50 Small Baby Shower Ideas

Planning a party for a tiny guest list? Big parties are fun, but small ones feel cozy and sweet.

We gathered 50 simple, budget-friendly ways to celebrate the new baby without stress.

Get ready for a perfect, intimate gathering!

1. Backyard Brunch Setup

If you have a small yard, use it! A brunch is short and sweet, perfect for a small group. Use folding chairs and simple white tablecloths to keep the look clean and easy.

• Use natural light to save on decor.
• Keep the menu simple: muffins and fruit.
• Set up a small drink station outside.

Pro Tip: Use citronella candles if bugs are a problem. They look nice and keep the party comfortable.

2. Cozy Living Room Seating

Skip renting chairs. Use your sofa, armchairs, and floor pillows for seating. This makes the party feel instantly more relaxed and intimate for close friends.

• Arrange seating in a circle for easy talk.
• Use throw blankets for extra color and texture.
• Clear away clutter before guests arrive.

Pro Tip: Place a small side table next to each seating area so guests have a spot for their drinks.

3. Kitchen Island Buffet

If your kitchen has an island, use it as the main food station. This keeps all the mess in one spot and is easy to refill. It also frees up dining table space.

• Use tiered trays to save counter space.
• Label all food items clearly.
• Keep plates and napkins at the end of the line.

Pro Tip: Cover the island with butcher paper. It looks cute and makes cleanup super fast after the party.

4. Picnic Blanket Seating

For a very small, casual group, lay out a few nice blankets or rugs on the floor. This works well for a relaxed afternoon shower. Guests can sit comfortably and chat easily.

• Use large pillows for back support.
• Serve food that is easy to eat with fingers.
• Keep the volume of music low.

Pro Tip: If you are outside, use heavy baskets or rocks on the corners of the blankets so they don’t blow away.

5. Afternoon Tea Theme

A tea party is perfect for a small baby shower. It limits the time (usually 2 hours) and the menu (sandwiches, scones, tea). It feels fancy without being stressful.

• Use mismatched vintage teacups.
• Serve mini desserts only.
• Focus on soft, calming colors.

Pro Tip: Borrow a three-tiered serving tray. It makes even simple food look very special and saves table space.

6. Simple Greenery Garlands

You don’t need huge floral arrangements. Buy one long garland of eucalyptus or ivy. Drape it down the center of the table or over a doorway for a fresh, clean look.

• Greenery lasts longer than cut flowers.
• Use white candles with the green.
• Buy faux greenery to save money.

Pro Tip: If using real greenery, mist it with water the night before so it looks bright and fresh for the party.

7. Wildflower Jar Centerpieces

Instead of costly bouquets, use small glass jars or bottles. Fill them with simple wildflowers or baby’s breath. Place one small jar every few feet down the table.

• Collect jars from recycling beforehand.
• Tie a simple ribbon around the jar neck.
• Use different jar sizes for visual interest.

Pro Tip: If you don’t have wildflowers, ask a local grocery store for their cheapest bunch of filler flowers. They work great in small jars.

8. Minimalist Balloon Arch

Skip the huge, expensive arch. Create a small, half-arch in one corner or over the gift table. Use only two colors of balloons to keep the look modern and simple.

• Focus the arch on the photo spot.
• Use air-filled balloons (no helium needed).
• Mix sizes for a professional look.

Pro Tip: Buy a balloon strip tape online. It makes attaching the balloons fast and easy, even for beginners.

9. Baby Photo Clothesline

This is a cheap and sweet decoration. Hang a piece of twine across a wall. Use small clothespins to clip up baby photos of the parents-to-be. Guests love looking at them.

• Print photos in black and white.
• Use small wooden clothespins.
• Hang the line high enough to see easily.

Pro Tip: If you don’t have twine, dental floss works great in a pinch and is very strong.

10. Book Stacks Centerpieces

Use stacks of favorite childhood books as table centerpieces. This is free decor if you already own the books. It feels personal and fits the baby theme perfectly.

• Stack 3 to 4 books per table.
• Top the stack with a small toy or rattle.
• Use books with colorful covers.

