Hosting A Co-ed Baby Shower: The Ultimate Guide
Whether you’re planning your first co-ed shower or looking for fresh ideas, this guide will help you throw a celebration as special as the baby on the way!
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As parents of three boys, we know firsthand how special it is to celebrate a new addition with all our loved ones.
That’s why we love the idea of a co-ed baby shower! It’s the perfect way to bring everyone together—friends, family, and both parents—to share in the excitement of the little one on the way.
Gone are the days of baby showers being just for moms. Modern parents are embracing co-ed celebrations that are fun, inclusive, and full of laughter.
By welcoming everyone, you create a warm, lively atmosphere where memories are made, stories are shared, and all feel the joy of parenthood.
How Do You Host a Co-ed Baby Shower?
Hosting a co-ed baby shower is all about inclusivity, celebration, and creating a welcoming atmosphere for every guest.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure your co-ed baby shower is a hit:
Step 1: Choose a Welcoming Theme
Start by selecting a theme that’s appealing to all your guests. Opt for gender-neutral themes or interests that both expectant parents share.
Themes like “Adventure Awaits,” “Welcome to the World,” or a simple garden party can set a welcoming tone for the celebration.
Step 2: Send Out Inclusive Invitations
Make it clear on your invitations that the baby shower is co-ed. Use language that invites all guests to join in the celebration, regardless of gender.
Highlight the theme and any activities planned, so guests know what to expect and can look forward to the event.
Step 3: Plan Activities for Everyone
Choose activities and games that everyone can enjoy.
Think beyond traditional baby shower games to include things like diaper-changing races, baby food taste tests, or a funny photo booth with props.
The key is to encourage interaction and fun among all attendees.
Step 4: Consider Food and Drink Preferences
Offer a variety of food and drinks that cater to different tastes. A mix of hearty and light options ensures there’s something for everyone.
Consider having a signature cocktail or mocktail for the event, alongside non-alcoholic beverages, to add a festive touch.
Step 5: Create a Comfortable Setting
Arrange your venue in a way that encourages mingling and interaction. Opt for a mix of seating arrangements and standing areas.
Decorate in a way that matches your theme but remains welcoming and not overly gendered.
Step 6: Acknowledge All Guests
Ensure that your event acknowledges and includes everyone.
From the games you play to the speeches made, make it a point to celebrate the collective excitement of all your guests for the new arrival.
Step 7: Send Home Memorable Favors
Choose party favours that are thoughtful and unisex.
Something simple like a personalized keepsake, a plant, or gourmet treats can be a lovely way to thank your guests for their support and participation.
Tips for Making Everyone Feel Welcome
- Communicate Clearly: From the get-go, make sure your invites and communications express the inclusive nature of your party.
- Diversify Your Playlist: Music sets the mood, so curate a playlist that’s upbeat and appealing to a broad audience.
- Ask for Input: Don’t hesitate to ask the expectant parents and close friends for ideas on how to make the shower enjoyable for everyone.
- Be Mindful of Traditions: While some traditions may hold sentimental value, consider adapting or forgoing them to suit the diverse guest list of a co-ed shower.
Co-ed Baby Shower Themes
When it comes to hosting a co-ed baby shower, selecting the right theme is crucial for setting the tone for a fun and inclusive celebration.
Here are several themes that work wonderfully for a co-ed audience, ensuring everyone feels part of the special day:
Adventure Awaits
This theme is perfect for parents who love travel or outdoor activities.
Decorate with maps, globes, and travel-inspired decor. It’s a fantastic way to embark on the greatest adventure of all—parenthood.
Baby-Q Bash
A Baby-Q is a laid-back, barbecue-themed baby shower that’s ideal for a co-ed crowd.
Think of gingham tablecloths, picnic foods, and outdoor games. It’s casual, fun, and perfect for a sunny day celebration.
Storybook Shower
Invite guests to celebrate the upcoming arrival with a storybook-themed shower.
Decorate with images and quotes from beloved children’s books. It’s a charming theme that resonates with the young at heart.
Welcome to the Jungle
For a wild and lively party, a jungle-themed baby shower is a hit.
This theme is filled with animal prints, lush greenery, and tropical touches. It’s a playful and vibrant choice that’s sure to entertain all your guests.
Starry Night
A starry night theme brings a magical and dreamy atmosphere to your baby shower.
Decorate with twinkling lights, stars, and celestial accents. It’s a gender-neutral theme that adds a touch of wonder to your celebration.
Future All-Star
For sports-loving families, a sports-themed baby shower can be a home run.
Decorate with jerseys, sports equipment, and team colours. It’s a great way to celebrate the little MVP on the way.
Little Artist
Celebrate the creativity and colour a new baby brings into the world with an art-themed shower.
