Baby Shower
50 Cheap Baby Shower Ideas
Planning a beautiful baby shower doesn’t have to empty your bank account.
We know you want a fun, memorable day without stressing over costs.
Here are 50 genius ideas for decorations, food, games, and favors that are totally budget-friendly and easy to pull off.
1. Dollar Store Balloon Arch
Create a balloon arch using only two or three colors from the dollar store to keep costs low while still creating a strong visual impact for photos. This makes a great backdrop.
- Balloons in bulk
- String or fishing line
- Hand pump
Pro Tip: Inflate balloons to slightly different sizes for a professional, asymmetrical look.
Shop Balloon Arch Kit on Amazon
2. Easy Paper Fan Backdrop
Hang inexpensive paper fans behind the dessert table or gift table to create a decorative focal point without buying expensive backdrops. Choose colors that match your theme.
- Bulk paper fans
- Tape or tacks
- A large wall space
Pro Tip: Layer the fans in different sizes to add depth and visual interest to the wall.
3. Printable Baby Shower Banner
Use downloadable banners that can be printed at home, saving money while still matching your baby shower theme. Just cut them out and string them up.
- Printer access
- Cardstock paper
- Ribbon or twine
Pro Tip: Print on heavy cardstock so the banner hangs nicely and doesn’t curl up.
4. DIY Tissue Paper Pom-Poms
Make pom-poms from tissue paper and hang them from ceilings or walls to add soft, playful décor at a very low cost. They fill up a large space quickly.
- Bulk tissue paper
- Scissors
- Thin wire or string
Pro Tip: Use a mix of large and small pom-poms clustered together for the best look.
5. Balloon Wall Instead of Arch
Tape balloons directly onto a wall in a loose pattern to create a photo backdrop without purchasing balloon arch kits. This looks modern and requires fewer supplies.
- Many balloons
- Double-sided tape
- Clear wall space
Pro Tip: Use painter’s tape underneath the double-sided tape to protect your wall paint when removing the balloons.
6. Clothespin Photo Line
String twine across a wall and clip ultrasound photos, baby quotes, or letters using wooden clothespins for simple décor. This is a lovely, personal touch.
- Twine or yarn
- Small wooden clothespins
- Personal photos
Pro Tip: Hang the lines in a zigzag pattern to cover more wall space easily.
7. Fresh Greenery from Yard
Use leaves, branches, or greenery from your yard or nearby plants to decorate tables naturally and for free. Just make sure the plants are non-toxic.
- Clippers or scissors
- Vases or jars
- Greenery from outdoors
Pro Tip: Place the greenery in water a few hours before the party so it looks fresh and vibrant.
8. Mason Jars as Centerpieces
Reuse mason jars filled with flowers, candles, or fairy lights to create affordable and reusable table centerpieces. Tie a simple ribbon around the neck for color.
- Mason jars (reused)
- Ribbon or lace
- Small battery-operated fairy lights
Pro Tip: Fill jars with baby’s breath, which is a very inexpensive flower, for a delicate look.
9. Neutral Color Theme
Choose one neutral color palette such as beige, white, or sage to reduce the number of decorations needed. Neutrals always look classy and require less matching.
- One main color choice
- White linens
- Natural wood elements
Pro Tip: Using only one or two colors makes it easier to borrow or reuse items you already own.
10. Baby Clothes Garland
Hang baby onesies or socks on a string to create decoration that also doubles as practical baby gifts. This is a sweet way to display future outfits.
- Clean baby clothes
- Twine or ribbon
- Small clothespins
Pro Tip: Use items that match your color theme for an organized display.
Shop Mini Clothespins on Amazon
11. Cupcake Tower Instead of Cake
Serve cupcakes instead of a large custom cake to reduce costs and make serving easier for guests. A tiered stand makes the cupcakes look sophisticated.
- Store-bought cupcakes
- Tiered cupcake stand
- Small toppers
Pro Tip: Buy plain cupcakes and add your own inexpensive sprinkles or simple paper flags to match the theme.
12. Potluck-Style Baby Shower
Ask close friends or family members to each bring one dish, significantly lowering food expenses. Make sure to assign categories (like salads or desserts) to keep the menu balanced.
