Cutest book-themed baby shower ever! All the details right here, plus FREE printables for easy celebrating the new parents’ Next Chapter!

It truly takes a village! 

Whether extended family, your neighborhood or a close circle of friends, everyone celebrates the joy of a new baby in the community by showering the parents with love, support and well wishes.

Choosing the perfect theme for the baby shower is a wonderful way to honor the parents, personalize the celebration and create lasting memories.

Recently, I had the incredible joy of co-hosting a baby shower for our daughter with two of her girlfriends.

If you’ve been around a while, you may remember this library wall the kids asked me to build for them. And then there’s the dining room accent wall where they hang their marriage promise that reads ” . . .fill our home with friendship, music, learning, warmth, and towering piles of books”. 

Trust me, they are living up to that promise. 

So we all knew instantly a baby shower for these new parents-to-be needed to be a baby shower with books!! 

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

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Let’s Look Broadly at Book Themed Baby Showers

A book-themed baby shower offers a charming and imaginative backdrop for celebrating the upcoming arrival. Immerse your guests in a world of stories by incorporating literary elements into decorations, food, and activities. This theme provides endless possibilities for creativity and personalization.

You can choose for your book-themed shower to be a homage to children’s literature in general or a narrower category such as fairy tales, classic children’s books or famous literary characters like Peter Rabbit or Winnie the Pooh.

Even more contemporary book titles like Goodnight Moon, Very Hungry Caterpillar, Where the Wild Things Are or the Dr. Suess library can be a great party theme or a part of the overall theme.

Great Idea (we didn’t use)

There is also the option to request in lieu of a card, guests bring a book, well-loved or brand new, with the inside cover inscribed so Little Babe will know who helped to grow their library. 

I love this thought, but we opted not to do this for our shower. In hindsight, I sorta wish we had done this.

It may seem like you’re asking for something extra from everyone. However, a child’s board or cloth book is often less expensive than today’s greeting cards. It might mean another shopping stop, or just “one more thing” for our busy guests to think about. But after witnessing the joy-filled caring our village of women had for this new baby, I think they all would have been on board.

Worried about how to ask? Fortunately, there are a slew of options for just that on Etsy. Pick the design and wording you like best, and you’re set.

The Controversy of Baby Shower Games

Let’s face it, baby shower games can be a little… awkward. We’ve all been there, right? Activity stations are a way more fun and chill way to hang out and celebrate the mom-to-be. Plus, they’re great for getting everyone involved and chatting.

Baby showers often bring together a diverse group of people, from close friends to distant relatives. This is no problem for the extroverts in the crowd. But the introverts or socially shy will love activity stations because they encourage mingling and easy conversation starters, fostering a sense of community and connection among guests. These shared experiences can create lasting memories.

Bonus, activity stations are perfect for open-house style baby showers, allowing guests to come and go as they please. This format also provides flexibility for guests to choose activities that interest them, promoting a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.

All in all, activity stations win! They’re a super fun way to break the ice, get creative, and enjoy some quality time with friends and family. Trust me, your guests will thank you!

Decorations for a Baby Shower for a Book Lover

I love a themed party that greets our guests and sets the tone even before they step through the front door.

First things first, based on your guest list, and whether you will be serving a sit down meal or a snack spread for nibbling while mingling open house style, plan your party layout to match your space.

This includes, location for food, beverages and serving them. Seating for guests, space for the activity stations, a gift table (or collection spot like maybe an empty baker’s rack or fireplace hearth). And if you have party favors  for your guests, don’t forget a little display by the door.

Our shower was open house style in the late afternoon, early evening, so we set out a lovely spread of heavy snacks on the dining room table and beverages close by. 

We decided we had room for two folding tables for activity stations. So we chose three activities — one requiring a full table and two others that could share a table. We piled the gifts in the bay window.

Now that the logistics are set, let the fun of decorating begin:

Decorating Scheme–

A cohesive decorating scheme is like a well-written story; it pulls everything together and creates a sense of harmony.

Here’s why it matters:   

• Creates a unified look: When everything fits together, your party looks intentional and polished. It’s like the difference between throwing things together and curating a masterpiece.
• Enhances the theme: A cohesive scheme strengthens your chosen theme, making it more impactful and memorable.
• Reduces overwhelm: Too many clashing elements can be overwhelming. A cohesive look creates a calming and enjoyable atmosphere.   
• Improves photos: A visually pleasing space makes for better photos. You’ll be proud to share your party pics!

Basically, a cohesive decorating scheme takes your baby shower from “cute” to “wow”!

Our themed baby shower decorations start with stacks of children’s books, of course. Then we added in lots of balloons in a neutral palette of white, cream, wheat and gold with a smattering of pink for our baby girl. Additional decor included book page banners and the cutest pink clothesline banner with outfits-in-waiting for baby’s arrival.

