inexpensive ideas for your next baby shower. With games, party favors, treats and décor, the mom-to-be will feel the love. Throw in a few order-ahead party trays from Harris Teeter and you’ll be able to enjoy the baby shower as much as your guests. Ready to kick back and relax with a Mom-mosa anyone?

'Baby' Donuts

Our ‘baby’ donuts are perfect for your next baby shower brunch! Be sure to save the pacifiers for the mom-to-be to take home at the end!

Ingredients Needed:

  • 1 dozen Harris Teeter Fresh Foods Market Donuts
  • 24 candy eyes
  • 12 pacifiers

Directions:

Insert pacifier into the center of each donut and add two eyes above the pacifier. Keep in a cool place until ready to serve.

‘Ready to Pop’ Party Favors

Keep the baby shower favors at your next event budget-friendly with a treat everyone loves… popcorn!

Supplies:

  • HT Traders 'Things That Go Pop' Popcorn
  • Favor bags
  • Gift Tags
  • Sharpie

Directions:

Step 1: Fill bags with popcorn.

Step 2: Write out “Ready to POP” on the gift tags and secure to the bags.

'Mom'-osa Bar

The classic mimosa gets a mocktail twist that every guest can enjoy at a baby shower. Mix and match seltzers and sodas with juice for a DIY Mom-mosa bar!

Ingredients Needed:

  • Assorted Harris Teeter seltzers and sodas
  • Sparkling Grape Juice
  • Assorted Harris Teeter Farmers Market Juices
  • Chopped Fresh Fruit

Directions:

Chill all ingredients in advance of the party. Pour sparkling grape juice, seltzer or soda into a glass. Top with juice and garnish with fresh fruit. Enjoy!

“Don’t Say Baby” Baby Shower Game

Ready for a competitive game to break the ice at your next baby shower? “Don’t Say Baby,” is easy to put together and fun for all!

Supplies:

  • One (decorative) clothespin per guest
  • Print out of the rules
  • Up-right clip board for display
  • Prize for the winner

Directions:

Step 1: Make sure the rules are visible on a clipboard for all of your guests. You can copy and paste these rules, then add your favorite fonts and colors:

DON’T SAY baby!

Please take a clothespin and clip it on tight.

Try not to say ‘baby’ with all of your might.

When you hear someone say ‘baby’

Then you take their pin.

If you have the most at the end, then…

YOU WIN!

Step 2: Attach 1 clothespin per guest to the clipboard.

Step 3: Whatever you do… DON’T SAY ‘BABY’ at the baby shower!

Easy DIY Diaper Cake Centerpiece

The easiest DIY Diaper Cake Tutorial you’ll ever see! No rubber bands or rolling diapers, and it’s filled with products every new mom will need! Makes the perfect baby shower gift!

Supplies:

  • 2 packages of Simple Truth Diapers, Size 2
  • 2 diaper pail refill packs
  • 1 tub of diaper cream
  • 3 pacifiers
  • 1 large round cake pan (12 inches is ideal)
  • 1 spring form cake pan (8-9 inches)
  • Assorted ribbons and faux flowers
  • Hot glue gun

Directions:

Step 1: Arrange the diapers, diaper-flap side in until you have a tight fit.

Step 2: While the diapers are still in pan, tie a ribbon around them. It doesn’t have to be super-tight, but make sure it’s secure. Then, gently slide the diapers out of the pan.

Step 3: Continue the process with the next (smaller) pan.

Step 4: The diaper pail refill packs will be the next layers. Tape two together and fill the middle with diapers. You need to have something to support the top layer so it doesn’t fall through.

Step 5: Stack all three layers (your two diaper layers, then your diaper pail refill layer) and top with a tub of your favorite diaper cream.

Step 6: Secure decorative ribbons around each layer with a hot glue gun, and decorate with flowers between each layer.

Step 7: Use a ribbon to tie the three pacifiers together and secure them on top.

*Hint: it’s best to travel with the layers separate and assemble the cake on-sight where you plan to host the event.

Katie Harding is the publisher of Forks and Folly (Opens in a new tab or window) . A self-taught cook and die-hard foodie, Katie lives in Charlotte with her husband and three boys. Besides cooking and eating, she loves craft beers, running, and napping.