- Sign-up sheet for dishes
- Serving utensils
- Labels for food items
Pro Tip: The host should always provide the main drink and paper products to keep things easy for guests.
13. DIY Lemonade or Iced Tea Bar
Offer one base drink and add simple flavor options like lemon slices or berries for variety on a budget. Use large dispensers for easy self-service.
- Large drink dispensers
- Base iced tea or lemonade
- Simple fruit garnishes
Pro Tip: Use frozen fruit instead of ice cubes to keep the drinks cold without watering them down.
14. Popcorn Bar
Serve plain popcorn with inexpensive toppings like caramel drizzle or seasoning powders for a fun snack station. Guests love customizing their food.
- Large batch of popcorn
- Small serving bowls
- Variety of seasonings (cheese, ranch)
Pro Tip: Use cute scoops and small paper bags or cones to serve the popcorn neatly.
Shop Popcorn Seasoning on Amazon
15. Homemade Fruit Tray
Buy whole fruits and cut them yourself instead of ordering expensive pre-made fruit platters. Arrange them nicely on a simple white platter for a fresh look.
- Whole seasonal fruits
- Large cutting board
- Simple dipping sauce (yogurt)
Pro Tip: Choose fruits that are in season, as they will be much cheaper and taste better.
16. Simple Finger Sandwiches
Prepare small finger sandwiches using affordable ingredients such as cheese, turkey, or cucumber. Cut off the crusts and stack them neatly on a platter for an elegant feel.
- Bread and fillings
- Cookie cutter for shapes
- Serving platter
Pro Tip: Make these the night before and keep them covered tightly in the fridge to save time on party day.
17. Donut Display
Arrange store-bought donuts on a tiered stand or a pegboard for a trendy dessert option that costs less than a custom cake. They are easy to grab and serve.
- Dozens of donuts
- Tiered serving stand
- Small signage
Pro Tip: Look for local bakeries that offer bulk discounts on basic glazed donuts.
18. Simple Punch Bowl
Mix juice, soda, and frozen fruit in a large bowl for a refreshing and decorative drink. Choose bright, fun colors like pink or orange.
- Large punch bowl
- Juice and ginger ale
- Frozen berries or citrus slices
Pro Tip: Freeze the punch base in a bundt pan to create a large ice ring that melts slowly and looks beautiful.
19. Styled Store-Bought Cookies
Buy simple cookies and present them on nice trays to make them look more polished and appealing. Presentation makes all the difference for store-bought items.
- Basic sugar cookies
- Pretty serving trays
- Small doilies
Pro Tip: Dust the cookies lightly with powdered sugar just before serving for an extra touch of finish.
20. Budget Snack Board
Create a snack board using crackers, chips, pretzels, and dips instead of expensive charcuterie items. Focus on arranging inexpensive snacks beautifully.
- Large wooden board
- Pretzels and crackers
- Affordable dips (hummus, salsa)
Pro Tip: Use small bowls to separate the dips and add color to the board.
21. Guess the Baby Food Game
Guests taste baby food and guess the flavors using small spoons and printed labels. This is messy, fun, and very cheap to set up.
- Jars of baby food
- Small spoons
- Printed scorecards
Pro Tip: Choose the most unusual and hard-to-guess flavors for a bigger challenge.
22. Diaper Raffle
Guests bring a pack of diapers to enter a raffle, helping parents save money on baby essentials. This is a win-win for the host and the parents-to-be.
- Raffle tickets
- Small prize for winner
- Signage explaining the rule
Pro Tip: Request specific diaper brands or sizes if the parents have a preference.
23. Baby Name Guessing Game
Guests write down baby name suggestions, creating a free and fun activity. The parents can keep the list for inspiration or a good laugh later.
- Note cards or paper
- Pens
- A collection jar or box
Pro Tip: Read some of the funniest suggestions aloud at the end of the party.
24. Price Is Right Baby Edition
Guests guess the prices of common baby items like diapers, wipes, or bottles. The one who gets closest without going over wins the round.
- Printed list of baby items
- Pens and paper
- Current store price list
Pro Tip: Buy the items ahead of time and display them as props during the game.
