This post may contain affiliate links, which means I'll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure here.
These baby shower on a budget ideas guarantee to save you some serious money while still throwing a special event that the mama-to-be will adore!
Baby shower costs can add up quick, that’s why we’re diving into a ton of really great baby shower on a budget ideas so you can still throw a wonderful shower, but find easy ways to cut back on cost.
Social media might have you believe you need to go all out and hire an event planner in order for the baby shower to truly be worthy. Not the case! You can still put together a stunning and lovely shower (social media worthy, too!!) without having to spend your life’s savings 😂
We’re going over ideas from invitations to decor and everything in between so you can pick and choose what works for you, or save TONS and use each idea. Whatever works best for you and the event you’re throwing. No matter what, it’s going to be great!!
This post is all about baby shower on a budget ideas.
1. Digital Invitations:
Instead of traditional paper invitations, go with digital invitations. There are plenty of free online platforms that allow you to create and send stylish invitations via email or through text.
We used evite for my shower and it worked great! Plus, it usually tracks RSVPs for you, and you can easily message guests for any info they might need.
2. DIY Decorations:
Create your own decorations using inexpensive materials like tissue paper, balloons, and ribbons. Pinterest is truly a goldmine of ideas!
Balloon arch kits are inexpensive and this post goes over a ton of DIY ideas using things from the dollar store!
3. Venue:
Renting out a venue can be pricey, so see if there is someone’s house that might be available for hosting instead! Sometimes condos/apartment complexes have a community room available to use.
Also you can check with local community centers or libraries for free or low-cost event spaces. Some places may offer space for community events, and you can bring your own decorations to personalize the venue.
4. Potluck Style:
Instead of providing aka purchasing all the food yourself, consider having a potluck-style baby shower where each guest brings a dish. This way, the cost of catering is distributed among the attendees, but it’s not a huge ask of the guests either!
You likely wouldn’t even have to ask all of the guests, but instead you could ask a few people close to the mom-to-be as a way to include them in the planning!
You could also choose a theme for the potluck dishes, such as baby food, childhood favorites of the mom to be, or whatever the baby shower theme is!
5. Simple Menu:
Another option for food is to opt for a simple and budget-friendly menu. Finger foods, snacks, and desserts can be just as enjoyable as a full meal and are often more cost-effective! People are usually completely fine with snacks rather than full meals, as it’s easier to be social that way.
6. Printable Games and Activities:
Etsy has a TONNNNN of digital download games and activities. It’s usually a large pack of them that you can easily customize yourself for under $10! A lot of the time under $5!
7. Borrow, Rent, or Find Cheap Decor Items:
Check with friends or family members who may have baby shower decorations you can borrow, or just decorations that could easily be used for a baby shower. If needed, consider renting items like tablecloths and centerpieces for a fraction of the cost of buying them, or go DIY!
You could also check local Facebook groups. There often can be really great finds on Facebook marketplace or other kinds of groups. When I was wedding planning I was apart of a DMV wedding group where people were often selling used decor. That kind of decor could easily work for a baby shower, but you could also search for baby shower specific groups!
8. Thrift Store Finds:
Visit thrift stores for items like vases, serving trays, glasses, and other decorative elements. With a little creativity, you can transform second-hand items into unique and charming decorations! You might even luck into completely unused items.
9. DIY Favors:
Create your own baby shower favors. Simple, handmade favors can be just as meaningful as store-bought ones and are often more budget-friendly. Besides, let’s be honest here, favors aren’t what people remember most from the shower anyways. People sometimes even forget to take them!
You could grab some cellophane bags and fill them with store bought cookies like Oreos or caramel popcorn! This is a pack of 100 bags for less than $7!
If you want to really save money, you could skip favors altogether! That might be not the most popular idea, but it’s something to consider for sure.
10. Limit the Guest List:
I know, not the most popular idea. But keeping the guest list small can significantly reduce costs for food, decorations, etc. Consider inviting close friends and family members to keep the celebration intimate. But of course double check with the mom-to-be!
11. Free Entertainment:
Consider entertainment that doesn’t cost anything, such as playing baby-themed charades, trivia, or watching a baby-related movie and create a game around it! A fun one could be that all the guests have to guess how many times the baby is on the screen. It’s a cost-effective way to keep guests engaged and entertained.
12. DIY Photo Booth:
Create a DIY photo booth with props and a backdrop. You can make props using cardboard and printables available online. Find cute props either for free online or on Etsy. It would be super inexpensive! Guests can take fun pictures, and it adds a personalized touch to the event.
13. Opt for a Dessert Bar:
Instead of a full dessert spread, focus on a dessert bar with a variety of sweets. You can bake or buy a few different types of cookies, cupcakes, and candies, creating a visually appealing display without the need for an elaborate cake.
14. DIY Craft Station:
Set up a DIY craft station where guests can create personalized onesies, baby bibs, or write funny and encouraging messages for parents on diapers. Provide fabric/permanent markers, iron-on patches, and plain clothing items for guests to decorate, adding a creative and sentimental touch to the baby shower (that doesn’t cost much to set up!)
15. Use Budget-Friendly Flowers:
Purchase flowers in bulk from a local market or grocery store and arrange them yourself. Simple and elegant floral arrangements can add a touch of freshness to the decor without the high cost of professional floral services, or even just pre-made bouquets. Trader Joe’s is a great place to go for inexpensive flowers, and they have such a wide variety!
16. Digital Guestbook:
Instead of a physical guestbook, create a digital one. Set up an online platform where guests can leave messages, well wishes, and advice for the parents-to-be. This not only saves money but also provides a unique keepsake that won’t add clutter to the guest of honor’s house.
Silver lining of Covid and all the virtual events is that there is no shortage of online options for things along these lines for parties!
17. Nature-Inspired Decor:
Use natural elements like potted plants, flowers, or branches as decor. These items can often be sourced inexpensively and can be repurposed or gifted after the baby shower. You can usually ask for free or inexpensive scraps at flower shops too!
18. Baby Clothesline Display:
Create a cute and budget-friendly decoration by hanging baby clothes on a clothesline as part of the decor! Ask guests to bring small baby clothes as gifts, contributing to the display. They will love the little way they are included!
Of course, mom-to-be gets all of these adorable pieces of clothing for their little one’s wardrobe as well! Win win.
19. DIY Food Bar:
Set up a DIY food bar with toppings for a dish like tacos, nachos, sandwiches, or ice cream for dessert. This allows guests to customize their meals, PLUS you can buy ingredients in bulk to save on costs. Thank you Costco!
I hope these baby shower on a budget ideas give you lots of different ways to cut back on costs while still throwing a seriously amazing shower. It’s completely doable! Just a little creativity involved! No matter what, your guest of honor will adore whatever shower you throw together and feel so special that she and baby were celebrated properly by all of her friends and family.
Leave a Reply