Planning a baby shower feels manageable until you start the mental inventory: invites, decorations, tableware, games, favors, food, thank-you cards… The list grows fast. This checklist organizes everything chronologically — print it, work through it, and stop worrying about what you're forgetting.
If you want to skip the sourcing entirely, our curated bundles check the decoration, tableware, and favor boxes in a single order. But this checklist covers everything — including what bundles don't include.
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Print-friendly: This page is designed to print cleanly. Use Ctrl+P (or Cmd+P on Mac) and select "Background graphics" for the checkbox icons. No login, no email required.
Most showers happen between weeks 28–32 of pregnancy. Start 8 weeks out and you'll never feel rushed.
8 Weeks Before
Lock In the Basics
- Confirm who is hosting (solo, co-host, or committee)
- Set a target date — check for conflicts with the honoree's schedule
- Decide on venue: home, backyard, restaurant private room, or park
- Set a preliminary budget — see budget breakdown below ↓
- Discuss theme preferences with the mom-to-be
- Start a guest list (aim to finalize within 2 weeks)
6 Weeks Before
Theme, Invites & Big Purchases
- Finalize theme and color palette (girl, boy, neutral, or gender reveal)
- Order your decoration + tableware bundle — browse ShowerPop bundles → Ships in 5–7 business days
- Send digital or paper invites (4 weeks before is ideal; 3 weeks minimum)
- Include the registry link, RSVP deadline, and dietary info request
- Decide on 2–3 games and order any needed supplies — see 30 game ideas →
- Plan the food and beverages — decide if you'll DIY or cater
3–2 Weeks Before
Confirm & Prepare
- Follow up on RSVPs — get a firm headcount for food and seating
- Confirm venue details (parking, setup time, cleanup policy)
- Order or bake the cake / arrange catering
- Buy party favors (or confirm they're in your bundle)
- Purchase prizes for games — a nice candle, gift card, or bath set works well
- Plan the gift-opening schedule and who will record gifts (for thank-you cards)
- Recruit a helper for setup and cleanup
1 Week Before
Final Preparations
- Confirm final headcount and update food quantities
- Do a test run of any DIY decorations
- Prep game materials: print bingo cards, prep supplies, prep scoresheets
- Prepare any non-perishable food items
- Charge your camera / phone and clear storage
- Confirm your helper is still available
- Send a "we're excited to see you!" reminder to guests
Day Before
Last Details
- Set up decorations if the venue allows early access
- Prep cold foods and drinks; pick up the cake
- Set out game materials, prizes, and favor bags
- Lay out the gift table and a card box or basket
- Pack a supply kit: tape, scissors, extra napkins, trash bags, pen and gift list
- Confirm timing with the mom-to-be one more time
Use these category checklists to make sure nothing slips through. Items marked with ✦ are included in ShowerPop bundles.
📦
One box, done: Need all of this in one place? Our curated bundles include decorations, tableware, and party favors — coordinated and ready to ship. Browse all bundles →
- Balloon garland or arch kit ✦
- Banner (It's a Girl / Boy / Baby) ✦
- Table centerpieces ✦
- Confetti or table scatter ✦
- Photo backdrop or backdrop stand
- Floral arrangements or greenery
- Helium balloons (order day-before)
Shop Decoration Bundles →
- Plates (dessert + dinner size) ✦
- Napkins (cocktail + dinner) ✦
- Cups and straws ✦
- Tablecloths ✦
- Serving platters and trays
- Cake stand and cake server
- Utensils (forks, spoons)
Shop Tableware Bundles →
- Bingo cards and daubers ✦
- Don't Say Baby pins or clothespins ✦
- Baby trivia cards ✦
- Advice cards for the parents
- Prediction cards or sheets
- Prizes (3–5 small gifts)
See 30 Game Ideas →
- Favor bags or boxes ✦
- Custom labels or tags ✦
- Favor contents: candles, soaps, or candy
- Ribbon or twine for tying
- Thank-you notes (mail after)
Shop Favor Bundles →
- Cake or cupcakes (order 1–2 weeks ahead)
- Finger foods and appetizers
- Mimosa / mocktail bar ingredients
- Coffee and tea
- Sparkling water and juice
- Serving cooler or ice bucket
- Photo props (speech bubbles, frames) ✦
- Polaroid camera or disposable cameras
- Memory book or guest book
- Designated photographer
- Cloud backup plan for photos
Three realistic budget levels — aligned to our Essentials, Complete, and Premium bundles so you know exactly what you get at each price point.
| Category |
Essentials ~$165 |
Complete ~$265 |
Premium ~$400 |
| Decoration Bundle |
Neutral Hello Baby Bundle ($54.99) |
Girl or Boy Complete Bundle ($59.99) |
Ultimate Shower Deluxe Bundle ($89.99) |
| Food & Drinks |
$30–$50 (potluck style) |
$60–$100 (simple spread) |
$120–$200 (catered or full bar) |
| Cake |
$20–$35 (bakery sheet cake) |
$40–$70 (tiered cake) |
$80–$150 (custom designer cake) |
| Games & Prizes |
$10–$15 (2 simple games) |
$20–$30 (3 games + small prizes) |
$35–$50 (3–4 games + nice prizes) |
| Invitations |
$0 (digital via Canva) |
$15–$25 (printed digital design) |
$30–$60 (professional letterpress) |
| Total Estimate |
$115–$155 |
$195–$285 |
$355–$550 |
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Best value move: A complete bundle at $54.99–$89.99 covers your biggest visual line item — decorations — and includes tableware and favors. That's 3 categories, one order, one shipping charge. Buying those items separately typically costs more and takes longer.
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Co-hosting saves money: Split the bundle cost with 1–2 co-hosts and each person contributes one food category. A three-way split on a $400 shower means each host pays about $133 — well within most people's gifting budget for a close friend.
The day goes fast. This checklist keeps you on track from setup through cleanup.
2–3 Hours Before Guests Arrive
Setup
- Hang banner and set up balloon display
- Set the food table: tablecloth, serving trays, labels
- Set the gift table and card basket
- Lay out game materials and prize table
- Set out favor bags near the exit
- Put drinks on ice and prep beverage station
- Test any music playlists
30 Minutes Before Guests Arrive
Final Touches
- Plate cold appetizers
- Light candles (if using)
- Start the first passive game (Don't Say Baby pins)
- Brief your helper on their role
- Take a few "before" photos of the spread
During the Party
In the Moment
- Welcome each guest and point them to food and drinks
- Run icebreaker game as guests arrive
- Announce games at natural break points (between food and gifts)
- Have someone record gift-giver names as honoree opens presents
- Keep the food table stocked and drinks flowing
- Get group photos before anyone leaves
After Guests Leave
Wrap-Up
- Pack up gifts and load into car
- Collect remaining favors for guests who left early
- Breakdown decorations (keep reusables for future use)
- Wipe down surfaces and bag up trash
- Return venue to original condition
- Back up photos to cloud storage
The party's over — but a few things make the experience complete for the mom-to-be and her guests.
- Send thank-you notes within 2 weeks. Handwritten is best; the list your helper recorded during gift opening makes this easy.
- Share photos with guests. A group text or shared album link keeps the good memories going and guests appreciate it.
- Note what you'd do differently for next time — game timing, food quantities, headcount accuracy.
- Check for forgotten items. Guests sometimes leave jackets, bags, or phone chargers. Text the venue to ask.
- Store reusable decorations. Balloon arches, banners, and photo props often survive and can be repurposed.
Need All of This in One Box?
Our curated bundles include decorations, tableware, and party favors — coordinated and ready to ship in 5–7 business days. One order, one color story, done.