Baby Shower Planner Calculator
Plan the perfect baby shower while staying within your budget
Hosting Tip: The best baby showers focus on creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere rather than extravagant spending.
Pro Tip: Start planning at least 6-8 weeks in advance to secure venues and send invitations on time.
Baby Shower Essentials
Total: $150.00
Total: $50.00
Total: $75.00
Total: $20.00
Total: $30.00
Total: $0.00
Additional Baby Shower Items
Baby Shower Budget Summary
Food:
Cake/Desserts:
Decorations:
Invitations:
Games/Activities:
Party Favors:
Additional Items:
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Total Baby Shower Cost: $0.00
Cost per Guest: $0.00
Baby Shower Planning Tips:
- Send invitations 4-6 weeks before the event
- Plan games that accommodate all guests' comfort levels
- Create a gift opening system to keep track of presents
Baby Shower Planning Guide
By Guest Count
- Intimate (10-15 guests): Focus on personal touches and quality time
- Medium (15-30 guests): Balance activities and free socializing
- Large (30-50 guests): Structured timeline with clear activities
- Plan for 1.5-2 hours for games and activities
By Shower Type
- Traditional: Female-only, often with games and gifts
- Coed/Jack & Jill: More casual, often with food and drinks
- Virtual: Focus on digital invitations and mailed favors
- Baby Sprinkle: Smaller scale for second+ babies
Budget Ranges
- Economy: $10-15 per person (home venue, DIY decorations)
- Standard: $16-25 per person (restaurant or venue, some professional services)
- Premium: $26-40+ per person (full-service venue, custom everything)
- Virtual showers typically cost 30-50% less than in-person
"Hosts who delegate tasks to friends/family report less stress and often stay within budget more successfully."
Essential Baby Shower Components
Food & Drinks
Traditional showers often feature light brunch or lunch fare. Coed showers may include more substantial food. Consider dietary restrictions and time of day. Plan for 1.5 servings per person of main items.
Budget Tip: Brunch foods (quiches, pastries) are often more affordable than dinner options. Consider a dessert-only shower.
Decorations
Centerpieces, banners, balloons, and table settings. Themed decorations create cohesion. Focus on photo backdrop areas and food tables. DIY decorations can save 40-60% over purchased.
Budget Tip: Choose one or two statement pieces rather than decorating every surface.
Invitations
Digital invitations save money and time. Printed invitations should be mailed 4-6 weeks before. Include registry information, dress code (if any), and RSVP deadline.
Budget Tip: Digital invitations are often free or low-cost. If printing, order extras for keepsakes.
Games & Activities
Traditional games (baby bingo, diaper raffle) or creative activities (onesie decorating, advice cards). Plan 2-3 games for a 2-hour shower. Have prizes for winners.
Budget Tip: Printable games are affordable. Use small, useful items as prizes (candles, lotions).
Favors
Small gifts to thank guests for attending. Edible favors (cookies, candies) are popular. Themed favors (succulents, mini candles) make nice keepsakes. Budget $2-5 per favor.
Budget Tip: DIY favors or edible items often cost less than purchased favors.
Timeline Tip: Start planning 2-3 months out. Book venue 2 months out. Send invitations 6 weeks out. Finalize details 2 weeks before.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should you host a baby shower?
Typically held in the third trimester (weeks 28-36), when pregnancy is established but mom still feels comfortable. Showers for second babies are often smaller "sprinkles" held later (around 34-38 weeks).
Who traditionally hosts a baby shower?
Traditionally hosted by a close friend or family member (not immediate family). Modern showers are often hosted by anyone close to the parents-to-be, including family members or the parents themselves.
How long should a baby shower last?
2-3 hours is typical. Showers with meals may last 3 hours. Virtual showers are often shorter (1-1.5 hours). Schedule games/activities for the middle portion after guests have arrived.
Should you open gifts at the shower?
Traditional showers include gift-opening, but some modern showers skip it to save time. If opening gifts, have a system (someone to record gifts, someone to organize wrapping paper). Consider a "display shower" where gifts are unwrapped beforehand.
What's the average baby shower budget?
Average costs range from $200-$800 depending on guest count and location. Home showers average $300-$500. Restaurant/venue showers average $500-$1000. Virtual showers average $100-$300.