🎀🍼

👶 Baby Shower Packing Checklist

Print this checklist and check things off as you prep!

Planning or attending a baby shower sounds easy until suddenly someone is asking, "Who brought the tape?" while another person is looking for the guestbook and the cake is sitting in the car.

A little preparation goes a long way.

Whether you're the parent-to-be, host, or guest, this baby shower packing checklist will help you remember the practical things, the pretty things, and those tiny emergency items that somehow become very important five minutes before the party starts.

👑 For the Parent-to-Be

The parent-to-be should be able to enjoy the shower instead of spending the afternoon running around looking for supplies.

Personal Essentials

• [ ] Comfortable outfit
• [ ] Backup outfit
• [ ] Comfortable shoes
• [ ] Sweater, cardigan, or light jacket
• [ ] Hairbrush or comb
• [ ] Hair ties or clips
• [ ] Touch-up makeup or grooming items
• [ ] Deodorant
• [ ] Lip balm
• [ ] Tissues
• [ ] Hand sanitizer
• [ ] Water bottle
• [ ] Favorite drink
• [ ] Snacks
• [ ] Any personal comfort items needed throughout the event
• [ ] Phone
• [ ] Phone charger
• [ ] Portable power bank
• [ ] Keys
• [ ] Wallet or small purse

Baby Shower Paperwork & Tracking

• [ ] Gift list or gift log
• [ ] Pen
• [ ] List of guests
• [ ] Thank-you card list
• [ ] Notes about who gave which gift
• [ ] Gift cards stored somewhere safe
• [ ] Envelope or folder for cards and keepsakes

Comfort Tip

Baby showers can be surprisingly tiring, especially when you're spending several hours standing, talking, taking pictures, and opening gifts.

Sit down whenever you need to.

Have a comfortable chair available and let someone else handle the running around.

🎁 For Guests Attending

A guest doesn't need to bring the entire party in their car.

Just remember the basics.

Gift & Card

• [ ] Baby shower gift
• [ ] Gift card, if giving one
• [ ] Card
• [ ] Gift receipt, if appropriate
• [ ] Diaper raffle entry, if requested
• [ ] Gift wrapped or placed in a gift bag
• [ ] Tissue paper
• [ ] Baby book for a book-themed gift, if desired

What to Wear

• [ ] Comfortable outfit
• [ ] Comfortable shoes
• [ ] Sweater or jacket if needed
• [ ] Outfit appropriate for outdoor photos if the shower is outside

Getting There

• [ ] Address
• [ ] GPS directions
• [ ] Parking information
• [ ] Car keys
• [ ] Umbrella
• [ ] Jacket or weather-appropriate clothing
• [ ] Phone
• [ ] Phone charger

Optional

• [ ] Camera
• [ ] Phone with storage space for photos
• [ ] Diaper raffle item
• [ ] Game supplies requested by the host
• [ ] Small personal gift for the parent-to-be
• [ ] Favorite recipe for a recipe-card shower
• [ ] Advice card or memory card

🎉 For the Host

The host has the biggest packing list because apparently throwing a baby shower requires approximately 400 tiny objects. 😂

The easiest way to stay organized is to pack by category.

🎈 Decorations & Setup

• [ ] Tablecloths
• [ ] Table runners
• [ ] Cloth napkins or decorative napkins
• [ ] Welcome sign
• [ ] Baby shower banner
• [ ] Balloons
• [ ] Balloon pump
• [ ] Garland
• [ ] Flowers or greenery
• [ ] Vases
• [ ] Centerpieces
• [ ] Candles, if appropriate
• [ ] Cake table decorations
• [ ] Gift table decorations
• [ ] Dessert table decorations
• [ ] Photo backdrop
• [ ] Photo booth props
• [ ] Chair decorations
• [ ] Baby name sign
• [ ] Directional signs
• [ ] Guestbook table decorations

Don't Forget the Boring Stuff

The pretty decorations get all the attention.

The boring supplies are what save the party.

