This past year we've all had to get a little more creative with our baby shower planning. These are our favorite ways to celebrate the arrival of a little one.

The past year has been chock-full of changes for soon-to-be parents—but having a fun and loving baby shower attended by friends and family is more doable than you might think! Whether you’re celebrating in the great outdoors, driving by, or Zooming in, you can shower the mom-to-be in style. Here are our best tips on how to master a few creative approaches to baby showers this year. 

 1. Outdoor celebration

The weather’s warm, the sun is out—and a mellow outdoor celebration can make for a perfect baby shower. Picnics in the park, a poolside luncheon or just a casual gathering in a big backyard are all viable options for celebrating. When you're planning, think about easy-to-eat finger foods that won't melt in the sun (sorry, ice cream cones!) and decorations that can withstand a bit of a breeze. It's also a good idea to have a back-up date just in case you get rained out.  Obviously, keeping the mom-to-be comfortable outside is key, so have a comfy chair and plenty of shade for her if you’re planning for the warmer months of the year (having SPF handy for guests who may have forgotten their own is a thoughtful touch they’ll be sure to appreciate). Depending on the availability of tables where you are hosting, the activities may need to be less elaborate. But there are plenty of games that can be played with minimal fuss, like a “How well do you know the mom-to-be” quiz, or betting on the date and time of birth. 

2. Drive-by parade

An extra-safe way to see your loved ones and celebrate is with a car party. The guests get a specific time to line up, generally near the guest of honor’s home, and then slowly drive by to say hello in cars festooned with signs and decorations. Think of your vehicle as a mini baby shower float and go to town decorating. The mom-to-be will be set up outside (seated for her comfort if she prefers it) and the cars pass by slowly enough to stop to wave hello. It’s a casual and easy way to see and celebrate friends — and for those moms-to-be who are less up for elaborate games or small talk, it’s a low-key approach to the traditional shower. Guests can stop to deliver gifts, like our Ultimate Diaper Bag Kit or Calming Bathtime Duo, and get a celebratory drink and treat to enjoy when they get home. 

3. The virtual shower

Even if Zoom invitations conjure up visions of endless work meetings, getting the gang together virtually means that friends from far and wide can join without worrying about travel (which hopefully means less worry for the mom-to-be too!). Start by ensuring that the platform you choose can host all the shower invitees for as long as you want them to be on, which might require a paid membership. Once you have that secured, send out your virtual invitations along with a link to the guest of honor’s baby registry for easy gift giving. Set up the mom-to-be in festive style from wherever she’ll be attending the shower—a pile of gifts sent in by the guests and fun decorations to fill her screen will set the mood for everyone. You can also choose a custom virtual background for all the guests to put up so the whole gang feels festive. To break the ice, try leading a game that everyone can participate in with signs or hand-raising. If the mom-to-be prefers smaller, more intimate groups, you can suggest a few staggered time slots for attendees: mom’s family might show up at 3 pm, college friends could hop on at 3:30, and so on. And if you really want to go the extra mile, you can mail favors to all the guests so they feel truly included.

2. Drive-by parade

An extra-safe way to see your loved ones and celebrate is with a car party. The guests get a specific time to line up, generally near the guest of honor’s home, and then slowly drive by to say hello in cars festooned with signs and decorations. Think of your vehicle as a mini baby shower float and go to town decorating. The mom-to-be will be set up outside (seated for her comfort if she prefers it) and the cars pass by slowly enough to stop to wave hello. It’s a casual and easy way to see and celebrate friends — and for those moms-to-be who are less up for elaborate games or small talk, it’s a low-key approach to the traditional shower. Guests can stop to deliver gifts, like our Ultimate Diaper Bag Kit or Calming Bathtime Duo, and get a celebratory drink and treat to enjoy when they get home. 

No matter how you approach an unconventional baby shower this year, the mom-to-be will love being celebrated!