• Slide 1 of 30: Planning the perfect baby shower can be a daunting task, whether you're the soon-to-be mother or her trusted organizer. But how do you avoid the well-trodden path and kick-start the baby's existence with a shower to be remembered? Check out this gallery for some imaginative and unique ideas that will put the mommy-to-be at ease.

  • Slide 2 of 30: Take everyone to the spa, hire a masseuse, get manicures, pedicures, or facials—there's really nothing more relaxing and rejuvenating for a pregnant woman than getting pampered.

  • Slide 3 of 30: Hosting a tea party is actually a lot easier than most people think, and it's fun to don your best tea dresses and chat over decorated baked goods.

  • Slide 4 of 30: Most baby showers are ladies only, but inviting the men can be a lot of fun, especially since one lucky guy is also going to become a parent. Plan some partner games and have neutral decorations for a more modern shower.

  • Slide 5 of 30: A pool party or a beach trip is the perfect way to lighten the mommy-to-be's load, plus it's kid-friendly and she'll be able to float her way through a very relaxing day.

  • Slide 6 of 30: Just because she's a mom-to-be doesn't mean she can't go out on the town! Gather her close friends, put on your little black dresses, and dance like lunatics together.

  • Slide 7 of 30: If the weather is right, don't waste time indoors. Get the grill fired up, incorporate a bohemian-chic theme, and turn a regular backyard barbecue into a long, slow afternoon of fun.

  • Slide 8 of 30: Let your guests have some fun decorating a basic white onesie or painting baby bottles.

  • Slide 9 of 30: Singing your heart out in a private room with your closest friends is always a good idea. You can grab dinner first, or find a karaoke joint where they serve food.

  • Slide 10 of 30: Everyone loves food, and having a DIY bar is a great way for people to stay entertained. It can also be a dessert bar for something sweeter.

  • Slide 11 of 30: Borrow a projector and get everyone set up with cushions and customizable popcorn toppings, then put on one of your favorite movies and eliminate the stress of organizing games.

  • Slide 12 of 30: Crown the lady of the shower and celebrate her little prince or princess with royal-themed decor, decadent finger foods, and extravagant (read: ridiculous) hats.

  • Slide 13 of 30: Snack on s'mores and tell funny stories around a campfire, while kids can play in tents and everyone can get a dose of nature and adventure.

  • Slide 14 of 30: Whether that means DIY smoothies or omelette bars, moving the baby shower to the morning is a fresh idea that ensures the soon-to-be-mom can go to sleep as early as she likes.

  • Slide 15 of 30: Games like guessing the price of baby items, guessing how big the belly is, or

  • Slide 16 of 30: A flower theme is nice, but there's nothing like actually being in a garden, surrounded by the floral aromas, picnicking on delicious treats. It will be so picturesque, plus everyone can get succulents or flowers as a party favor.

  • Slide 17 of 30: Give the sober mother-to-be a night of cocktails and gossip with a non-alcoholic twist on the mimosa. Other people can drink real mimosas, and she can then enjoy endless entertainment for free.

  • Slide 18 of 30: Cotton candy machines, bean bag tosses, face-painting, water-balloon throwing and the like are fun and easy ways to set up a day that's perfect for people of all ages. You can embrace your own inner child before welcoming a new one into the world!

  • Slide 19 of 30: If the idea of getting dressed up or going out doesn't appeal to the lady of the day, then go the opposite route and host a dress-down party.

  • Slide 20 of 30: Skip the predictable pink-for-girls and blue-for-boys theme, and take notes from P. Diddy's star-studded parties. Everyone can come dressed in white, all the decorations can be white, and the pictures will be awesome.

  • Slide 21 of 30: Most soon-to-be-parents don't have the spare cash to actually take a trip to the tropics, but you can bring the coconuts, the music, and the island fun to them!

  • Slide 22 of 30: Gather a load of props and costumes, supply food and drinks, and get everyone to participate in a photo shoot! It's a taste of glamour, it provides memories that will last forever, and it can be as wholesome or ridiculous as you want.

  • Slide 23 of 30: Get everyone to bring their favorite children's book and dress up as a character from it. It's kid-friendly, and obviously the mommy-to-be gets first dibs on Mother Goose.

  • Slide 24 of 30: If you can't host the baby shower on an actual boat, you can get sailor hats, striped decorations, and serve seafood.

  • Slide 25 of 30: Maybe the pregnant woman doesn't like big parties, or maybe this is not her first child, but having a very small, intimate event—even just an at-home dinner—will more than suffice. It's all about spoiling her in whichever way she pleases.

  • Slide 26 of 30: There's no better way to welcome the next generation than by putting in the effort to be more eco-friendly. Skip paper invitations, open a green gift registry (cloth diapers, non-toxic baby soaps and lotions, BPA-free baby bottles, etc.) skip the wrapping, serve organic, natural foods, and consider activities like DIY candles, soaps, or scents.

  • Slide 27 of 30: Make the mommy-to-be feel good about herself while spreading some good karma by adding an element of charity to the shower. You don't have to spend the day volunteering, but you can play games to raise money, or organize a community baby shower to benefit pregnant women in the area.

  • Slide 28 of 30: If you want to make the pregnant woman feel less like she's sticking out, get everyone to stuff fake bellies, learn how to use diapers, and bring a plate of the food they craved when they were pregnant or food the mommy-to-be is craving.

  • Slide 29 of 30: A really important part of baby showers is helping the parents out with baby supplies, and listening to what the parents actually want/need is important. If they have their registry set up, and if you know the pregnant woman won't be startled into labor, then you may proceed.

