Do you have Baby Showers in the UK?
Baby showers may have started as an American tradition, but they’ve quickly found their way across the pond. In the UK, more and more expectant mums are being celebrated with fun gatherings before the baby arrives. While it’s not quite as long-standing here as in the States, the idea of showering a mum-to-be with love, gifts, and a few games has become a well-loved part of pregnancy celebrations.
So, if you’re planning to host a baby shower in the UK, here’s a quick guide to help you get started—plus some beautiful theme ideas to make it extra special.
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Hosting a Baby Shower: Quick Guide
Planning a baby shower doesn’t have to be overwhelming. But sometimes you might have a few questions, like, “who organises the baby shower”, “who pays for the baby shower”, “what happens at a baby shower”, hopefully I can answer these and some other questions. Here are the basics to cover:
Choose the Host (Who organises the Baby Shower) – Traditionally a close friend, sister, or family member organises, but really anyone can step up!
Pick a Date – Around 6–8 weeks before the due date works best.
Make a Guest List – Chat with the mum-to-be about who she’d like there.
Send Invitations – Digital or printed, invitations set the tone of the shower.
Food & Drinks – Afternoon tea, a light buffet, or even a dessert table all work well.
Games & Activities – From “Guess the Baby Food” to baby-themed quizzes, a couple of lighthearted games keep things fun.
Decorations – Balloons, banners, and a few themed touches tie it all together.
Gifts – Guests usually bring thoughtful gifts for mum and baby—anything from keepsakes to practical essentials.
Who Pays for a Baby Shower?
Traditionally, the baby shower is hosted (and paid for) by someone close to the mum-to-be—often a best friend, sister, or another family member. The idea is that the shower is a gift of love and support, so the expectant parents don’t have to foot the bill themselves.
That said, because baby showers are still a fairly new tradition in the UK, there aren’t really hard rules. Many families take a more flexible approach:
Sometimes two or three friends team up to host and split the costs.
Guests may chip in with food, decorations, or a game to help share the load.
Occasionally, the parents-to-be may also contribute if they’d like a larger venue or something more elaborate.
The important thing is making the mum-to-be feel celebrated—whether that’s with a big themed party or a cosy afternoon tea at home.
Baby Shower Theme Ideas
Themes can make a baby shower feel extra magical. Here are a few ideas to inspire your celebration:
🌙 Over the Moon Baby Shower
Celebrate with a dreamy night-sky theme. Think starry garlands, moon-shaped balloons, and twinkly fairy lights. A “to the moon and back” cake makes a perfect centrepiece, and you could even add celestial cookies as favours.
Here’s some invites and other party wares in this theme.
🐻 Teddy Bears & Tea Baby Shower
Soft, sweet, and traditional—this theme is perfect for an afternoon tea baby shower. Decorate with plush bears, pastel bunting, and serve mini sandwiches, scones, and cupcakes.
If you check out Etsy, your find lots of Baby Shower bundles in various themes.
🌸 Secret Garden Baby Shower Theme
A floral wonderland filled with fresh flowers, greenery, and pretty tableware. This works beautifully for spring or summer showers and can be hosted in a garden or conservatory.
🎪 Little Circus theme
Bright colours, popcorn, candy floss, and circus-themed games! A whimsical and cheerful theme that works for bigger gatherings with kids attending.
🦋 Fairy Tale Forest
For something magical, create a woodland vibe with fairy lights, leafy décor, and woodland animal details. Perfect for parents who love storytelling and whimsy.
Hosting a baby shower in the UK is all about making the mum-to-be feel celebrated, supported, and special. Whether you go big with a themed bash or keep it intimate with close friends, the day will be one to remember.
So, will you go Over the Moon, Secret Garden, or maybe something completely unique? Whatever you choose, your shower will be a beautiful start to baby’s story.
Baby Shower FAQs
✨ When should you have a baby shower?
Most baby showers are held about 6–8 weeks before the due date. It’s late enough that the pregnancy is showing (and celebrating feels extra special!), but early enough that mum-to-be isn’t too tired or close to labour.
✨ Who pays for a baby shower?
Traditionally, a close friend or family member hosts and covers the costs. But in the UK, it’s common for friends to share the expenses or for guests to bring food and décor to help.
✨ Do you play games at UK baby showers?
Yes! Games are a fun part of most showers. Popular options include “Guess the Baby Food,” baby-themed bingo, or a quiz about the parents-to-be. That said, if games aren’t the vibe, you can skip them and just enjoy food and chatter.
✨ What do you serve at a baby shower?
In the UK, afternoon tea is a popular choice—think finger sandwiches, cakes, and scones. Buffets, grazing boards, or themed dessert tables also work really well.
✨ Do you give gifts at a baby shower?
Yes—guests usually bring gifts for mum and baby. These can be practical items (nappies, blankets, onesies) or keepsakes like memory books and personalised presents.