How to Host an Unforgettable Virtual Baby Shower

We know life has currently thrown expecting moms a curveball, but you don’t have to completely cancel your baby shower. Bringing new life into the world is nothing short of a miracle. Hands down — it needs a party.

We’re here to help you catch that curveball and throw it back like you’re the number one pitcher in the game of life. Here's to the expecting moms making it through this time together. Let's throw the best baby shower you’ll ever attend — virtually. If you've had to cancel your baby shower because of the coronavirus, here’s the ultimate plan for throwing one FABULOUS virtual baby shower.

Part 1: Before

Rally Your People

There's no denying the fact that this is a strange, uncertain time for everyone. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your favorite people for support. Your friends are there for you and happy to celebrate you in these times. You can pick one or two close friends to help you with hosting/planning. Plus, they might have fun, helpful ideas too.

Pick a Virtual Platform

There are so many options for an online party, from Zoom to Skype to dedicated Baby Shower platforms like WebBabyShower. Whichever you choose, keep in mind the cost and the size of your guest list.

Research which site has the best features to accommodate your goals as each platform offers different capabilities. Zoom lets you mute people upon entry to the party so they don’t disrupt if they’re late (for example, a not-so-quiet mother-in-law). Skype is a good classic move, but note that it requires everyone to make an account. It might be good to be considerate of your guests that aren’t completely tech-savvy.

Organize Your Guest List

We recommend keeping virtual baby showers on the intimate side to avoid the chaos of everyone talking at once, but it's totally up to you. You can also have multiple virtual baby showers if you feel like you can't consolidate your list enough. 

Multiple, smaller showers can be simpler and more fun, especially helpful if you have different groups of friends that don’t know each other well, so you can keep them separate to avoid drawn out introductions. This also comes in handy if there are any people on your list you know wouldn't want to be next to each other in person, let alone virtually (cue awkward laughter). Just make sure to appropriately distance the times of multiple showers so you’re not worn out having them one after the other.

Make a Facebook event to send virtual invites. This also gives you a platform to discuss with everyone how to make it run as smoothly as possible prior to the party. If you feel up to it, send out real invitations and thank you cards. If your virtual shower has games that require physical materials, you can include these with the invitations.

Remember to include registry details with your invitations! However you choose to coordinate the guest list, the main thing on your mind should be celebrating bringing life into the world with the ones you love the most.

Who doesn't love a good theme party?

Pick a theme — it always adds excitement. Our Nanobébé team loves the safari trend, but the online world is your oyster. With virtual backgrounds, everyone can pretend they are at the beach in Bali (since we can all afford virtual 5-star vacations) or even partying in your backyard if you send them an image. Heck, set yourself up in a virtual version of the Queen's throne. We can all consider ourselves royalty when it comes to getting through a time like this.

Part 2: During

Time for some fun!

Décor

While everyone is staying in their own homes, it doesn't mean you can’t do a little in-home decoration for just yourself. Decorate with whatever makes you feel special. It’s you and your little bun in the oven’s special day. If you don’t have access to decorations or would like to save $$, you can use previously mentioned virtual backgrounds on Zoom to make it look like there’s top notch party décor behind you.

Attire

You can make this as casual or as fancy as you'd like. You could even wear an elegant top with sweatpants and slippers on the bottom (no one will ever know). Wear whatever makes you feel good. For added fun: Have your guests wear the color of what they think the baby’s gender will be. If they already know, maybe make it a theme!

Games, Games, Games

These are the life of the party. Brief the guests with the items they need to participate in the games if necessary. If you included them in the invitations, give your guests instructions for use so they know what to expect. Because you can't give out prizes in person, prepare some online gifts for winners like a Starbucks or Amazon e-gift card. Some fun game ideas include:

• Baby Jeopardy: This will require some DIY with a project board, but it’s totally worth it. You can even order a blow-up microphone to act like a real host.
• Baby-Themed MadLibs: Ok, this one's our favorite. Send the template of your choosing (write a personalized one if you’re a wordsmith) in an email prior, and have guests send their answers before the shower so you can read them out loud when the time comes. This can get pretty entertaining, as you know how MadLibs usually goes.
• Virtual Polling: Guess the baby's gender or name (give them 3-6 names that are on your list including the actual name and have your guests take a guess).
• Predictions: People often get excited trying to guess who the baby will look more like, if they’ll be sporty or artistic, and the list goes on. Save these and read them a few years later.
• Play A Slideshow: It's always fun to show your belly/baby’s progression off to your family and friends. Put together a slideshow with music to share with your guests.

Your Registry/Gift Opening

Share your baby registry with your attendees with plenty of time for the gifts to arrive for the shower. You can choose whether or not you want to open gifts during or after your virtual shower.

If you haven't added Nanobébé to your registry yet, consider doing so. The Gift Sets have everything modern parents need to win at baby feeding, from award winning bottles and baby-loved pacifiers to sleek and convenient cleaning essentials. You can explore our full collection here.

Whichever you choose, remember the thank-you cards. There are awesome templates on sites like Canva, WebBabyShower, and more.

Momma, you're worthy of an epic toast.

Have your guests be ready with their drink and raise a glass to you and your little one. Of course, there are plenty of mocktails to go along with whatever you choose, so don’t feel left out!

Part 3: After

Keep the Excitement Going Post-Shower

Don't let the excitement end the same day. Continue to send updates even after your shower. You can easily do this via social media by creating a Facebook event and posting your baby’s progress in a private setting or sharing IG stories with your close friends.

Some apps like Family Album and sites like WebBabyShower have features to keep this sharing separate from social media if you’re not about that. Remember to take photos (or screenshots) in your virtual baby shower to capture memories and share with everyone after!

In today's modern world, the classic baby shower doesn’t need to be cancelled. It can now be done virtually, and with a whole lot of style. Congratulations on your upcoming bundle of joy!

Want some helpful tips on planning your baby registry? Read our post on Common Baby Registry Mistakes to Avoid!