Who says you need to spend a fortune to celebrate a new baby? A meaningful and fun baby shower doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. With a little creativity and smart planning, you can throw a beautiful and budget-friendly baby shower that still feels special.
From choosing an affordable baby shower location to finding fun baby shower activities that don’t require a big budget, there are plenty of ways to cut costs without sacrificing the experience.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know—picking a venue, saving on food, and finding budget-friendly ways to entertain guests. Because at the end of the day, a great baby shower isn’t about how much you spend. It’s about celebrating the mom-to-be, making memories, and enjoying the day without stressing over the price tag.
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What is a good budget for a baby shower?
The magic of a baby shower isn’t about how much you spend. Whether you’re working with under $100 or have a little more flexibility, what really matters is creating a special moment for the mom-to-be.
Over the years, I’ve been part of plenty of baby showers, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the most memorable moments come from thoughtful touches, not a big price tag. Your budget should be whatever you’re comfortable with—whether you’re covering everything as a gift or getting help from friends and family.
Before we get into the details of planning a budget-friendly baby shower, just remember: this is your party, your rules. Let’s make it unforgettable—without the stress of overspending.
Tips for Hosting a Baby Shower on a Budget
#1 Planning a Baby Shower on a Budget
Planning is absolutely essential to having a baby shower on a budget. It is so easy to get lost in the fun parts of hosting that you can get over budget really quickly. Here are my top tips for planning prior to the big day to help you save money:
Find a Budget-Friendly Baby Shower Venue
Believe me, the venue makes all the difference when you’re trying to keep costs low. Choosing a free or low-cost location can instantly free up your budget for things like food, decorations, or even a thoughtful gift for the mom-to-be.
Some of the best budget-friendly venues include:
- Your home or a relative’s house – Cozy, convenient, and free!
- Local parks – Perfect for a spring or summer baby shower (just check if you need a permit).
- Churches or community centers – Many offer event spaces for little to no cost.
- Virtual baby showers – A great way to save while still celebrating with loved ones.
For my baby shower, we used my mother-in-law’s house, and it was the best decision! It made setup so much easier, and I loved that we could decorate the night before. Plus, I didn’t have to haul everything home right after the party. The cozy, intimate feel made it even more special.
No matter where you host, any space can be dressed up with the right decorations! And if you need more ideas, check out my best baby shower locations guide for more great venue options.
Why a Smaller Guest List Saves You Money
One of the easiest ways to keep costs down is by keeping the guest list small. It might be tempting to invite everyone—from your distant cousin to your old college roommate—but trust me, there’s something special (and budget-friendly) about a smaller, more intimate gathering.
I know it can be tough when you start thinking about who invited you to their event or feeling guilty about leaving people out. But instead of stressing, focus on the mom-to-be’s “village”—the people who will genuinely be there to support her.
Another way to keep things simple? Consider making it a ladies-only event. While co-ed baby showers can be fun, more guests = more food, a bigger venue, and higher costs.
As the host, sit down with the mom-to-be and go through the guest list together. Talk about priorities, trim where needed, and make sure the guest count fits within your budget. A smaller group means more quality time with each guest, a cozier atmosphere, and less pressure on your wallet.
Save Money with Digital Baby Shower Invitations
Skipping printed invitations is an easy way to save money while also being eco-friendly. There are plenty of platforms that offer beautiful digital invites for free or at a low cost, like Evite, Paperless Post, or even a simple Facebook event invite.
My personal favorite? Canva! I use it all the time—for both personal events and this blog. The free version has tons of beautiful templates, so even if you’re not super artistic, you can create a custom baby shower invitation that matches the theme perfectly. Once it’s ready, just send it via text or email—no stamps required.
And after the party, the mom-to-be can save even more by sending digital thank-you cards through email instead of mailing them. Texting a thank-you might feel a little too casual, but an emailed card is a great middle ground that still feels thoughtful.
Going digital makes things easier, cheaper, and less wasteful, so it’s a win for everyone!
Let Others Pitch In to Cut Costs & Reduce Stress
I’ll be the first to admit—asking for help isn’t my strong suit. I’m a do-it-yourself kind of person through and through. But when it comes to hosting a baby shower on a budget, I’ve learned that letting others pitch in can make all the difference.
There’s something really special about having a group of close friends and family come together to celebrate the mom-to-be. So if someone offers to help—let them!
It doesn’t have to be a big ask. Maybe someone brings plates and napkins, another handles a tray of finger foods, and someone else takes charge of planning a game. Small contributions add up fast, easing both the workload and the financial burden.
Beyond just saving money, this kind of group effort makes the baby shower even more meaningful. It’s not just one person planning—it’s a whole village coming together, making sure the mom-to-be feels truly loved and celebrated.
#2 Budget-Friendly Food Ideas for a Baby Shower
Food can easily take up the majority of a party budget, especially when you are feeding a large crowd. There are several ways you can minimize the cost of food while still having a delicious spread that guests will love. Check out this post from the Frugal Nook for great baby shower food ideas on a budget.
Pick the Perfect Time to Save on Food Costs
Have you ever thought about how the time of your baby shower can impact your food budget? Choosing the right time can make a huge difference in how much guests expect to eat—and how much you need to spend.
