Party prep, sorted
The baby shower host's shopping list
Everything the host buys, in the order to buy it — decorations, tableware, game prizes, favors and the extras people forget. Curated picks with real Amazon ratings, leaning a touch nicer than the cheapest option so it's easy to compare and decide.
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The host's buy list
Buy the shower, not just baby gifts
Guests bring the baby gifts. The host buys the things that make the afternoon work — in roughly this order. Each step jumps to the matching picks, and the ones people forget are at the bottom.
- 1InvitationsSend 4–6 weeks out; add diaper-raffle and book-request cardsRead: What to write on it
- 2Backdrop & décorOne photo focal point, not the whole roomRead: Pick a theme
- 3TablewarePlates, cups and napkins for 25% over headcountRead: Menus by headcount
- 4Games & prizesPlan one prize for every game you runRead: Pick the games
- 5FavorsSmall, ready-to-go, and easy to carry homeRead: Which favors go home
- 6Guest keepsakeAdvice cards give guests something easy to do
- 7Short on time?One coordinated all-in-one kit covers décor and the tableRead: 8-week checklist
Useful extras hosts forget
None of these are in the guides, and all five come up in the last week before the shower. Live-checked on Amazon on August 30, 2026; prices can change.
Before the shower
Fill-in Invitations (25) + Diaper Raffle & Book Cards
Write-in invites with envelopes, diaper-raffle tickets and book-request cards in one pack
Setup saver
Electric Balloon Pump (dual nozzle)
Inflates a 150-piece garland in minutes instead of an afternoon — and it's reusable
Favor station
Clear Favor Boxes (60 pack, 2")
Fill with candy, a mini candle or a cookie — the favor that always goes home
Guest activity
Wooden Keepsake Box + 50 Advice Cards
A guest-book alternative the parents actually keep
Dessert table
3-Tier Acrylic Cupcake Stand (holds 24)
Reusable dessert display — instantly makes a store-bought dozen look styled
🎈Baby Shower Decorations
New to this? The complete guide — see real setups for an office, living room, backyard or garden, the exact order to buy things in, and a top-rated pick for each.
Sage Green Balloon Garland Arch Kit (166 pcs)
Most popular neutral garland — sage, blush & gold
Sage, White & Gold Balloon Garland Kit (146 pcs)
An elegant step up in finish
Neutral Cream & Sand Balloon Garland Kit (147 pcs)
Soft boho cream tones
🏆Baby Shower Game Prizes
Small gifts your game winners will actually be happy to take home. All gender-neutral, all top-rated crowd-pleasers across a few price points — keep one or two on hand for each game.
Burt's Bees Hand Repair Gift Set
Always useful, feels premium
Unboxme Ultra-Soft Cozy Cloud Socks
Crowd-pleaser, beautifully boxed
Aromatherapy Shower Steamers (18 pk)
Spa-at-home · gender-neutral
💝Mom-to-Be Gifts
New to this? The complete guide — what to get the mom herself (not baby gear), sorted by your relationship and budget.
Kindred Bravely 3-in-1 Labor & Delivery Gown
What she'll actually want at the hospital
Frida Mom 15-pc Labor & Postpartum Kit
The recovery kit no one thinks to gift
Bio-Oil Skincare Body Oil (4.2 oz)
For the bump · a runaway best-seller
Hosting? Start the registry first.
An Amazon Baby Registry is free, comes with a welcome gift box, up to 15% off completion, and a 365-day return window. The easiest thing to set up before the shower.
Got the shopping covered? Pick your baby shower games →