6 Ways to Have a Super Fun Coed Baby Shower in 2024

Hosting a baby shower doesn’t have to mean only including the ladies. Instead, consider inviting every close friend and family member to a co-ed baby shower.

Co-ed showers include fathers, grandfathers, uncles, and any other male loved ones in the celebration. This type of event is a fun and relaxed way for the expecting parents to spend time with their favorite people before their little one arrives.

But how do you throw a co-ed shower that’s entertaining for everyone? Keep reading for several ways to host a fun co-ed baby shower.

What Is a Co-Ed Baby Shower?

We’ve all seen the typical baby shower set-up: Mom-to-be is surrounded by her best girlfriends and female family members. She opens gift after gift as everyone fawns over the precious onesies, bibs, bottles, and diaper cake. There’s nary a dude in sight. These days, however, we do things a little differently.

Co-ed baby showers — baby showers where all people are encouraged to attend — are a thing now! At a co-ed shower, everyone gets to celebrate and have a great time. More guests equals more love, more fun, and more memories!

A co-ed baby shower is more inclusive and gets the whole family involved in the celebration. Unique games, themes, and food options make it a great time for every guest. It’s also a wonderful way for the parents-to-be to kick off their new journey together surrounded by those that love and support them.

Ultimately it’s up to the expecting parents to decide which type of shower they prefer. Some may choose to have a co-ed shower with some loved ones and then host a separate shower with just female guests.

Six Co-ed Baby Shower Ideas

There are several ways to make your co-ed baby shower fun and exciting for all of your guests. From games and favors to party food and themes, you can’t go wrong with these ideas.

Play Hilarious Games

Every co-ed shower needs games that get guests rolling with laughter. When both men and women are playing, it adds an extra layer of fun to your shower. Choose games that’ll get everyone out of their seat.

See which guests have the best diapering skills (or lack thereof) with the Diaper-Changing Race. The challenge is to diaper a baby doll faster than the rival team. Teams must go through the complete process of diaper removal, wipes, powder, and putting on a clean diaper.

Other hilarious baby shower games include Feed the Baby. Guests break off into teams of two during which one guest is the “baby” and the other attempts to feed them, both blindfolded. The team that finishes their jar of baby food first wins.

This game will get lots of giggles, both from the players and the observers. Or get all of your guests involved at the same time with the Bottle Race. Fill baby bottles with juice, soda (or even beer), and see who can chug their bottle the fastest.

Build Your Own Baby Food Station

Blending foods together isn’t just for babies. Work together with friends and family for an interactive food experience. Create a baby food station with different fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and nut butters.

Allowing guests to puree and create their own baby food concoctions gives them a unique and memorable dining experience. Add other baby shower recipes to your refreshment table to make sure you have something for everyone.

Choose an Adventure Theme

Set the tone for a lighthearted celebration with an adventure theme baby shower. The parents-to-be are setting off on their own new adventure, so this theme is adorable for a baby shower. Choose decor including hot air balloons, world maps, vintage luggage, and planes.

Need some more options? Get inspiration from our curated list of baby shower theme ideas.

Personalized Pacifiers as Favors 

Show appreciation to your wonderful baby shower guests with favors they’ll cherish long after the party ends. Personalized pacifiers are meaningful favors guests can use for their own babies, or pass on to loved ones as a thoughtful gift. Include details like the baby’s name, date of the shower, or expected birth date.

Another sweet option is succulent plants that add a touch of nature to your guests’ homes. Each time they see their plant, they’ll be reminded of your baby shower. For more inspiration for guest gifts, see our other baby shower favor ideas.

Group Gifting 

Baby registries almost always include big-ticket items like strollers, cribs, and car seats. While not every guest invited to the shower can afford these higher-priced necessities, group gifting makes it easier.

By encouraging guests to contribute some funds toward a group gift instead of purchasing an item entirely on their own, the expecting parents can receive meaningful and practical gifts needed for their new arrival. For group gift inspiration, check out our list of baby shower gift ideas.

Baby’s First Passport for Invitations

The parents-to-be are preparing for their exciting new adventure, so set the tone for the baby shower with invitations designed to look like a passport. Include stamps and visas for an authentic look. Guests will be eager to celebrate when they open these adorable invites. This design pairs perfectly with an adventure-theme baby shower.

Should I Have a Co-Ed Baby Shower?

Not everyone is immediately comfortable bucking tradition, so our biggest advice here is to ask the parents-to-be if a co-ed baby showeris something they would be comfortable with before doing any planning. This is, after all, their big day — you want to make sure you are celebrating the growing family in a way that they want. If there are old-fashioned family members involved, they may not feel comfortable with a co-ed baby shower… but again, it’s all about the parents-to-be. You should consult with them before planning a baby shower where both men and women are invited. If you need a little more help deciding, let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of hosting a co-ed shower.