A mid-afternoon shower is your budget’s best friend. The 1–4 PM time slot is perfect because it falls between lunch and dinner, so guests won’t be expecting a full meal. Instead, you can serve light snacks and small bites without feeling like you’re skimping on food.
By avoiding mealtime hours, you can cut down on food costs while still offering a delicious spread that keeps guests happy. A win-win for your budget!
Easy Finger Foods That Won’t Break the Bank
If your baby shower falls in that sweet spot between meals, finger foods are the way to go! Not only are they easy to set up, but they can also help you save money by skipping the need for full place settings and cutlery.
Keep it simple with classics like sandwiches, fruit and veggie trays, crackers, chips, and dips. One of the best ways to stay on budget? Check out discount or warehouse stores like Costco or Sam’s Club. Many of them offer pre-made platters that are often cheaper than buying ingredients separately—and all you have to do is pick them up!
You can serve them straight from the store packaging or transfer them to your own serving dishes for a more polished look. Paired with a few simple decorations, your food table will look effortless and elegant—without the hefty price tag.
DIY Food Bars: A Budget-Friendly Crowd Pleaser
A DIY food bar is the perfect way to create a fun spread without blowing your budget. It looks impressive, but in reality, it can be one of the most affordable ways to feed a crowd.
Some of my favorite budget-friendly food bar ideas:
- Taco Bar
- Café Rio Salad Bar (My sister did this for her bridal shower, and it was AMAZING!)
- Waffle Bar
- Parfait Bar
- Ice Cream Sundae Bar
- Sub Sandwich Bar
The best part? You can tailor it to the time of day (think a waffle bar for brunch) or match it to the overall baby shower theme. Plus, guests get to customize their plates, so everyone leaves happy.
This is also a great way to let friends and family pitch in! Ask different people to bring a specific topping, side, or drink to spread out the cost while still keeping the menu delicious.
#3 Fun and Budget-Friendly Ways to Entertain Guests
Entertainment really is the center of the party, but you don’t have to spend tons of money to have fun! Here are some of the best tips I have to have an enjoyable baby shower on a budget.
How to Pick a Baby Shower Theme Without Overspending
A baby shower theme doesn’t have to be elaborate (or expensive) to look beautiful. In fact, keeping it simple and flexible can actually save you a lot of money.
Instead of picking a specific theme like animals or airplanes—which often requires theme-specific decorations—consider choosing a color scheme instead. A soft pastel palette or even colors that match the baby’s nursery can help create a cohesive look without the added cost of specialty decor.
A few budget-friendly decorating tricks:
- Stick to balloons, tablecloths, and centerpieces in your chosen colors for an effortlessly stylish setup.
- Check discount stores, dollar stores, and Facebook Marketplace for affordable decor—I’ve found garlands, tableware, and even fairy lights at a fraction of the price.
- After the shower, resell gently used decor to recoup some costs. It may not be much, but every little bit helps, and you’ll be helping someone else plan a beautiful shower on a budget too!
A simple theme means less stress, less spending, and just as much impact.
Easy Baby Shower Games That Won’t Cost a Fortune
Baby shower games are almost always part of the celebration, but they don’t have to cost a fortune. With a little planning, you can keep the fun going without blowing your budget.
One of the best ways to save is by using printable baby shower games. Etsy has tons of adorable options that match different themes, but if you’re looking to cut costs, there are plenty of free printables available online. Printing them at home keeps expenses low while still giving guests something fun to do.
Game prizes are where costs can really add up. If you only need a few, there are plenty of budget-friendly prize ideas, but you can also keep it simple with DIY options like baked goods or a bag of candy with a fun note.
Not every mom-to-be enjoys playing traditional baby shower games, and that’s totally okay! There are plenty of fun and free activities that keep guests entertained without added costs. You can even add a diaper raffle using just raffle tickets to help keep guest entertained while stocking the parents up on diapers for babies first year!
Do You Really Need Baby Shower Party Favors?
Let me let you in on a little secret—you don’t need party favors at a baby shower. Yep, you heard that right! While tiny gifts are cute, they often end up forgotten, left behind, or tossed. If you’re looking for an easy way to trim your budget, skipping favors is totally okay.
But if you love the idea of sending guests home with a little something, you can still do it without spending much. Here are a few budget-friendly ideas:
- Mini hand sanitizer bottles with a simple “Thank You” tag
- Sugar cookies wrapped in cute packaging
- Small potted succulents (bonus: they double as decor!)
- Nail polish with a fun note
- Mini hand cream bottles
These thoughtful but low-cost options show appreciation without stretching your budget. Simple, cute, and stress-free!
Final Thoughts on Hosting a Baby Shower on a Budget
And that’s everything you need to know about hosting a beautiful baby shower on a budget. Celebrating a new baby doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag—you can still have a thoughtfully decorated shower, great food, and a fun atmosphere without overspending.
A few smart budget choices here and there really add up, letting you focus on what matters most—making memories with the people you love.
Do you have a favorite budget-friendly baby shower tip? Or is there something you’d add to this list? Drop your ideas in the comments! I’d love to hear what’s worked for you.
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