Pro Tip: If you don’t want to use your own books, check thrift stores. They often have hardcovers for very cheap.

11. Single Signature Mocktail

Instead of a full bar, create one special non-alcoholic drink. Give it a fun baby name, like ‘Mommy Mojito.’ Serve it in a large drink dispenser for easy self-service.

• Use fresh fruit slices for garnish.
• Provide ice and cute paper straws.
• Make a large batch the night before.

Pro Tip: Freeze water with edible flowers or berries in an ice cube tray. This keeps the drink cold without watering down the flavor.

12. Mini Dessert Bar

A small party doesn’t need a huge cake. Focus on bite-sized treats like mini cookies, small brownies, and tiny tarts. Guests can try a little bit of everything.

• Use small tongs for serving.
• Arrange desserts on a white platter.
• Offer only three types of sweets.

Pro Tip: Buy store-bought desserts and put them on nice serving dishes. No one will know you didn’t bake them.

13. Charcuterie Board Spread

This is the easiest food option for a small gathering. A charcuterie board requires no cooking, just arrangement. Use cheeses, crackers, fruits, and nuts for a lovely grazing station.

• Use a wooden board for a rustic look.
• Include small bowls of olives or pickles.
• Label the cheeses for guests.

Pro Tip: Fill in empty spaces on the board with cheap filler items like grapes or small sprigs of rosemary.

14. Cute Cupcake Toppers

If you choose cupcakes over a cake, buy simple, plain ones. Then, use cute toppers (like tiny rubber ducks or baby feet shapes) to make them special. This saves money on custom baking.

• Use two colors of frosting only.
• Place cupcakes on a tiered stand.
• Buy toppers in bulk online.

Pro Tip: If you can’t find toppers, use a small amount of edible gold dust on the frosting for a quick, fancy look.

15. Personalized Water Bottles

Buy small bottles of water. Print simple labels that say ‘Mommy’s Shower’ or the due date. This is a tiny detail that makes the whole event feel polished and thoughtful.

• Keep bottles chilled in a large bucket.
• Use waterproof labels.
• Offer sparkling water too.

Pro Tip: Peel off the original label first. Use a hair dryer to heat the glue and the label will come right off.

16. Diaper Raffle Game

This isn’t really a game, but a great way to get needed supplies. Ask guests to bring a pack of diapers to be entered into a prize drawing. It’s simple and helpful.

• Offer a nice prize (like a gift card).
• Keep the entry box visible.
• Announce the winner before gifts.

Pro Tip: Specify different diaper sizes on the invite (like size 2 or 3) so the parents get a good mix.

17. Wishes for Baby Station

Instead of a formal guest book, set up a small station with cards. Guests write down their hopes, dreams, or advice for the baby. This is a sweet keepsake for the parents.

• Use nice pens and thick card stock.
• Provide a small basket to collect cards.
• Keep the instructions simple.

Pro Tip: Buy a small photo album after the shower and slip the completed cards inside to keep them safe.

18. Decorate a Onesie Activity

This is a fun, low-mess craft activity. Buy plain white onesies in different sizes. Provide fabric markers or iron-on patches. Guests can create unique outfits for the baby.

• Set up a separate craft table.
• Use cardboard inserts inside the onesie.
• Provide stencils for non-artists.

Pro Tip: Buy onesies in sizes 6-12 months. Parents get tons of newborn clothes, but need bigger sizes later.

19. Baby Bingo Game

This is the easiest game to play while the mom-to-be opens gifts. Guests fill in their bingo card with gifts they think she will receive. It keeps everyone focused and entertained.

• Print cards ahead of time.
• Provide small candies or coins for markers.
• Offer a small prize for the winner.

Pro Tip: Instead of making your own cards, search online for free printable baby shower bingo templates.

20. Predictions Jar

Have guests write down their best guess for the baby’s birth date, weight, and height. Collect them in a jar. The parents open the jar after the baby arrives to see who was closest.

• Use small slips of paper.
• Provide a pen and clipboard.
• Keep the jar sealed until the birth.

