The baby shower checklist (6 weeks → party day)
A shower is a 2-hour event with a 6-week tail. Spread the tasks and none of them hurt; leave them for the last weekend and all of them do.
6–4 weeks out
Date with the mom (she picks comfort over surprise, always ask) · guest list + invites out (digital is normal now) · venue decided — home, park pavilion, restaurant back room · theme/colors chosen (this decides everything downstream) · registry linked on the invite.
3–2 weeks out
RSVPs chased · food plan locked (brunch boards beat hot food — no timing stress) · cake or cupcakes ordered · favors bought in bulk · games chosen and the personal ones started: collecting the mom's trivia answers and dad's quiz answers takes days of casual texting, not hours.
1 week out
Print the game pack, host guide and advice cards · buy prizes (3) and pens (20) · confirm headcount for food math: 6 bites + 2 drinks per guest per hour · playlist made · assign a photo person.
Day-of box
Printed games + answer keys · pens · scissors · tape · bowl for bingo strips · prizes · trash bags · phone charger · the mom's comfy chair claimed before guests arrive. Hosts who pack this box at T-2 days report suspiciously calm party mornings.
The printable part — games, advice cards, host guide — is one form on our game maker: answer the questions once, print the whole personalized set in your color theme.
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Frequently asked questions
When should a baby shower happen?
Weeks 32–36 of pregnancy is traditional — late enough to celebrate properly, early enough to be comfortable. Ask the mom what she prefers.
Who normally hosts a baby shower?
Anyone close — friend, sister, coworker. The old etiquette against family hosting is long gone.
How much food does a shower need?
Plan 6 bites + 2 drinks per guest per hour. Grazing boards and finger food eliminate hot-food timing entirely.