The Best Baby Shower Games Guide

see larger photo

When you ask a friend if she'll host a baby shower the typical response is, "Sure, but I'm not planning the games." The idea of entertaining guests ranging in ages from nine to 90, some of whom have never met and yet others who don't exactly get along, is an intimidating thought. But because such a diverse group of people is invited to a shower, activities play an important role in bringing people together and getting them to mingle.

These easy ice-breaker games require very little preparation but are ideal for getting your guests to interact.

Don't Say Baby

Give each guest a baby diaper pin to pin on her clothes. Instruct your guests that during the party everyone is to try not to say the word baby. Whenever someone does, the first person who catches the slip gets to confiscate the pin. The one with the most pins at the end of the party wins. This game makes for continued fun throughout the shower.

My Baby Egg

Give each guest a raw or hard-boiled egg tied with a colored ribbon. Explain to each guest that she must take care of the egg as if it were a baby. She may set the egg down but she must have the egg at the very end of the party. Towards the end of the party ask each guest to return her egg in exchange for a party favor. See how many people still have their eggs or if they even remember where they set them down! Others may have named their eggs and would prefer to keep them rather than receive a prize. The eggs make great conversation starters as people decide on names for their eggs, ask others to "egg-sit" (remember, they can't say baby!), and so on.

What's in Her Purse

Read off a list of items for guests to try to find in their purses. You can assign point values for items; for example, an invitation to the shower would equal one point while a blue crayon would equal five points. Or you can simply award a prize to the person who comes up with the most items. Some ideas for items include a safety pin, a rubber band, nail clippers, a baby photo or photo of a child, a wet wipe, scissors, and candy. For a couples' shower play "What's in his wallet" too and include items such as a black and white photo, a poem or story, a coin, a fifty dollar bill, something from a child, a coupon, three business cards, and something dated older than 10 years.