Pro Tip: Make sure the jar lid is tight. You don’t want the slips falling out before the big reveal.

21. Small Succulent Favors

Give small potted succulents or cacti as party favors. They are cheap, easy to care for, and look very trendy. Tie a tiny ‘Thank You’ tag to the pot.

• Buy plants in bulk from a nursery.
• Use small terracotta pots.
• Keep them near the door for easy grab-and-go.

Pro Tip: If you can’t find succulents, small packets of wildflower seeds are a great, budget-friendly alternative.

22. Personalized Hand Sanitizer

This is a practical and useful favor. Buy small travel-sized hand sanitizers. Put a custom sticker on the front with the baby’s name or due date. Everyone needs sanitizer!

• Buy the sanitizer in a nice scent.
• Design a simple, round label.
• Place them in a basket near the exit.

Pro Tip: Use a hole punch and ribbon to attach the label if you don’t want to use stickers.

23. Mini Jars of Honey

A sweet favor for a sweet occasion. Buy tiny jars and fill them with local honey or jam. Add a label that says ‘Sweet as Honey’ or ‘Spread the Joy.’

• Tie a small wooden dipper to the jar.
• Use fabric squares under the lid.
• Buy jars in bulk online.

Pro Tip: If you don’t have time to fill jars, look for small local businesses that sell them already packaged.

24. Homemade Cookie Favors

Bake simple sugar cookies and cut them into baby shapes (bottles, rattles, feet). Wrap them individually in clear bags. This is a thoughtful, low-cost favor.

• Use a simple white or pink frosting.
• Tie the bag with a colored ribbon.
• Make them a day or two before the party.

Pro Tip: If you don’t want to bake, buy cookies from a local bakery. They often offer bulk discounts.

25. Customized Tea Bags

For an afternoon tea theme, give out personalized tea bags. Buy nice loose leaf tea and fill small muslin bags. It’s a relaxing favor guests can enjoy later.

• Use calming flavors like chamomile.
• Stamp the bags with a cute design.
• Give two bags per guest.

Pro Tip: If you don’t want to deal with loose leaf, buy boxes of nice tea and just attach a custom tag to the string.

26. Storybook Reading Activity

Ask guests to bring their favorite childhood book instead of a card. During the party, ask a few guests to read a short passage from their book. This is very touching and personal.

• Provide a comfortable chair for reading.
• Limit reading time to 2 minutes per person.
• Make sure the books are safe for baby.

Pro Tip: Tell guests ahead of time that they will be asked to read. This gives them time to pick a good part.

27. Mommy Trivia Game

Write 10 fun, simple questions about the mom-to-be (e.g., her favorite food, her first job). Guests guess the answers. It’s a great way to celebrate the parent, not just the baby.

• Keep questions light and funny.
• Use easy multiple-choice answers.
• The mom reads the correct answers.

Pro Tip: Ask the mom for the answers a week before the party so you aren’t scrambling last minute.

28. Time Capsule Letters

Provide paper and envelopes. Ask guests to write a letter to the baby to be opened on their 18th birthday. Collect the letters and seal them in a decorative box.

• Suggest topics like ‘life right now.’
• Use small, sturdy envelopes.
• Store the box in a safe, dry place.

Pro Tip: Include a note inside the box reminding the parents when to open it (e.g., ‘Open July 2042’).

29. Guess the Baby Food

A classic game that works well for small groups. Buy 5-6 jars of baby food. Remove the labels and have guests taste and guess the flavor. It always gets laughs.

• Use strong flavors like sweet potato or peas.
• Provide small spoons for tasting.
• Keep the original labels hidden for scoring.

Pro Tip: Serve crackers or water between tastes to cleanse the palate and make the game easier.

30. Personalized Playlist

Music sets the mood for a small party. Create a playlist of soft, happy songs. Include songs with ‘baby’ in the title or songs from the parents’ teenage years. Keep the volume low.

• Avoid overly loud or fast music.
• Test the speakers before the party.
• Include instrumental tracks.

Pro Tip: If you use a streaming service, download the playlist ahead of time so you don’t rely on shaky Wi-Fi.

