Baby showers have long been centered on ‘showering’ the mom-to-be with gifts. Although nowadays, it is more of celebrating the advent of parenthood rather than supplying her with baby stuff. These celebrations entail a lot of activities — eating delicious food and drinking, cake-cutting, and of course, baby games.
With baby shower games, a lot of thought has to be put into it when the plans for the event are set in motion. This is because they take a turn for the better when the games kick-off. Baby shower experts say that games are a fun way of keeping guests at the shower entertained and engaged. This is why they should be simple to comprehend yet fun.
When planning on the games to be played at a baby shower, there are a ton of questions that crop up:
- How many games should be played?
- How long should they last?
In this article, we will be focusing on the issue of the appropriate number of games to be played at a baby shower.
What kind of game is it?
By considering what kind of game your preferred choice is, you have to also keep in mind the following:
- Is it appropriate? Many people will not think twice about this when choosing a baby shower game. I mean, games are games, right? Well, not all of them are appropriate. Games like guess the chocolate smeared nappy, spin the bottle, pin the sperm on the egg, and the list goes on. Just from judging by the name, they are bound to put both the guests and the mom-to-be in an uncomfortable position. As if the whole pregnancy journey wasn’t hard, you do not want the guest of honor to show up in her baby shower, only to be put through the ordeal of playing these games. Therefore, when you, as the host, are choosing the games to be played at the event, you should pick those games that will be fun and comfortable to engage in.
- Does it rhyme with the theme? The theme of the baby shower dictates every other detail in the planning process of the baby shower. The games to be played are just one of them. When choosing the games that are to be played during the event, let it be in line with the theme. It would be weird enough for you to choose one that involves tutus when you planned a garden-themed baby shower.
- Is it what the guest of honor wants? To make it crystal clear, this baby shower is for the mom-to-be. So, do not get so lost in choosing what you want rather than what she wants. When it comes to games, it is very recommendable to consult her. You could present the collection of games you have chosen and let her pick. Alternatively, you two can browse for games together. As long as the mom-to-be is content, then you are good to go.
How many guests will be attending the baby shower?
The number of guests in attendance is also an essential factor when choosing baby shower games. For instance, if you are having 25 guests, then you can have very detailed and long games. For 50 guests, that’s a whole different story. In this case, you might have to opt for simple and easy-to-play games that every guest will get a chance to participate and have fun.
What number of gifts does the mom-to-be have to open?
This depends on how you have planned out the whole event. If you have agreed that the guest of honor will open gifts, then you have to come up with games that do not take too long. If you do not have that session in the event, then you could have games that will keep the guests and soon-to-be mom engaged throughout the whole party.
Typically, games that are played during a particular baby shower should last between 30-45 minutes. This is to leave ample time for other activities to take place.
Factors to Consider on the Number of Games to be Played at a Baby Shower
- How long will the baby shower last? An essential factor when planning for almost anything concerning a baby shower. While a typical baby shower should last for 2-3 hours, it solemnly depends on how you have planned the baby shower. Always consider the period of the event when deciding on how many games that will be played then.
Make sure that they all last between the 30-45 minute range. This is to leave enough time for other activities and to ensure that they are not too long. - How long will each game last? Each game has a particular period of how long it lasts. Some will last longer than others. Therefore, you, as the host, will figure out which game starts and which one wraps up that session of the baby shower.
Some games take too long, but still so much fun to play. Well, you can consider having it last throughout the shower. This will not only make it fun but also leave some time for the guests and the mom-to-be to engage in other games. - How many guests will be coming for the baby shower? If you are expecting a huge number of guests, then aim to have a few games in the plan for the event. This will be easier for you to plan for them, and each guest will have a chance to play. Otherwise, if you have a few guests, then you can have as many as you would wish to have, but be keen on time.
- Are the games complex or simple? When choosing the games to be played at the baby shower, always aim to have those that are simple yet fun. However, it is still up to you. If you have chosen games that are a bit complex, then have two games at most. This is to prevent the game session from eating the time meant for other activities.
On the other hand, if they are simple games that guests can quickly understand, have a few more games after that. It is to keep them up and about engaging and interacting with others. However, it is best to have a maximum of four games to prevent the whole event from taking longer than expected.
Fun and Recommended Baby Shower Games
- Who’s this baby?
This is a great ice-breaker game for the guests to get to know each other, especially if they haven’t met before. Of course, the baby shower is for the mom-to-be and her baby. But, it wouldn’t be nice for guests to sit together looking all awkward because they are strangers.
For this kind of game, request the guests before the event to carry a baby photo of themselves. Then you can pin them on the wall and have everyone match a photo with a guest. Fun, right?
- Don’t mention that word!
Great for a large number of guests. You can choose a specific word that they are forbidden from saying. The last guest standing wins!
- Who knows mom best?
This is both a fun game and a way for guests to prove how much they know the mom-to-be. Have questions about her childhood, her likes and dislikes, and other details about herself. Print them out and hand them to guests to answer them. Whoever gets the most answers correct is the winner!
- What is she craving for?
All moms know the strange cravings that come with pregnancy. Well, this can be an excellent game for a baby shower. Have the soon-to-be mom describe what she is craving for without mentioning the name. Then, the guests randomly mention the name of what she is craving for. The one who says the correct answer wins.
It really does not matter how many games you should have in a baby shower. As long as you properly plan the whole event, then everyone will get to join in the thrill and excitement of welcoming the new baby.