You know what? I’ve been to way too many baby showers where everyone awkwardly sits around playing the same tired games. There’s always that one person who doesn’t want to play, and honestly? I get it.
So when I planned my sister’s baby shower last spring, I did something different. No games. Just genuinely fun activities that got everyone talking, laughing, and actually bonding. And guess what happened? People actually stayed. They didn’t sneak out early. They asked when the next one was happening.
That’s why I’m sharing these 17 baby shower activities that aren’t games with you. These are the real deal – things that’ll create memories without making anyone feel uncomfortable or forcing participation. Whether you’re planning for an intimate gathering or a bigger celebration, you’ll find something here that fits perfectly.
Why Choose Activities Over Games?
Let me be real with you for a second. Traditional baby shower games can feel forced. Not everyone loves being put on the spot, and some people just want to relax and celebrate without the pressure of competition.
Activities are different. They’re more organic, more flexible, and honestly? Way more memorable. You’re creating experiences, not just filling time. Plus, they work beautifully for guests of all ages and personalities.
Memory-Making Activities
1. Advice Card Station
Set up a beautiful station where guests write advice, wishes, or predictions for the baby. But here’s the twist – use gorgeous stationery that mom can actually keep and treasure.
I set this up at my sister’s shower with vintage postcards and metallic pens. She still reads those cards when she needs a pick-me-up. That’s the kind of lasting impact we’re talking about.
2. Onesie Decorating Bar
Give guests fabric markers, iron-on transfers, and plain onesies. They’ll create wearable art the baby can actually use. No pressure, no winners or losers – just creativity.
3. Time Capsule Creation
Have guests contribute items, letters, or small mementos to a time capsule the family can open on the baby’s first birthday (or even later). It’s meaningful without being cheesy.
4. Baby’s First Library
Instead of a traditional guest book, have everyone bring a children’s book and write a message inside. You’re building baby’s library and creating lasting connections.
This was hands-down the most loved activity at my friend’s shower. Her daughter is three now, and they still read those books with the special messages inside.
5. Wish Tree or Wishing Wall
Create a display where guests hang written wishes on ribbons or cards. It doubles as beautiful décor and becomes a keepsake.
Hands-On Creative Activities
6. Diaper Messages Station
Guests write funny messages, words of encouragement, or doodles on diapers. Trust me, Mom will appreciate these during those 3 AM changes.
7. Baby Headband Making
Set up a station with elastic bands, felt, and glue. Guests create adorable headbands for a baby girl. It’s crafty without being complicated.
8. Nursery Art Creation
Provide canvases, paint, and stencils. Guests create artwork for the baby’s nursery. You’ll end up with unique, personal pieces instead of generic store-bought prints.
9. Baby Block Decorating
Wooden blocks, paint pens, and creativity. Guests design alphabet blocks that become nursery décor and future toys.
10. Flower Crown Workshop
Provide faux flowers, wire, and ribbon. Guests make flower crowns for the mom-to-be and themselves. The photos alone are worth it.
Interactive & Engaging Activities
11. Baby Photo Matching Game
Collect baby photos of all the guests beforehand. Display them and have everyone guess who’s who. It’s interactive without being awkward.
12. Recipe Card Collection
Have guests share their favorite kid-friendly recipe on a card. Mom gets a cookbook full of tried-and-true favorites.
13. Baby Predictions & Wishes Board
Set up a large board where guests can write predictions about the baby’s future, personality traits, or special wishes. It’s like a guest book but way more interesting.
14. Polaroid Guest Book
Instead of signing a traditional book, guests take Polaroid photos and write messages next to them. It’s visual, fun, and totally Instagram-worthy.
Bonding & Connection Activities
15. Mom’s Advice Circle
Create a cozy space where guests sit in a circle and verbally share their best parenting advice or funny stories. No writing required, just genuine conversation.
This activity created some of the most beautiful moments at my best friend’s shower. The grandmother’s stories had everyone either laughing or tearing up.
16. Baby’s First Year Scrapbook Station
Provide a scrapbook with pre-labeled pages for each month. Guests decorate pages with stickers, embellishments, and messages.
17. Belly Casting (For Intimate Showers)
This one’s more intimate and works best for smaller gatherings. Create a plaster cast of mom’s baby bump that she can paint and keep forever.
This is honestly one of the most meaningful activities you can do. It’s not just an activity – it’s a memory frozen in time.
Making Your Baby Shower Special Without Games
Here’s what I’ve learned from hosting and attending dozens of baby showers: the best celebrations focus on connection over competition. These activities let people participate at their own comfort level. Some guests will dive into every activity; others might just do one or two. And that’s perfect.
The beauty of activities over games is flexibility. They can happen throughout the shower instead of at scheduled times. Guests naturally gravitate toward what interests them. There’s no pressure, no awkwardness, just genuine celebration.
When you skip the games and choose activities instead, you’re creating space for real conversations, real bonding, and real memories. You’re giving the mom-to-be treasures she’ll keep forever – whether that’s a book full of advice, a scrapbook for baby’s first year, or a time capsule full of love.
So go ahead and skip those tired games. Try one (or several!) of these activities at your next baby shower. Your guests will thank you, the mom-to-be will feel celebrated, and you’ll create something truly special.
Want more baby shower inspiration? Head over to BondedByFamily.com for creative ideas that bring families together without the awkward games.