How to Host the Best Baby Shower

Most Baby showers include silly games and focus on the baby. But what about the Mom? I stongly believe that the Baby Shower should be used as an oppotunity to love on the new Mom and usher her into Motherhood with love and support. 

When I hosted my best friend's baby shower, I intentionally skipped most traditional games and focused on activities that made her feel seen, supported, and celebrated as she prepared for motherhood. You could call it a blessingway, a nesting party or a baby shower. Whatever you call it, years later, she still says it was one of the most meaningful experiences of her life.

1. The Mom Gift Challenge. Ask each guest to bring two gifts: one for baby and one specifically for the mom-to-be. We encouraged guests to think about what would make her feel cared for during the postpartum period—favorite snacks, cozy socks, bath products, books, water bottles, and other small comforts. It shifted the focus from baby gear to supporting the person doing the hard work.
2.  You Already Have What It Takes. Create a worksheet with two columns: one listing the mom-to-be's strengths and another listing common motherhood challenges. Guests connect the qualities they admire in her; patience, resilience, humor, kindness, to the challenges she'll face. It's a powerful confidence-building activity that often becomes one of the most emotional moments of the shower.
3.  The Blessing Rope. Place a long rope and strips of fabric in the center of the room. As guests take turns sharing a wish, hope, or encouragement for the new parent, they tie a fabric strip onto the rope. The finished rope becomes a beautiful keepsake and visual reminder of the community supporting her.
4. The Postpartum Help List Instead of asking guests to play a game, invite them to sign up for practical help after baby arrives. Guests can volunteer to bring a meal, help with laundry, wash pump parts, walk the dog, or assist with household chores. Include phone numbers and availability so the family has a ready-made support network when they need it most. I downloaded my postpartum help list for free from the Holding Mother website here.

Because everyone wants to hold the baby....

but who's holding the Mom?