Provide canvases, paints, or colouring pages for a creative twist on shower activities. It’s a vibrant, engaging theme that appeals to everyone’s inner artist.
Retro Baby Bash
Throw a retro-themed baby shower for a blast from the past.
Choose a specific decade as inspiration and decorate with vintage items, classic snacks, and a throwback playlist.
It’s a fun, nostalgic theme that guests of all ages will enjoy.
DIY Craft Party
For a hands-on, interactive shower, a DIY craft theme is perfect.
Set up stations where guests can create something special for the baby or the parents-to-be.
It’s a unique way to engage guests and create lasting memories.
Seasonal Celebrations
Match your baby shower theme to the season—floral for spring, beachy for summer, cozy for fall, or elegant for winter.
Seasonal themes create a fun, inclusive celebration that honors both parents and welcomes the little one in style!
Co-ed Baby Shower Games
When it comes to co-ed baby showers, the games play a crucial role in setting the tone for a fun and inclusive celebration. Here’s a mix of traditional and unique game ideas that everyone can enjoy:
Diaper Derby
This hilarious game involves teams competing to change a baby doll’s diaper the fastest. It’s a great way to get everyone laughing and engaged, plus it’s a handy practice for the parents-to-be!
Baby Bottle Bowling
Set up a bowling alley using baby bottles as pins. Guests can take turns rolling a small ball to knock them down. It’s a simple yet entertaining game that adds a quirky twist to traditional bowling.
Guess the Baby Food
Blindfolded guests taste various baby foods and try to guess the flavours. This game is always a hit, offering some surprising and funny moments. Just make sure to have a camera ready for those priceless expressions!
Baby Photo Guess
Ask guests to bring a baby photo of themselves and display them on a board. Everyone tries to match the photo with the guest, sparking conversations and laughter as people reminisce about their own childhoods.
Pacifier Hunt
Hide pacifiers around the party area before guests arrive. The person who finds the most pacifiers by the end of the shower wins a prize. This game is a great icebreaker and gets guests moving and interacting.
Baby-Themed Pictionary
Create a list of baby-related words or phrases for a game of Pictionary. It’s a classic game that’s easy to set up and can be played in teams, making it perfect for a co-ed crowd.
The Price Is Right: Baby Edition
Set up a table with various baby items and have guests guess their prices. The closest guess without going over wins. It’s a fun way to test everyone’s knowledge and could be helpful for the parents-to-be.
Baby Playlist
Challenge guests to come up with songs that have the word “baby” in the title or lyrics. It’s a musical game that’s sure to get everyone singing along and adding to the playlist.
Onesie Decorating Contest
Provide plain onesies and fabric markers or paint, and let guests unleash their creativity. It’s a fun, hands-on activity that leaves the parents-to-be with adorable and unique clothes for their baby.
Who’s That Baby?
This game involves matching baby pictures of celebrities or fictional characters to their adult counterparts. It’s a great way to mix in some pop culture and can be surprisingly challenging.
These co-ed baby shower games are designed to include guests of all ages and interests, ensuring that everyone has a good time. By choosing a variety of games, you can keep the energy high and make your baby shower a memorable event for everyone involved.
How Do You Indicate a Baby Shower Is Coed?
Communicating the co-ed nature of a baby shower clearly in the invitation is key to setting the right expectations for your guests.
Here are some tips and examples on how to craft your invitations to ensure everyone knows your baby shower welcomes all guests, regardless of gender:
Tips for Co-ed Baby Shower Invitations:
- Be Direct: Use clear language that explicitly states the shower is co-ed. Avoid ambiguous phrases that might be misinterpreted.
- Include Both Parents: Make sure to mention both parents-to-be in the invitation. This signals that the event is intended for a wider audience.
- Choose Gender-Neutral Designs: Opt for invitations that feature neutral colors and designs, steering clear of traditional pink or blue themes.
- Highlight the Theme: If your baby shower has a specific theme, make it prominent in your invitation. Themes often suggest the inclusivity of the event.
- Use Inclusive Language: Phrases like “Join us in celebrating” or “Everyone is welcome” emphasize the inclusive nature of the shower.
Examples of Coed Baby Shower Invitation Wording:
- Straightforward and Inclusive:
- “We’re excited to welcome our little one with everyone we love! Please join Sarah and Tom for a co-ed baby shower celebrating our new adventure.”
- Fun and Casual:
- “Babies, BBQ, and Beer! Come celebrate our little bundle of joy at Jen and Alex’s co-ed Baby-Q. All friends and family welcome!”
- Theme-Focused:
- “Adventure Awaits! Join Mia and Chris for a co-ed baby shower as we prepare to welcome our newest explorer. Let’s celebrate together with fun, food, and friends.”
