You know that awkward moment when you hand out baby shower game prizes and get polite smiles that scream, “I’ll donate this tomorrow”? Yeah, I’ve been there too many times. After hosting my sister’s shower last spring and watching guests fake enthusiasm over yet another scented candle, I knew something had to change.
Here’s what I’ve learned from planning eight baby showers (yes, eight—I have a lot of pregnant friends): the best baby shower game prizes aren’t the fanciest or most expensive ones. They’re the ones your guests genuinely want to take home and use. I’m talking prizes that make winners do a little victory dance, not just politely tuck them in their purse and forget about them.
So I dove deep into what actually works. I surveyed past guests, stalked Pinterest for hours, and tested different prize ideas at real showers. What I found completely changed my approach to baby shower planning, and I’m excited to share these winners with you.
1. Mini Champagne Bottles
Let’s start with the prize that never fails. Mini champagne bottles are absolutely perfect because they’re celebratory, feel fancy, and most importantly, people actually drink them! I love adding custom labels with the mom-to-be’s name and shower date. They’re around $3-5 each, and you can find them at most liquor stores or buy them in bulk online.
Pro tip: Keep a few sparkling ciders on hand for anyone who doesn’t drink alcohol. Trust me, it saves awkwardness, and everyone still feels included.
2. Gourmet Coffee Samplers
Coffee lovers unite! These samplers from local roasters or fancy brands like Peet’s make guests feel like you really thought about them. What I love is they’re useful—no one’s going to leave gourmet coffee sitting in a drawer. You can put together your own sampler with 3-4 different flavors for about $8-12, or buy pre-made ones.
3. Luxury Hand Cream Sets
After washing their hands a million times with a newborn, every mom appreciates good hand cream. Brands like L’Occitane or even nice drugstore options like Aveeno work great. They’re practical, feel indulgent, and fit perfectly in a purse. I usually spend $10-15 per set, and guests genuinely love these.
4. Scented Candles (The Right Kind)
I know, I know—I just complained about candles. But here’s the thing: the right candles work. Skip the basic vanilla and go for unique scents from brands like Capri Blue, Paddywax, or Homesick. Soy candles in reusable containers are a win. Spend $12-18, and make sure they smell amazing before buying in bulk. Nobody wants artificial-smelling candles.
5. Wine Accessories
Wine stoppers, aerators, or cute wine charms make excellent prizes because they’re useful and most guests actually drink wine. I love sets that come in pretty packaging—it makes them feel more special. You can find great options for $10-15 that look way more expensive than they are.
6. Succulent Plants in Pretty Pots
These are my secret weapons for unique prizes. Succulents are nearly impossible to kill (trust me, I’ve tried), they’re adorable, and guests can take them home without worrying about them dying in their car. Find them at Trader Joe’s for $3-5 or Home Depot, then dress them up with cute pots or ribbons.
7. Gourmet Chocolate Boxes
Chocolate is always a crowd-pleaser, but skip the grocery store stuff. Go for Lindt, Godiva, or local artisan chocolates. Beautiful presentation makes all the difference—a small box of really good chocolate beats a big box of mediocre stuff every time. Budget $8-12 per box.
8. Essential Oil Roller Blends
These have become super popular and for good reason—they’re practical, smell amazing, and people use them. Lavender for sleep, peppermint for energy, or stress-relief blends are all winners. You can find quality sets for $10-15 at places like T.J. Maxx or online.
9. Fancy Tea Assortments
Tea lovers will be thrilled, and even non-tea drinkers often appreciate a fancy sampler to try. Look for brands like Harney & Sons or DAVIDsTEA with interesting flavors. Pretty packaging is key—it should look gift-worthy right out of the box. Spend about $12-15 for a nice assortment.
10. Bath Bomb Sets
These are perfect because they encourage guests to take time for themselves—something new and expecting parents desperately need. Lush makes gorgeous ones, but you can also find great options at Target or TJ Maxx for $8-12 per set. Just make sure they’re well-packaged so they don’t crumble.
11. Personalized Keychains or Bag Tags
Monogrammed or personalized items always feel special. Leather keychains, luggage tags, or even acrylic keychains with initials make people feel like you put thought into their prize. Etsy has tons of options for $8-15, and you can order them in bulk with customization.
12. Artisan Soap Bars
Handmade soaps from local makers or brands like Dr. Bronner’s feel luxurious and smell incredible. They’re practical (everyone needs soap), but feel way more special than generic bath products. Look for interesting scents and beautiful packaging. Budget $7-10 per bar or set.