31. Simple Guest Sign-In

Use a simple framed photo of the parents-to-be. Give guests a fine-tip marker and ask them to sign the white matting around the photo. It’s a great piece of art for the nursery.

• Use a thick white mat.
• Test the pen on scrap paper first.
• Keep the frame under glass until the party.

Pro Tip: Use a metallic silver or gold marker for a nice, permanent look that stands out on white.

32. Cloth Diaper Banners

Buy a pack of plain white cloth diapers. Use fabric paint or markers to write letters on them to spell ‘BABY’ or the baby’s name. Hang them up as a cute banner.

• Use bright, contrasting colors.
• Hang them with twine and mini clips.
• The diapers can be used later.

Pro Tip: If you don’t want to paint, you can use iron-on letters for a cleaner, faster look.

33. Single Color Palette

Choose one main color (like sage green, dusty blue, or soft yellow) and stick to it for all decorations. This makes a small space look clean, modern, and put-together without much effort.

• Use white as the secondary color.
• Match napkins and plates to the color.
• Avoid mixing too many shades.

Pro Tip: If you can’t find exact matches, use different textures (like velvet ribbon and matte paper) in the same color.

34. Personalized Welcome Sign

A small chalkboard or framed print near the entrance is a nice touch. Write a simple message like ‘Welcome to the Shower of [Mom’s Name].’ It directs guests easily.

• Keep the sign small (8×10 inches).
• Use neat handwriting or a nice font.
• Place it on a small easel.

Pro Tip: If using a chalkboard, wet the chalk first. It makes the writing look bolder and cleaner.

35. Coffee and Hot Cocoa Bar

If the shower is in the fall or winter, set up a warm drink station. Offer coffee, tea bags, and hot cocoa mix. Include fun toppings like whipped cream and sprinkles.

• Use insulated carafes to keep drinks hot.
• Provide small mugs or paper cups.
• Offer cinnamon sticks for stirring.

Pro Tip: Use a slow cooker to keep apple cider warm. It’s easy and smells amazing.

36. Individual Snack Cups

Instead of a shared bowl, put snacks into individual small cups or bags. This is cleaner, safer, and makes serving easy. Think popcorn, pretzels, or small cookies.

• Use clear plastic cups.
• Prepare the cups the day before.
• Line them up neatly on a tray.

Pro Tip: Tie a small ribbon around the cups to make them look more festive than just plain plastic.

37. Advice Cards Activity

Provide pre-printed cards with prompts like ‘My best parenting advice is…’ or ‘Never forget to…’ Guests fill them out. This is a meaningful activity that doesn’t feel like a game.

• Keep the prompts lighthearted.
• Use nice paper that won’t bleed.
• Read a few out loud (if the mom agrees).

Pro Tip: Punch a hole in the corner of the cards and tie them together with a ribbon to keep them organized.

38. Diaper Cake Alternative

Instead of a huge, multi-tiered diaper cake, make a small ‘diaper bouquet.’ Roll diapers and arrange them in a small vase like flowers. It’s cute and uses fewer supplies.

• Use rubber bands to hold rolls tight.
• Stick small fake flowers between diapers.
• Use a small glass vase.

Pro Tip:

39. Soft Lighting Only

Turn off harsh overhead lights. Use floor lamps, table lamps, and fairy lights draped over shelves. Soft lighting creates a warm, cozy, and intimate atmosphere instantly.

• Use warm white fairy lights.
• Place lamps in dark corners.
• If safe, use unscented candles.

Pro Tip: Battery-operated fairy lights are best. You can place them anywhere without worrying about cords.

40. Finger Sandwiches Menu

If you are doing a tea theme, stick to classic finger sandwiches. They are easy to make ahead of time and are perfectly sized for small bites. Cut off the crusts for a neat look.

• Use three simple fillings (e.g., cucumber, egg salad).
• Keep them covered until serving time.
• Cut them into small triangles or squares.

Pro Tip: Use cookie cutters in baby shapes (like stars or moons) to cut the sandwiches for an extra cute touch.

