Baby Shower Games: The Good, the Bad and the Ugh!

Games can make or break a shower. The best can break the ice and liven up the party. The worst can bore and embarrass. So, how can you avoid this?

A little research...

First, list the showers you've been to and the games you remember. Which did you like and dislike? Ask a few other gals to do the same. Don't ask the mom-to-be because you'll want to keep the games a surprise. Now, check out which ones were played most often. Chances are everyone has played these games many times. They're probably pretty sick of them. Avoid these overly popular games, unless you think no one minds playing them again and again. Baby Bingo again? No thanks!

The Mom-to-be

Take into account her personality. If the mom-to-be is outgoing and loves the spotlight, find games that will make her the center of attention. A shy mom-to-be? Choose ones that will put the focus on the guests instead of the mom-to-be. Ask the mom-to-be for her opinion without giving away the surprise. Avoid measuring the mom's girth unless you're totally sure that she'll be fine with it. Some moms-to-be are uncomfortable with this embarrassing tradition.

The Guest List

Lots of new moms? They'll be pros at any games that have to do with motherhood- diapering the baby or guessing the function of a baby item. If most of the guests don't have kids, avoid games where guests give parenting advice...they'll be at a loss for words. If the guests are already acquainted you don't need to play icebreakers. No one wants to play a name game when they know everyone in the room.

The Number of Guests

If it's a large shower, avoid games where every guest shares their thoughts/feelings/best wishes. That could take hours if you have 30 guests! Many guests won't know each other at a larger party, so plan an icebreaker like where guests are split into small groups. With smaller parties, you have more time for each guest to be in the spotlight and share their best wishes for the mom-to-be.

The Theme

A way to spice up shower games is to play up the theme. Match baby animals to their moms at a Noah's Ark theme party. Name the constellations at a celestial-themed party.

Timing is Everything!

Guests want time to visit, so don't have games take up the entire shower. Plan for about 3 games, but be prepared to ditch one if you run out of time. One 20-minute game and two 5-10 minute games will fit into most schedules. Decide the best time to play the games. Play one game at the beginning of the shower to break the ice. That way, guests can enjoy meeting each other.

Ummm?Poop Happens

Sure, we all know what babies do. But, does anyone want to be passing around "dirty" diapers full of peanut butter after enjoying a lovely lunch? Probably not.

Memories!

Sometimes what's missing from shower games is the reason the guests came in the first place?to celebrate the mom-to-be! Creating keepsakes personalize the party. Consider a "game" where the end result is a memento especially for the mom-to-be. What about having each guest create a scrapbook page? A memory book, scrapbook, or hand-painted onesies are just a few ideas.

There are thousands of resources online for baby game ideas. Now, you can choose games that will have your guests wanting more instead of wanting to leave.

Amy Dilling is the founder and owner of Perfect Parties to Go! selling complete baby and bridal showers in a box.

---

The Personality Traits of a Leo Baby

Your Leo Baby..July 23 - August 22Leo children are sunny,... Read More

Should a Toddler Wear Pull-Ups While Potty Training

As a parent, you've learned a lot while your child... Read More

Baby Boy Clip Art to liven up your Baby Shower Cards

Loads of baby boy clip art images are available, once... Read More

A Birth Announcement That Is Both Practical and Sentimental

The best birth announcement is both practical and sentimental. Welcome... Read More

Baby Product Recall

Products are recalled all the time for posing a danger... Read More

Perfect Baby Shower Hostess Gifts

Picture this; you are invited to a baby shower. How... Read More

Baby Slings - Comfort for Both the Child and the Parent

Baby slings are one of those things that have been... Read More

Selecting a Baby Shower Theme: Easy as One Two Three

No aspect of party planning is more crucial and sometimes... Read More

Brainy Babies: Is it Genes, Diet, or Playing the Right Baby Games that Tip the Scales?

As parents we all want the very best for our... Read More

Potty Training Guide

Toilet training (herein referred to as "potty training") is an... Read More

Baby Acne

One of the most common conditions a new mother may... Read More

Dressing A Toddler, Whomever She Is Today

Some things we take for granted. Like getting dressed. Unless... Read More

Perfect Baby Shower Idea List for Necessity Type Baby Gifts

Perfect Baby shower idea lists for necessity type baby gifts.... Read More

What Happens When During the Baby Shower?

To be precise, anything can happen anytime as long as... Read More

Your Little Gourmet: Babys Fifth Month Guide

Baby smiled her real smiles at you and you were... Read More

The Personality Traits of A Baby Born During The Sign Of Cancer

Your Cancer Baby..June 21 - July 22A Cancer child can... Read More

Showered with Mom-to-Be Merriment

Your friend's having a baby. What an exciting time for... Read More

Naming Your Baby - How to Get the Most out of Your Babynaming Ceremony

You've engaged a celebrant and you've picked the day. So... Read More

Baby Shower Invitation Wording

Your baby shower invitation wording can be either generic or... Read More

Choosing a Personalized Baby Gift

Have you been invited to a baby shower or asked... Read More

Your Baby Nursery - Decorating a Fabulous and Functional Room

Decorating a baby nursery can be one of the most... Read More

Potty Training Readiness Signals - Is Your Child Ready To Be Potty Trained?

So, you are thinking about potty training your toddler and... Read More

Playing Baby Computer Games ? The New Parent-Child Tradition?

Imagine cuddling up with your small child to look at... Read More

Potty Training Boys - How To Potty Train Boys - Do You Teach Them to Sit or Stand?

I am asked this question by many parents - they... Read More

Baby Proof Your Home - Frequently Asked Questions

Keeping your baby safe at all times is one of... Read More

Four Problems and Solutions on Feeding Your Newborn

Parents always want to give their babies the very best.... Read More

Baby Shower Decorations

When decoration for a baby shower, there are a few... Read More

The Baby Stroller- How To Choose

You will need to begin gathering the things your baby... Read More

Baby Gift Guide

Having a baby is one of the most amazing things... Read More

Baby Shower Planning and Hosting

Planning and organization are crucial to hosting a successful baby... Read More

Potty Training Resistance - Is Your Child Resisting Your Potty Training Efforts?

Potty Training ResistanceFrom your perspective, your child is resisting all... Read More

How To Stop Toddlers From Biting

It is an unfortunate fact of life but, unfortunately, toddlers... Read More

Scrapbooking the Dizzying Movies of Toddlers

Toddlers are highly energetic life forces. Between infancy and kindergarten... Read More