- Creative and Quirky:
- “Diapers, dummies, and little socks, let’s celebrate with all our folks! Emily and David are throwing a co-ed bash to welcome our little tot.”
- Simple and Elegant:
- “A little one is on the way, and we’d love to celebrate with you. Please join us for a co-ed shower in honour of Linda and Mark.”
- Rhyme and Rhythm:
- “A baby’s coming, cute and sweet. Moms and Dads, let’s meet and greet! Join us for a co-ed shower to celebrate Olivia and James.”
Who Pays for a Co-ed Baby Shower?
Managing the finances for a co-ed baby shower can differ from a traditional one, with more guests and possibly larger venues.
Setting clear expectations and understanding etiquette is key. Here’s how to budget wisely and share costs effectively.
Modern Etiquette for Co-ed Baby Showers:
Baby showers were once fully funded by a close friend or family member, but co-ed showers are often larger, making shared costs more common.
Family, friends, or coworkers now pitch in, easing expenses and bringing everyone together.
Setting Expectations:
- Open Communication: Early in the planning process, have an open discussion with potential hosts about budget and expectations. This ensures everyone is on the same page and comfortable with their contribution.
- Decide on a Budget: Agree on a total budget before making any decisions. This will guide your choices for venue, food, decorations, and activities.
- Consider Contributions: Some guests or co-hosts might prefer to contribute in non-monetary ways, such as providing a location, baking a cake, or handling decorations. Be open to these options as they can significantly reduce costs.
Sharing Costs Among Hosts:
- Divide Responsibilities: Assign specific parts of the shower (like food, games, or decorations) to different hosts. This can make expenses clearer and management easier.
- Joint Savings Account: For larger showers, consider setting up a joint savings account for hosts to contribute to over time. This can help spread out the financial impact and simplify transactions.
- Crowdfunding: In some cases, if all participants agree, setting up a crowdfunding campaign can be an effective way to cover costs. However, ensure this approach is discussed and agreed upon by everyone involved.
Budgeting Tips:
- Prioritize: Decide what elements of the shower are most important and allocate your budget accordingly. Sometimes, a fantastic venue or a special activity is worth investing in more heavily than other aspects.
- DIY Where Possible: Handmade decorations, home-cooked food, and self-organized games can significantly reduce costs without diminishing the shower’s charm.
- Be Resourceful: Borrow items like serving dishes, tablecloths, and decorations from friends and family to avoid unnecessary purchases.
How Many People Go to a Coed Baby Shower?
Baby showers typically have around 20 guests, but the size depends on your venue and guest list.
Both intimate gatherings and larger celebrations can be equally enjoyable!
Understanding Venue Capacity:
Your venue size plays a key role in determining your guest list.
Whether at home, a hall, or a restaurant, ensure a comfortable fit—too crowded can feel overwhelming, while too much space may lose intimacy.
Consider the Event’s Nature:
Co-ed baby showers feel more like casual parties than formal gatherings.
A larger guest list suits a lively, festive vibe, while a smaller group allows for more personal connections.
Guest List Management Tips:
- Prioritize Invitations: Start with must-have guests like close family and friends, then expand your list to include coworkers, neighbours, and other acquaintances if space allows.
- Be Mindful of Dynamics: With a co-ed guest list, consider the mix of individuals attending. You want a harmonious atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable, whether they’re part of the expectant mother’s or father’s social circles.
- Use RSVPs to Your Advantage: Encourage prompt RSVPs and consider setting a deadline. This will give you a clearer idea of attendance and allow you to adjust plans if necessary.
Balancing Act:
- Intimacy vs. Celebration: A larger guest list can enhance the celebratory feel of the shower but may reduce opportunities for personal interaction. Consider what’s more important for the parents-to-be and plan accordingly.
- Budget Considerations: More guests mean higher costs for food, beverages, and possibly a larger venue. Ensure your plans align with your budget and adjust your guest list if needed.
Communicate Clearly:
Ensure your invitations clearly state any plus-ones or children to avoid misunderstandings.
If you’re limited by space or budget, it’s perfectly acceptable to request adult-only attendance or to limit guests to immediate family and close friends.
Flexibility Is Key:
Guest lists can change last minute, so staying flexible ensures a stress-free celebration.
Ultimately, the size of a co-ed baby shower depends on personal preference, venue capacity, and the desired atmosphere.
Thoughtful planning will create a warm, enjoyable event for everyone.
Unique Co-ed Baby Shower Ideas
To make a co-ed baby shower truly memorable, infusing the event with innovative and creative ideas that cater to a diverse group is key.
From activities that break the ice to decorations and food that everyone can enjoy, here are some unique ideas to elevate your co-ed baby shower.
Innovative Activities:
- Parenting Advice Cards: Set up a station where guests can write down their best parenting advice, funny anecdotes, or well-wishes for the parents-to-be. It’s a heartfelt way to involve everyone in sharing their wisdom and support.