25. Who Knows Mom Best?
Use a printable quiz with questions about the mom-to-be for an easy and low-cost game. This gets everyone laughing and celebrating the guest of honor.
- Printer paper
- Pens
- Fun questions list
Pro Tip: Offer a cheap prize (like a candy bar) for the winner to raise the stakes slightly.
Shop Printable Quiz Game on Amazon
26. Donât Say âBabyâ Game
Give guests clothespins or bracelets and take one away when someone says the word âbaby.â This is a simple, ongoing game that lasts the entire party.
- Bag of clothespins or bracelets
- Sign with the rule
- Small bucket for collected pins
Pro Tip: Use decorative or painted clothespins to make them feel more festive.
27. Baby Bingo
Print bingo cards with baby-related items guests might see during gift opening. This keeps guests engaged while the mom-to-be opens presents.
- Printed bingo cards
- Markers or daubers
- A small prize for the winner
Pro Tip: Make sure your bingo squares cover a wide variety of possible gifts.
28. Guess the Due Date Calendar
Guests write their due date predictions on a simple printed calendar sheet. This creates anticipation and a sweet keepsake for the parents.
- Large printed calendar
- Pens or stickers
- Small sign
Pro Tip: Put a small entry fee (like $1) into a pot that the winner takes home.
29. Emoji Baby Songs Game
Use emoji combinations to represent popular baby or childrenâs songs for guests to guess. This game is fun and only requires a printer.
- Printed emoji sheet
- Answer key
- Pens
Pro Tip: Mix in some classic nursery rhymes with modern kids’ songs for variety.
30. Advice for Parents Cards
Ask guests to write advice or well wishes for the parents to keep as a meaningful memory. This is a quiet, thoughtful activity that costs next to nothing.
- Blank note cards
- Pens
- A decorated box for collection
Pro Tip: Provide specific prompts on the cards, like ‘Best parenting hack is…’ or ‘Never forget to…’.
31. Mini Candy Bags
Fill small bags with bulk candy for an affordable thank-you favor. Buy candy in large bags after a holiday for the best discounts.
- Bulk wrapped candy
- Small clear cellophane bags
- Ribbon
Pro Tip: Choose candies that match your party’s color scheme for a cohesive look.
32. Homemade Cookies as Favors
Bake cookies at home and package them individually with simple thank-you tags. Guests always appreciate a homemade treat.
- Cookie ingredients
- Small favor boxes or bags
- Printed tags
Pro Tip: Keep the cookie design very simple, like a basic circle or square, to save decorating time.
33. Seed Packet Favors
Give guests flower or herb seeds with a message like âWatch Our Family Grow.â This is a charming and eco-friendly favor option.
- Bulk seed packets
- Simple paper cardstock
- Twine
Pro Tip: Tape the seed packet to a simple card that includes the baby’s due date or name.
34. Mini Hand Sanitizers
Buy multipacks of mini hand sanitizers and give one to each guest as a practical favor. You can add a small personalized label if you want.
- Multipack mini sanitizers
- Small ribbon or tag
- Hole punch
Pro Tip: Choose a neutral scent so it appeals to all of your guests.
35. Tea or Hot Cocoa Packets
Offer single-serve drink packets as cozy and low-cost party favors. This works especially well for showers held in the fall or winter.
- Bulk cocoa or tea packets
- Small mugs or boxes
- Thank you label
Pro Tip: Tie a small candy cane or marshmallow packet onto the cocoa for a sweet addition.
36. Thank-You Tags Only
Skip physical favors and give guests printed or handwritten thank-you tags instead. Sometimes the best favor is just a heartfelt message.
- Nice cardstock
- Pens
- Ribbon
Pro Tip: Handwrite a short, personal message on each card for a meaningful touch.
37. Soap Bars Cut into Pieces
Cut large soap bars into smaller pieces and wrap them individually to save money. Choose a nice-smelling, simple soap bar.
- Large soap bars
- Sharp knife
- Wax paper and twine
Pro Tip: Wrap the small soap pieces in wax paper and tie with twine for a rustic, natural look.