• [ ] Tape
• [ ] Double-sided tape
• [ ] Scissors
• [ ] String or twine
• [ ] Ribbon
• [ ] Zip ties
• [ ] Command hooks or removable hanging supplies
• [ ] Safety pins
• [ ] Extra batteries
• [ ] Lighter or matches, if needed and appropriate
• [ ] Small toolkit
• [ ] Extension cords
• [ ] Power strip

🍽️ Tableware & Serving Supplies

• [ ] Plates
• [ ] Dessert plates
• [ ] Bowls
• [ ] Cups
• [ ] Coffee cups
• [ ] Napkins
• [ ] Forks
• [ ] Spoons
• [ ] Knives
• [ ] Straws
• [ ] Serving spoons
• [ ] Tongs
• [ ] Cake server
• [ ] Cake knife
• [ ] Serving platters
• [ ] Serving bowls
• [ ] Cake stand
• [ ] Dessert trays
• [ ] Drink dispenser
• [ ] Pitchers
• [ ] Ice bucket or cooler
• [ ] Ice
• [ ] Bottle opener
• [ ] Food labels
• [ ] Food storage containers
• [ ] Foil
• [ ] Plastic wrap
• [ ] Resealable bags

🧁 Food & Drinks

Main Food

• [ ] Sandwiches or wraps
• [ ] Finger foods
• [ ] Vegetable tray
• [ ] Fruit tray
• [ ] Cheese and crackers
• [ ] Dips
• [ ] Salads
• [ ] Hot appetizers
• [ ] Main dish, if serving a full meal

Desserts

• [ ] Cake
• [ ] Cupcakes
• [ ] Cookies
• [ ] Brownies
• [ ] Chocolate-covered treats
• [ ] Dessert toppings
• [ ] Candles
• [ ] Cake topper

Drinks

• [ ] Water
• [ ] Sparkling water
• [ ] Lemonade
• [ ] Iced tea
• [ ] Punch
• [ ] Mocktails
• [ ] Coffee
• [ ] Tea
• [ ] Creamer
• [ ] Sugar or sweetener
• [ ] Ice

Food Safety

• [ ] Keep cold foods properly chilled
• [ ] Keep hot foods hot
• [ ] Use separate serving utensils for different dishes
• [ ] Label foods when helpful, especially for common allergens
• [ ] Have a plan for leftovers

🎲 Games & Activities

If you're planning games, gather everything together before guests arrive.

• [ ] Printed game cards
• [ ] Pens
• [ ] Pencils
• [ ] Clipboards, if needed
• [ ] Answer sheets
• [ ] Game instructions
• [ ] Prize bags
• [ ] Small prizes
• [ ] Diaper raffle tickets
• [ ] Diaper raffle container
• [ ] Baby predictions cards
• [ ] Baby advice cards
• [ ] "Wishes for Baby" cards
• [ ] Baby name prediction cards
• [ ] Guestbook
• [ ] Memory book
• [ ] Keepsake box
• [ ] Instant camera or photo printer, if using
• [ ] Photo booth props

Easy Activity Idea

Set out cards with prompts such as:

• [ ] A piece of advice for the parents
• [ ] A wish for the baby
• [ ] A favorite childhood memory
• [ ] A favorite children's book
• [ ] A funny parenting tip
• [ ] A prediction for baby's future

These can become wonderful keepsakes after the shower.

🎁 Gifts, Cards & Gift Table

• [ ] Gift table
• [ ] Gift table sign
• [ ] Card box
• [ ] Gift log
• [ ] Pens
• [ ] Large gift bags
• [ ] Tissue paper
• [ ] Extra wrapping supplies
• [ ] Gift-opening chair
• [ ] Comfortable cushion or back support
• [ ] Trash bag for wrapping paper
• [ ] Safe place for gift cards
• [ ] Large bags or boxes for transporting gifts afterward

Gift-Opening Tip

Designate one person to keep track of gifts while the parent-to-be opens them.

Record:

Guest name + gift

This makes writing thank-you notes much easier later.

🌸 Party Favors

If you're giving guests a little something to take home:

• [ ] Party favors
• [ ] Favor bags
• [ ] Boxes or containers
• [ ] Ribbon
• [ ] Gift tags
• [ ] Thank-you tags
• [ ] Stickers
• [ ] Favor table sign
• [ ] Extra favors

You don't need elaborate favors.