Pros

• Many adult women have attended at least one baby shower in their lifetime, but it’s uncharted territory for most men. Luckily for everyone involved, there are some really hilarious baby shower games that new dads and their friends can enjoy. Grab a couple of baby dolls and have a contest to see which dad can diaper the baby the fastest, or for something really funny, try Pregnant Twister, where baby shower guests stick balloons up their shirts and play Twister.

• The more, the merrier! If the parents-to-be love a good party, a co-ed baby shower might be just the thing.

• Some women feel uncomfortable being in the spotlight, especially when it comes to receiving and opening presents. If the mom-to-be is an introvert, she might not want a lot of attention, so having her partner there may help her feel more comfortable.

• One of the best parts of a traditional baby shower is soaking up advice from moms who have been there — and there’s always plenty to go around. There’s no reason for dad to miss out on this wisdom; inviting more seasoned dads to the party allows the dad-to-be to soak up some much-needed advice from others who’ve been in his shoes.

Cons

• More people does mean a less intimate gathering. Consider the couple: Did they have a small wedding? Are they homebodies? Do they have a close-knit group of friends or a large smattering of pals? If the parents-to-be would rather have something small, a co-ed baby shower might not be as appealing.

• If you’re hosting an in-person event, having a co-ed baby shower obviously means a larger guest list, which translates to more food, more baby shower favors, more cutlery — you get the point. A larger shower is more expensive unless you’re throwing a WebBabyShower — then it’s super cost-effective!

• You might have a harder time finding gender-neutral themes and baby shower favors. (Luckily, WebBabyShower has lots of themes that would fit a co-ed baby shower perfectly.)

• Some family members might balk at the idea of a co-ed shower. We ultimately advise taking the wishes of the parents-to-be above the wishes of anyone else, but this is an issue you might run into.

Co-Ed Baby Shower Etiquette

Now might be a good time for a baby shower etiquette refresher. Just like with any social gathering (even remote ones!), there are some things for guests to keep in mind when it comes to co-ed baby shower etiquette.

For the Guests

• If you’ve attended a lot of traditional baby showers, you’ll know that the new mom often gets pampered. With a co-ed baby shower, make sure those relaxing gifts include dad, too! Think restaurant gift cards, money for date nights, or a couple’s massage.

• This goes without saying, but be respectful! If you find a co-ed baby shower a little unusual, we advise just rolling with the punches and enjoying the party. You’ve been invited as a guest to a huge moment in the couple’s life. Remember that the day is about them and that sweet baby!

• Make sure to mingle. They say birds of a feather flock together, but resist the temptation to stick with people of your own gender. This is a perfect opportunity to chat with a lot of people and make new friends.

• Ladies, keep in mind that men might not love hearing all the details of labor and delivery. Save those war stories for when it’s just you and your girlfriends.

For the Hosts

• As we mentioned before, if you’re thinking of hosting a co-ed baby shower for a friend or family member, make sure that both mom and dad are cool with it!

• When designing and sending invitations, make sure you specify that the party is a co-ed baby shower. Most people expect these gatherings to be women-only, so if you don’t clearly state on the invitation that men are invited, you may end up with a women-only shower even if that wasn’t your intention! This also gives people the opportunity to get comfortable with the idea of a co-ed baby shower before the event.

• Don’t forget the drinks! At a baby shower with just the mom-to-be as the guest of honor, there usually aren’t cocktails, but with a co-ed shower, both mom and dad will be there… plus all of dad’s friends. Consider having all types of drinks — both with and without alcohol.

• In the same vein, keep your guests in mind when planning a menu. Now, we aren’t saying men don’t enjoy finger foods and feta pasta, but it’s generally best to know your audience. If the dad-to-be and his friends are more traditional, burgers and fries might go over better than bruschetta and elaborate fruit trays.

• Think about all of your guests when choosing party favors. Don’t just pick them with the women in mind. Great co-ed baby shower party favor ideas include customized drink coozies, coffee, chocolates, mugs, and potted plants.

• Make sure you’re keeping your budget in check. A co-ed shower means more guests, and your expenses can add up quickly. (Remember, that guest list cost can be slashed significantly with a virtual baby shower!)

• Consider recruiting one of the dad-to-be’s friends as a co-host — he may be able to give you insight into what guys actually look for in a party to ensure yours is a success and is inclusive to everyone attending.

Co-Ed Baby Shower Game Alternatives

Some people just don’t vibe with baby shower games, and that’s okay! If you have some shy guests — or even shy parents-to-be — have some fun game alternatives ready so the party doesn’t lose steam. Here are a few ideas:

• A photo booth: These are always a hit. Use a fun table cloth or blanket as a backdrop, snag some fun, baby shower-themed props from a local party store, and set up a photo booth for people to take silly photos. Display a special, shower-specific hashtag and encourage guests to use the hashtag when posting to social media so the parents-to-be can see what their friends were up to!

• Unstructured games: If you’re hosting at home and have a yard, set up a bean bag-tossing station or a similarly casual area for folks to mingle and have fun in a less structured way.