38. Lip Balm Multipacks
Divide lip balm multipacks into individual gifts for easy and affordable favors. Everyone can use a good lip balm.
- Large lip balm multipack
- Small tags
- Basket for display
Pro Tip: Display them in a small basket near the exit with a sign that says ‘Pucker Up! Thank You’.
39. Printable Favor Boxes
Use printable templates to create favor boxes at home without purchasing packaging. Just print, fold, and fill with a small treat.
- Printer and cardstock
- Scissors or craft knife
- Glue or tape
Pro Tip: Print a test box first to make sure the size is exactly what you need.
40. Bulk Candle Favors
Buy candles in bulk (like tea lights or small votives) and gift them individually with simple labels. A candle is a classic, appreciated favor.
- Bulk small candles
- Simple white labels
- Ribbon
Pro Tip: Look for unscented candles if you are unsure about guest scent preferences.
41. Host the Baby Shower at Home
Hosting the shower at home removes venue rental costs completely. Focus your energy on cleaning and setting up instead of finding an expensive location.
- Clean living space
- Enough seating
- Clear pathways
Pro Tip: Rent or borrow extra folding chairs if your guest list is large.
42. Backyard Baby Shower
Use your backyard for a relaxed celebration that relies on natural décor. Stringing some cheap outdoor lights creates a great atmosphere.
- Outdoor lighting
- Bug spray or citronella candles
- Weather backup plan
Pro Tip: Use potted plants you already own as affordable centerpiece décor.
43. Park Picnic Baby Shower
Hold the baby shower at a local park and use picnic tables for seating and food setup. Check if your park requires a permit for groups.
- Large blankets or tablecloths
- Coolers for food safety
- Garbage bags
Pro Tip: Use disposable, colorful plastic tablecloths to quickly cover park tables and make cleanup easy.
44. Community Room Shower
Many community centers or apartment buildings offer free or low-cost event rooms. These often come with tables and chairs included.
- Check local availability
- Confirm table setup rules
- Find out about cleanup requirements
Pro Tip: Book the room well in advance, especially during popular event seasons.
45. Brunch Baby Shower
Hosting the shower earlier in the day reduces the amount of food and drinks needed. Brunch items like bagels, fruit, and coffee are very budget-friendly.
- Coffee station setup
- Bagels and cream cheese
- Simple pastries
Pro Tip: Stick to one simple cocktail, like mimosas with cheap sparkling wine and juice, if you are serving alcohol.
46. Short Two-Hour Shower
Limiting the event to about two hours helps control food, drink, and setup costs. Guests will appreciate a clear end time, too.
- Firm start and end time
- A clear schedule of events
- Serve only light snacks
Pro Tip: Start the gift opening process about halfway through the event to make sure it happens promptly.
47. Digital Baby Shower Invitations
Send invitations digitally to avoid printing and mailing expenses. There are many beautiful, free template services available online.
- Choose a digital invitation platform
- Collect email addresses
- Set an RSVP deadline
Pro Tip: Follow up with a text message reminder a week before the party so no one forgets.
48. Borrow Baby Shower Decorations
Ask friends or family to borrow decorations instead of buying new ones. Baby items like stuffed animals or small blankets make great décor.
- Create a list of needed items
- Ask friends who recently hosted
- Keep track of borrowed items
Pro Tip: Return borrowed items clean and promptly with a small thank-you note.
49. Single Statement Decor Area
Decorate one main area, such as a photo backdrop or the dessert table, instead of the entire space. This focuses attention and saves money.
- Choose one focal wall
- Use maximal décor here
- Keep other areas simple
Pro Tip: Make sure your gift opening takes place near this statement area for great photos.
50. Skip Non-Essential Traditions
Focus only on meaningful elements and skip traditions that add cost without adding value. You don’t need a huge centerpiece or five different games.
- Prioritize the guest of honor
- Cut out filler activities
- Keep the guest list small
Pro Tip: If a tradition doesn’t feel right for the parents-to-be, feel free to skip it entirely.
See? You can host a beautiful, memorable baby shower without spending a fortune.
Use these cheap and cheerful ideas, relax, and enjoy celebrating the new parents. Happy planning!
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