41. Rent a Small Cafe Corner

If you don’t want to host at home, book a private corner or back room at a local cafe or bakery. They handle the food and drinks, leaving you free to enjoy the guests.

• Book the space for only two hours.
• Ask about their minimum spend.
• Bring only one small decoration.

Pro Tip: Choose a spot near a window for great natural light in your photos.

42. Teddy Bear Seating

If the parents have stuffed animals, use them as part of the decor. Place a large teddy bear on the gift table or have smaller ones sitting in empty chairs. It adds cuteness without cost.

• Dress the bears in baby hats.
• Use only clean, nice-looking toys.
• Place them near the entrance.

Pro Tip: If you don’t have enough bears, use wrapped gift boxes of different sizes to fill up space on the tables.

43. Simple Photo Booth Corner

You don’t need a huge setup. Hang a plain sheet or curtain in a bright area. Provide only two or three simple props (like a ‘Mom’ hat or a pacifier). Guests can take quick, fun photos.

• Use natural light near a window.
• Provide a small sign with a hashtag.
• Keep the backdrop wrinkle-free.

Pro Tip: Use a tripod and a phone holder so guests can easily take their own group photos.

44. Personalized Thank You Notes

Instead of waiting weeks, have the mom write a few thank you notes for gifts as they are opened. This is a nice touch for a small group and saves her work later.

• Have the cards and pens ready.
• Keep a list of who gave what.
• Hand them out as guests leave.

Pro Tip: If the mom is too busy, have the host write the notes and the mom just signs them quickly.

45. DIY Mimosa Bar

For a small group, a mimosa bar is easy. Provide champagne (or sparkling cider) and two types of juice (orange and cranberry). Guests mix their own drinks.

• Use clear, labeled carafes for juice.
• Provide fresh berries for garnish.
• Keep the drinks chilled in ice.

Pro Tip: If you are serving alcohol, make sure to have plenty of non-alcoholic options clearly marked for the mom and other guests.

46. Themed Reading Nook

Designate one comfortable chair as the ‘Mom’s Throne.’ Decorate the area with soft pillows and a small stack of baby books. This is where she can relax and open gifts.

• Make sure the lighting is good.
• Keep the gift opening area clear.
• Place a small trash can nearby.

Pro Tip: Use a small, decorative basket to hold all the cards and bows from the gifts.

47. Dipped Pretzel Rods

A simple, cheap treat to make ahead. Dip pretzel rods in melted white chocolate and sprinkle with colored sugar (pink, blue, or yellow). Arrange them standing up in jars.

• Use tall jars for display.
• Let the chocolate fully set before serving.
• Add a second color drizzle for fun.

Pro Tip: Use a deep glass to dip the pretzels. This keeps the chocolate coating even and neat.

48. Donation in Guest’s Name

If the parents don’t need many things, ask guests to skip gifts. Instead, make a small donation in the guest’s name to a children’s charity. Tell guests about the donation in their favor card.

• Choose a charity the parents love.
• Print a nice card explaining the donation.
• Keep the focus on giving back.

Pro Tip: If guests insist on bringing a gift, suggest a book or a small item for the nursery.

49. Personalized Napkins

Buy plain napkins and use a rubber stamp or stencil to add a small baby footprint or the baby’s initial. This is a tiny detail that makes simple paper goods feel custom.

• Use a fast-drying ink pad.
• Stamp only the corner of the napkin.
• Use a color that matches your theme.

Pro Tip: If you don’t want to stamp, buy plain napkins and tie them with a piece of thin ribbon.

50. Short and Sweet Timing

Keep the party short. For a small baby shower, two hours is plenty of time for food, a game, and gifts. This prevents guests from getting tired and keeps the energy high.

• Start on time and end on time.
• Plan only one main activity.
• Send a schedule to the host helper.

Pro Tip: Announce the end time clearly on the invitation so guests know what to expect.

See? Planning a small baby shower doesn’t have to be hard.

These simple ideas make your party cozy and memorable.

Which idea will you try first? Comment below or share this list with a friend who is planning a shower!