- Custom Onesie Station: Provide plain onesies and fabric markers or paints, and invite guests to create a personalized onesie. This activity is not only fun but also gives the parents-to-be a collection of unique, handmade clothes for their baby.
- Baby Time Capsule: Ask each guest to bring something small to include in a time capsule for the baby, to be opened on their 18th birthday. It could be a note, a current newspaper, a piece of technology, or a pop culture item.
- Mocktail Bar: Set up a mocktail bar with a variety of ingredients and let guests create their own fun, non-alcoholic drinks. It’s a refreshing twist that ensures everyone can partake in the toast to the baby’s health.
Decorations That Wow:
- Photo Garland of Parents-to-Be: Create a garland featuring photos of the parents-to-be from their childhood up to the present. It’s a personal touch that adds warmth and encourages storytelling.
- Interactive Art Installation: Set up a canvas where guests can add their fingerprints using ink pads to create a collective piece of art for the baby’s nursery.
- Themed Decor Based on Books or Movies: Choose a beloved children’s book or movie and theme your decorations around it. This can be a delightful way to engage guests and create a whimsical atmosphere.
Food for All:
- Global Cuisine Buffet: Offer a buffet that features dishes from around the world, catering to various tastes and dietary preferences. It’s a delicious way to ensure there’s something for everyone.
- DIY Food Stations: Set up stations where guests can customize their tacos, burgers, or ice cream sundaes. It’s a fun, interactive way to handle food and allows guests to mingle.
- Signature Snacks: Create snack packs with the parents-to-be’s favourite treats as a personalized touch. These can double as party favours.
Memorable Takeaways:
- Customized Party Favors: Offer party favours that are both meaningful and useful, like a plant sapling, a custom mixtape (or playlist), or a mini photo book of the shower.
- Photo Booth with Themed Props: Set up a photo booth with props related to the baby shower theme. Provide a backdrop and a camera (or a smartphone setup) so guests can take their own memorable photos.
Co-ed Baby Shower Wording
Creating the perfect co-ed baby shower invitation goes beyond just sharing event details—it sets the tone for a fun, inclusive celebration.
Thoughtful wording ensures all guests feel welcome and excited to join in the special day.
Here’s how to craft invitations that resonate.
The Importance of Inclusive Wording:
Inclusive wording makes every guest feel genuinely welcomed and valued, moving beyond traditional expectations to celebrate the new arrival with all loved ones.
The right words create warmth, excitement, and a sense of togetherness that defines a great co-ed baby shower.
Key Elements of Co-ed Baby Shower Invitations:
- Welcoming Introduction: Start with a greeting that immediately signals the inclusive nature of the event. Phrases like “Join us for a celebration of new life” or “We’re excited to welcome everyone” set a welcoming tone.
- Mention Both Parents: Make sure to include both parents in the invitation. This can be as simple as “Emma and Alex invite you to share in their joy” to emphasize that the event celebrates both parents.
- Clear Indication of a Co-ed Shower: Use language that clearly states the event is co-ed. You might say, “A baby shower for Emma and Alex, celebrating with friends and family of all genders.”
- Details with a Personal Touch: Beyond the basics (date, time, location), add a personal note or quote from the parents-to-be, sharing their excitement or a meaningful sentiment about the upcoming addition to their family.
- Theme and Activity Highlights: If your shower has a specific theme or planned activities that might appeal to a broad audience, mention these to pique interest and give guests a taste of what to expect.
Examples of Co-ed Baby Shower Invitation Wording:
- Straight to the Heart:
- “We’re starting our family, and we want you there to celebrate with us! Join Emma and Alex for a co-ed baby shower filled with love, laughter, and joy.”
- Casual and Fun:
- “Burgers, beers, and baby talk! Help us celebrate the soon-to-be newest member of our family. All are welcome at Emma and Alex’s backyard baby bash.”
- Theme-Oriented:
- “Adventure awaits! Join us on a journey to celebrate the upcoming arrival of Emma and Alex’s little explorer. A co-ed gathering of friends and family for a baby shower like no other.”
- Playful and Poetic:
- “A little birdie told us a baby’s on the way! Let’s celebrate together, every lady and gent, at Emma and Alex’s co-ed baby shower event.”
Final Thoughts On Hosting A Co-ed Baby Shower
Hosting a co-ed baby shower is a fun, modern way to celebrate with everyone we care about. It brings together friends and family of all genders, creating an inclusive and joyful event.
From choosing the theme to sending invites, every detail helps set the tone.
A co-ed baby shower isn’t just about celebrating a milestone—it’s about sharing joy with everyone.
Let’s keep embracing this inclusive celebration, surrounded by love and excitement as we welcome a new baby into our lives.
