Hosting a baby shower is undoubtedly an honor, but the costs associated with it can definitely add up. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to save money without cutting back on the fun! Here are our top 7 tips for throwing the best baby shower on a budget ever.
1. Send Digital Invitations
Not only do digital invitations like Evite save time and are more eco-friendly, but they’re also significantly less expensive vs. their traditional paper counterparts. Plus, you can find animated designs for every theme and track RSVPs from any device
Some of our favorite free baby shower invitations include:
Among the Trees Baby Shower Invitation
Gold Foil Dots Baby Shower Invitation
Wildflowers in Bloom Baby Shower Invitation
Baby Pink Elephants Baby Shower Invitation
2. Hold the shower at someone’s house, a park or a church
Many parks (especially in cities) charge reasonable rental fees if you want to reserve a space for a party, but if you want to spend $0 on a venue (remember—this is usually the most expensive part of a baby shower!) a private home or church is the way to go. Holding a shower at someone’s home will forever be a top location choice, not only because of cost, but because it offers more flexibility and can be more comfortable for everyone involved.
3. Don’t go to the florist for flowers
Instead, opt for a trip to the farmers market or mix and match bouquets from Trader Joe’s!
4. Decorate with balloons and reusable decor
The incredible balloon arches you see all over social media? They sell kits for those on Amazon! They can take a little time to construct, but you can’t argue with the savings vs. hiring a company. You can also find balloon centerpieces to fill up tables for impressive yet affordable decor. And when we say reusable decor, we’re talking about purchasing items that the parent(s)-to-be can use post-party, like giant stuffed animals and diaper cakes. While they aren’t the cheapest decor, if they’re being used long after the party is over, it’s doing more than just being party decor.
Our party decor recommendations for top baby shower themes:
Woodland
BABY Blocks, Table Runner, Banner, Balloon Garland Arch Kit, Balloon Centerpieces, Tissue Paper Pom Poms, Wooden Cake Stand
Celestial
Balloon Garland Arch Kit, Banner, LED Light-Up Balloons, Gold 3D Star Garland, Table Runner, Tablecloth
Boho
Balloon, Banner & Pom Pom Kit, Table Runner, Balloon Garland Arch Kit, Macrame Backdrop, Candle Holders, Dried Pampas Grass, Tablecloth
Bears
Balloon Garland Arch Set, BABY Blocks, Table Centerpieces, Giant Plush Bear with Baby Bear, Table Runner, 12” Plush Bears, Balloons, Banner, Tablecloth
Floral
Table Runner, Balloon Garland Arch Kit, Leaf Ribbon, Tissue Flower Decor, Glass Bud Vases, Gold Round Mercury Glass Vases, BABY Blocks, Bunting, Banner, Balloons
Bees
Balloon Garland Arch, Banner, Honeycomb Cupcake Stand, Balloons, Tissue Paper Pom Poms, Tablecloth, Table Runner, Ceramic Pitcher, Vases, Candles, Candle Holders
5. Buy baby shower supplies on Amazon or at the dollar store
Amazon has SO many options when it comes to great party supplies (seriously, you can find supplies for any and every theme), and TikTok has made the dollar store the place to shop now. Between the two, we bet you can find everything you need at the prices you want.
Our party supply recommendations for top baby shower themes:
Woodland
Napkins, Plates, Cups, Cutlery, Straws
Celestial
Full Tableware Set, Star Plates, Cups, Cutlery, Napkins, Straws
Boho
Rainbow Plates, Scalloped Plates, Cutlery, Cups, Napkins
Bears
Plate, Cup, Napkin & Straw Set, Cutlery, Tumblers, Bear Bottles, Napkins, Straws
Floral
Plate, Cup & Napkin Set, Cutlery, Tumblers, Napkins, Straws
Bees
Plate, Napkin & Fork Set, Honeycomb Plates, Napkins, Cups, Drink Stirrers, Cutlery
6. Create a DIY buffet
Instead of catering the food, consider heading to your local bulk grocery store for apps and snacks. Charcuterie, crudités, chips, finger sandwiches and wings are all low-effort, low-cost bites that people love. If you’re serving alcohol, a signature cocktail you can premix before the party starts is a fantastic choice, or you can stick with water and flavored seltzer.
7. Opt for DIY or inexpensive baby shower favors
Party favors are simply a bonus “Thank you!” to your guests they can take home and enjoy. Keep things simple and sentimental by either creating them yourself (little plants/succulents, jars of honey and even ornaments are easy to personalize) or checking out Etsy and Amazon for bulk purchases. Etsy offers tons of adorable, customizable party favors at all price points, and Amazon is a great place for finding supplies to craft your favors. Don’t forget—cookies and candy are fabulous party favors, and you can easily make them yourself or purchase them and package them in charming little boxes.
Some of our favorite baby shower favors under $5 each:
$58 for 12 cookies ($4.83 each before tax/shipping)
Personalized Baby Shower Little Pumpkin Candles
$35.75 for 10 candles ($3.58 each before tax/shipping)
$43.99 for 15 succulents with bags ($2.93 each before tax/shipping)
Personalized Engraved Bunny Ornaments
$20 for 10 ornaments ($2.00 each before tax/shipping)
$37 for 10 jars ($3.70 each before tax/shipping)
Personalized Wildflower Seed Packet Cards
$24 for 16 cards ($1.50 each before tax/shipping)
$27 for 10 bath bombs ($2.70 each before tax/shipping)
Personalized Essential Oil Soap Bars
$39 for 10 bars ($3.90 each before tax/shipping)
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