Small treats, seed packets, tea, cookies, candles, or little handmade gifts can all work beautifully.

📸 Photos & Memories

Baby showers are full of moments that disappear quickly.

• [ ] Camera
• [ ] Phone
• [ ] Fully charged batteries
• [ ] Portable charger
• [ ] Extra memory card
• [ ] Tripod
• [ ] Selfie stick
• [ ] Photo backdrop
• [ ] Photo props
• [ ] Group photo list
• [ ] Someone assigned to take pictures
• [ ] Guestbook
• [ ] Keepsake cards

Photo Tip

Don't rely entirely on one person taking pictures.

Ask a few guests to capture candid moments throughout the shower. Those spontaneous photos often end up being the ones everyone loves most.

🧺 Emergency Host Kit

This little kit can save the day.

Pack it in a small tote or zipper bag.

• [ ] Scissors
• [ ] Tape
• [ ] Double-sided tape
• [ ] Safety pins
• [ ] Stain remover
• [ ] Paper towels
• [ ] Wet wipes
• [ ] Tissues
• [ ] Hand sanitizer
• [ ] Bandages
• [ ] Mints
• [ ] Hair ties
• [ ] Small sewing kit
• [ ] Pens
• [ ] Permanent marker
• [ ] Phone charger
• [ ] Portable battery
• [ ] Trash bags
• [ ] Zip-top bags
• [ ] Extra napkins
• [ ] Cleaning wipes

You probably won't need everything.

But the moment someone spills punch on their outfit, the person who packed stain remover becomes the hero of the baby shower.

🌦️ Outdoor Baby Shower Extras

If the shower is outside, add:

• [ ] Sunscreen
• [ ] Bug spray
• [ ] Outdoor fans
• [ ] Shade umbrellas
• [ ] Canopy or tent
• [ ] Extra seating
• [ ] Blankets
• [ ] Patio lights
• [ ] Outdoor extension cords
• [ ] Weather backup plan
• [ ] Extra ice
• [ ] Coolers
• [ ] Weights for lightweight decorations
• [ ] Outdoor-safe serving supplies

Always check the weather before the event and have a backup plan if the forecast looks questionable.

🍼 If Children Are Attending

If the shower is family-friendly, a few extras can make things much easier.

• [ ] Kid-friendly snacks
• [ ] Juice or child-friendly drinks
• [ ] Coloring pages
• [ ] Crayons
• [ ] Small toys
• [ ] Simple children's activities
• [ ] Outdoor games
• [ ] Extra wipes
• [ ] Tissues
• [ ] A quiet area if possible

You don't need to create an entire children's party.

Just giving little guests something to do can make the afternoon much more pleasant for everyone.

🚗 Before You Leave Home

Do one final check.

Parent-to-Be

• [ ] Phone
• [ ] Charger
• [ ] Water
• [ ] Snacks
• [ ] Comfortable shoes
• [ ] Gift/card if bringing one
• [ ] Thank-you note supplies
• [ ] Personal essentials

Guest

• [ ] Gift
• [ ] Card
• [ ] Diaper raffle item
• [ ] Directions
• [ ] Phone
• [ ] Keys
• [ ] Weather-appropriate clothing

Host

• [ ] Decorations
• [ ] Food
• [ ] Drinks
• [ ] Ice
• [ ] Tableware
• [ ] Games
• [ ] Prizes
• [ ] Gift log
• [ ] Guestbook
• [ ] Party favors
• [ ] Emergency kit
• [ ] Music
• [ ] Chargers
• [ ] Cleaning supplies
• [ ] Backup supplies

One Last Baby Shower Tip

Don't try to make everything perfect.

Baby showers are celebrations, not photo shoots for a magazine.

Someone will forget something.

A balloon will escape.

A child will eat the cupcake before the photos.

Someone will spill something.

The cake may lean slightly to one side.

And somebody will absolutely ask when the baby is coming. 😂

That's okay.

The point is to gather the people who love the parent-to-be and celebrate the little person who is about to join the family.

Pack the essentials.

Prepare what you can.

Then put the checklist away and enjoy the party. 💕