13. Cookbook or Recipe Cards
Small cookbooks focused on quick meals, baby food, or family favorites are super thoughtful—especially for new parents who’ll be cooking with one hand. Recipe card sets for meal planning are also great. These typically run $10-15 and feel more personal than typical prizes.
14. Reusable Straws or Water Bottles
Eco-friendly prizes are having a moment, and people genuinely use these. Cute metal straws with cleaning brushes or insulated water bottles are practical and on-trend. Spend $10-15 for quality items that won’t leak or rust.
15. Lottery Scratch-Off Tickets
This one’s genius because it adds an extra element of fun and the potential for a bigger win. Tuck $20-30 worth of scratch-offs in a pretty card. Even if they don’t win big, guests love the excitement, and you might end up making someone’s day when they win.
16. Cozy Socks or Slippers
Everyone loves cozy socks—especially soft, fuzzy ones or fun patterns. They’re universally useful, affordable ($8-12 per pair), and you can find gorgeous options at places like TJ Maxx or Marshall’s. Plus, they’re perfect for wearing while snuggling a new baby.
17. Face Mask Beauty Sets
Sheet masks, clay masks, or multi-mask variety packs make excellent prizes because they’re a little luxury people might not buy for themselves. Korean beauty brands offer amazing options for $10-15 that feel very high-end. Package them in a cute bag with a ribbon.
18. Local Honey or Jam Jars
Supporting local businesses while giving thoughtful prizes? Win-win. Local honey, artisan jams, or small-batch preserves feel personal and taste incredible. Find them at farmers’ markets for $8-12. Add a cute ribbon and a note about the local maker.
19. Portable Phone Chargers
This is the most practical prize on the list. Everyone’s phone is constantly dying, and portable chargers are actually used. Spend $12-18 for decent quality that won’t break after one use. You can even find them in fun colors or patterns.
20. Gourmet Popcorn or Snack Boxes
Gourmet popcorn in fun flavors (caramel, cheese, chocolate-drizzle) or curated snack boxes make great prizes because they’re consumable—no clutter, just enjoyment. Brands like Popcornopolis or DIY snack boxes from places like Nuts.com work great. Budget $10-15.
21. Nail Polish or Manicure Sets
Trendy nail polish colors or mini manicure sets with files, cuticle oil, and polish make perfect prizes. OPI minis, Essie sets, or even full-size bottles in popular colors work great. They’re in the $8-12 range and feel like a treat.
22. Inspirational Books or Journals
Small inspirational books or beautiful journals make thoughtful prizes, especially for guests who love personal development or journaling. Look for popular titles or gorgeous blank journals for $10-15. These feel more meaningful than typical prizes.
23. Car Air Fresheners (Fancy Ones)
Before you roll your eyes—hear me out. Those cheap cardboard trees? No. Fancy diffuser air fresheners from brands like Pura or luxe hanging diffusers? Yes. They actually smell good and last months. Spend $12-15 for quality that won’t make people wrinkle their noses.
24. Cocktail or Mocktail Mixers
Specialty syrups, margarita mixes, or craft cocktail bitters make excellent prizes for the cocktail enthusiasts in your group. Brands like Stirrings or local mixers work great. They’re unique, useful, and encourage guests to host their own gatherings. Budget $10-15.
25. Gift Cards (Done Right)
I know gift cards can feel impersonal, but hear me out—small gift cards ($10-15) to popular places like Starbucks, Target, or Amazon are incredibly practical. Dress them up with cute holders or attach them to a small item. Everyone genuinely appreciates the flexibility.
Conclusion
Here’s the beautiful truth about baby shower game prizes: they don’t need to be expensive to be memorable. The best prizes are the ones that show you thought about your guests as real people with real lives, not just warm bodies filling seats at a party.
Whether you go for the practical (phone chargers, anyone?), the pampering (hello, face masks), or the indulgent (gourmet chocolate forever), what matters most is that your guests feel appreciated for celebrating this amazing milestone with the mom-to-be.
And honestly? The real magic isn’t in the prize itself—it’s in the memories you’re creating together. These baby shower game prizes are just the cherry on top of an already sweet celebration.
Ready to plan the best baby shower ever? Save this pin so you have these 25 prize ideas ready when you need them. Your guests will thank you, and the mom-to-be will love how much fun everyone had celebrating with her. Don’t forget to check out BondedByFamily.com for more baby shower inspiration, pregnancy tips, and family bonding ideas that’ll make every celebration special.