  • Slide 30 of 30: Don't wait to have the shower during her third trimester. By organizing it earlier, there's no risk of her missing it due to early labor, and the parents have enough time to take stock of the gifts and buy whatever else they still need.See also: Fictional characters that inspired baby names.

Unique ideas for a banging baby shower

Planning the perfect baby shower can be a daunting task, whether you're the soon-to-be mother or her trusted organizer. But how do you avoid the well-trodden path and kick-start the baby's existence with a shower to be remembered? Check out this gallery for some imaginative and unique ideas that will put the mommy-to-be at ease.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Spa day

Take everyone to the spa, hire a masseuse, get manicures, pedicures, or facials—there's really nothing more relaxing and rejuvenating for a pregnant woman than getting pampered.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Have a grown-up tea party

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Bring in the boys

Most baby showers are ladies only, but inviting the men can be a lot of fun, especially since one lucky guy is also going to become a parent. Plan some partner games and have neutral decorations for a more modern shower.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

A water break before the water breaks

A pool party or a beach trip is the perfect way to lighten the mommy-to-be's load, plus it's kid-friendly and she'll be able to float her way through a very relaxing day.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Girls' night out

Just because she's a mom-to-be doesn't mean she can't go out on the town! Gather her close friends, put on your little black dresses, and dance like lunatics together.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Have a BaBy-Q

If the weather is right, don't waste time indoors. Get the grill fired up, incorporate a bohemian-chic theme, and turn a regular backyard barbecue into a long, slow afternoon of fun.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Have an arts and crafts session

Let your guests have some fun decorating a basic white onesie or painting baby bottles.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Do some karaoke

Singing your heart out in a private room with your closest friends is always a good idea. You can grab dinner first, or find a karaoke joint where they serve food.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Taco/pizza/ice cream sundae bar

Everyone loves food, and having a DIY bar is a great way for people to stay entertained. It can also be a dessert bar for something sweeter.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Have a movie night

Borrow a projector and get everyone set up with cushions and customizable popcorn toppings, then put on one of your favorite movies and eliminate the stress of organizing games.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Make it a royal affair

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Have a rustic camping theme

Snack on s'mores and tell funny stories around a campfire, while kids can play in tents and everyone can get a dose of nature and adventure.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Breakfast baby shower

Whether that means DIY smoothies or omelette bars, moving the baby shower to the morning is a fresh idea that ensures the soon-to-be-mom can go to sleep as early as she likes.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Make it a competitive tournament

Games like guessing the price of baby items, guessing how big the belly is, or "Guess the poop" (where you melt chocolate into diapers and guess what brand it is) are fun ways to fill the day with excitement. Make sure there are prizes too!

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Majestic garden party

A flower theme is nice, but there's nothing like actually being in a garden, surrounded by the floral aromas, picnicking on delicious treats. It will be so picturesque, plus everyone can get succulents or flowers as a party favor.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Mom-osa cocktails

Give the sober mother-to-be a night of cocktails and gossip with a non-alcoholic twist on the mimosa. Other people can drink real mimosas, and she can then enjoy endless entertainment for free.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Carnival day

Cotton candy machines, bean bag tosses, face-painting, water-balloon throwing and the like are fun and easy ways to set up a day that's perfect for people of all ages. You can embrace your own inner child before welcoming a new one into the world!

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Pajama party

If the idea of getting dressed up or going out doesn't appeal to the lady of the day, then go the opposite route and host a dress-down party.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Have a celebrity-esque all-in-white party

Skip the predictable pink-for-girls and blue-for-boys theme, and take notes from P. Diddy's star-studded parties. Everyone can come dressed in white, all the decorations can be white, and the pictures will be awesome.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

A trip to the tropics

Most soon-to-be-parents don't have the spare cash to actually take a trip to the tropics, but you can bring the coconuts, the music, and the island fun to them!

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

A photo shoot

Gather a load of props and costumes, supply food and drinks, and get everyone to participate in a photo shoot! It's a taste of glamour, it provides memories that will last forever, and it can be as wholesome or ridiculous as you want.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Baby book club

Get everyone to bring their favorite children's book and dress up as a character from it. It's kid-friendly, and obviously the mommy-to-be gets first dibs on Mother Goose.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Nautical adventure

If you can't host the baby shower on an actual boat, you can get sailor hats, striped decorations, and serve seafood.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Baby sprinkle

Maybe the pregnant woman doesn't like big parties, or maybe this is not her first child, but having a very small, intimate event—even just an at-home dinner—will more than suffice. It's all about spoiling her in whichever way she pleases.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Go green

There's no better way to welcome the next generation than by putting in the effort to be more eco-friendly. Skip paper invitations, open a green gift registry (cloth diapers, non-toxic baby soaps and lotions, BPA-free baby bottles, etc.) skip the wrapping, serve organic, natural foods, and consider activities like DIY candles, soaps, or scents.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Charity baby shower

Make the mommy-to-be feel good about herself while spreading some good karma by adding an element of charity to the shower. You don't have to spend the day volunteering, but you can play games to raise money, or organize a community baby shower to benefit pregnant women in the area.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Mommy shower

If you want to make the pregnant woman feel less like she's sticking out, get everyone to stuff fake bellies, learn how to use diapers, and bring a plate of the food they craved when they were pregnant or food the mommy-to-be is craving.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Reconsider surprise showers

A really important part of baby showers is helping the parents out with baby supplies, and listening to what the parents actually want/need is important. If they have their registry set up, and if you know the pregnant woman won't be startled into labor, then you may proceed.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Get started!

Don't wait to have the shower during her third trimester. By organizing it earlier, there's no risk of her missing it due to early labor, and the parents have enough time to take stock of the gifts and buy whatever else they still need.

See also: Fictional characters that inspired baby names.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

30/30 SLIDES