• Karaoke: If the guest list is full of divas, this is the perfect party activity.

The Perfect Co-Ed Baby Shower Venue

Virtual baby showers exploded in popularity during the pandemic, and rightly so. Even in the midst of lockdowns and mandates, people from all across the country were still able to gather and celebrate the parents-to-be. While COVID-19 restrictions are now lifted in many areas, some places still have guest limits, mask mandates, and other policies in effect. So be sure to consider these factors, as well as your budget and the needs of your guests, when choosing a baby shower venue.

Whether you choose to do an in-person baby shower or a hybrid in-person/remote shower, you still need a place to celebrate! We recommend doing research on a variety of venues to ensure the space you choose can accommodate your guest list and your technological needs (if you’re doing a virtual shower, you’ll need a good internet connection!). Here are a few co-ed baby shower venue ideas.

Your Home

There’s no place like home! You can throw an incredible co-ed baby shower without setting foot outside your living room, and at WebBabyShower, we make it easier than ever to host people both near and far. When you sign up for a virtual baby shower, you get:

• A ready-to-go setup: Quickly and easily set up your WebBabyShower site with the theme of your choice. All you have to do is add photos, videos, and a personal message. Then start inviting people!

• A fully customizable shower (including customizable invitations): WebBabyShower makes customizing your remote baby shower easy. Whether you select a pre-designed theme or create your own, the only limit is your own creativity!

• Unlimited invitations: We’re not talking a one-and-done RSVP email — with WebBabyShower, you get unlimited correspondence. Update your guests with game instructions, announcements, and photos after the baby is born!

• Invitation tracking: No more wondering who got your email. WebBabyShower features e-mail tracking so you can see who’s attending the shower and who you need to follow up with.

• Facebook invites: What’s a good 21st century co-ed baby shower without social media? Use Facebook to send invitations to people whose email addresses you don’t know.

With a WebBabyShower, it’s easy to combine in-person attendees and virtual guests. Embracing a virtual baby shower helps cut costs and opens the door to guests who may not have been able to attend in person. Hosting a baby shower at home is an excellent choice especially if you don’t have a big budget.

Community Center

For in-person or hybrid co-ed baby showers, one good venue to explore is your local community center. A space like this is typically more affordable than something like a restaurant, though you do have to provide your own food, drinks, and decor. The good news is that most community centers have Wi-Fi, so you can easily include a virtual shower element for your remote guests! Make sure you also ask them about their alcohol policy — some community spaces do not allow liquor, beer, or wine.

A Neighborhood Clubhouse

If you belong to an HOA, live in a condo, or rent an apartment, it’s likely that there is a community or neighborhood clubhouse at your disposal. Like a community center, this is often a more affordable option. If you pay HOA dues, use of the clubhouse is likely included; if you rent, clubhouse fees are often wrapped into your monthly payment. Contact your HOA president or apartment complex manager to inquire about using the space for a baby shower. Make sure to ask about the things we’ve already covered like Wi-Fi, alcohol and food policies, and guest capacity.

The Great Outdoors

The weather’s getting warmer, and it’s safe to say we’re all a little tired of being inside all the time. Now that COVID-19 restrictions are being lifted, choosing an outdoor venue for your co-ed baby shower is a great way to embrace the season’s offerings while still keeping everyone safe.

Whether you choose an outdoor venue like a park, a picnic area, or your own backyard, an outdoor shower is the perfect way to allow people to feel close while still staying safe. Outdoor showers also allow for a whole new world of games that can’t be played inside. Make sure you add a few extra things to your arsenal like bug spray, sunscreen, and food that doesn’t require a lot of cooling. Fresh fruits, veggies, and finger sandwiches are always a good choice for an outdoor event. If you host an outdoor shower at your home and have a grill, this is a perfect opportunity to put some of the dad-to-be’s friends to work — assign one as the grillmaster and have hamburgers and hot dogs. Delish!

With proper planning, you can still hold a virtual event at the same time! Just make sure you have a laptop, cables, speakers, and, obviously, a Wi-Fi connection.

Say Yes to Virtual Co-Ed Baby Showers

While co-ed baby showers might not be traditional, we love the idea of having as many people in attendance to shower new parents-to-be with love. Expecting a baby is such a special time; who wouldn’t want to share that joy with as many people as possible? And let’s face it — we all could use as much human interaction as possible these days.

With times changing and traditional norms being challenged, there’s never been a better time to host a co-ed baby shower. Co-ed showers ensure that both the parents-to-be and their baby are pampered and treated with as much love as possible. A co-ed shower means more people, which equals more love! At WebBabyShower, we want to help you throw the best, most inclusive co-ed baby shower ever and give the parents-to-be the celebration they deserve. We’re dedicated to making things as easy as possible so you can focus on having a baby shower that everyone — especially the expecting parents — will love. It’s never been easier to throw a great co-ed shower.