I chose balloons because they are festive, fun and playful, but also because they could fit in my suitcase very easily.

Here’s another decorating idea for a book themed baby shower that I love. It’s just not the easiest for transporting halfway across the country. but would be easier than the large balloon hoops for transporting across town.

My crazy creative friend, Wendy of WM Design House, punched holes in the covers of children’s books and used shoelaces to “sew” them together. Jars of fresh flowers sat inside these. Please visit her post on twelve budget-centric crafted vases.

Decorating the Entrance or Front Door-

Like I said, I love a party that welcomes the guests and sets the tone before they even walk through the door. 

Although, DC row houses have notoriously small front porches, I was not willing to sacrifice festive. So a sign hanging on the door with a cluster of balloons would be my space-friendly way to get the party started. The hand-rail up the steps was also festooned with a balloon garland

This poster is available, with either a blue or pink binky, as well as 5 other versions, in my Free Printables Library, It’s a free download for all my subscribers. To edit it, you will need a free Canva.com account. Just follow the directions on the PDF in the Resource Library.

Once you have edited it, send it to a local print shop or one of the large national chains like Staples or Office Max.

I would have preferred having it printed on foam core, but I would not be able to get it safely on the plane, so I had it printed on heavy paper that I rolled for transport and then applied to a piece of foam core I bought in DC.

What, you’re not a subscriber? We’d love to welcome you to our creative, fun community:

Thanks bunches! Now back to the party hosting:

Decorating the Activity Stations-

Decorating your activity stations is a fantastic way to elevate your baby shower and make it even more fun for everyone. It’s important because:

• Cohesive Theme: Decorating your stations ties them into the overall theme, creating a smooth and visually appealing experience for your guests.
• Clear Instructions: Not everyone might be familiar with an activity. A little decoration can go a long way in explaining what guests are supposed to do. Think of it like visual instructions! A cute sign, some props, or arranging the supplies in a specific way can all help people understand the activity at a glance.
• Fun & Inviting: Let’s be honest, a well-decorated station is just plain more inviting! It creates a fun and engaging atmosphere that draws people in and encourages them to participate. A splash of color, some balloons, or signs with playful instructions can make all the difference in getting people excited to join in.

For our Next Chapter Baby Shower, we decided that each activity station would be identified by a tabletop balloon hoop which held a sign explaining the activity.

We continued our book theme, by selecting three iconic children’s books and assigning one to each activity.

We hung a book banner above each station and pulled colors from these to add to our neutral balloon palette.

This kept a cohesiveness decor, yet marked each station as unique. We also included a stack of books and a toy as part of the tabletop displays.

Full transparency: I forgot about tablecloths until I arrived in DC. So we made a dash to Target for a couple of fun sprinkle strewn disposable tablecloths along with the foam core for the Welcome sign.

NOTE: More on the activities below!

Decorating the Food Tables-

I had planned another balloon hoop for the food table. However, a beautiful arrangement of flowers arrived from some of Katie’s dear friends who were out of town during the shower. So I nixed the balloons and sprinkle strewn tablecloth to highlight these lovely flowers in the place of honor at the food table.

We served a fabulous charcuterie board, chips and dip, and a gorgeous fruit tart. Fancy cupcakes from a local baker with these cupcake toppers served as sweet thank you gifts for our guests. 

Activity Stations For a Baby Shower

(and How to Decorate Them For a Book Lovers Shower)

Block Party

Let’s get crafty with our Block Party! 

This activity is a super fun way to create a personalized and unique gift for the little one. 

Whether an amazing artist or just love to doodle, everyone can join in on the fun. It’s also a great way to bond with other guests while creating something special.

I bought this set of blocks that are plain, but in great fun shapes. Plus it comes with a sorter lid on the canister.

DIANE’S TIP: There is one block stamped with company info. Use it to test permanent marker colors. The colors change rather dramatically on the wood.

I kept the color palette rather tight so the blocks had a common color theme (softer, dusty colors plus black), but otherwise our guests were encouraged to be creative. 

ANOTHER TIP: Some people in KC who could not make it to the shower, decorated blocks ahead of time, and I took with me to the shower in DC

These early decorated blocks not only provided fun examples, but also sweet glimpses of “Katie’s people” these DC-based friends had heard of, maybe meet once, but didn’t know well.

These friends and family appreciated being included and the parents-to-be appreciated it even more.

Activity Supplies-

• Sign explaining activity, available as free download in my Resource Library
• Plain wood blocks, this is the set I used and highly recommend
• Permanent markers, I used and recommend Sharpie fine tips and these LePen micro fine markers for details and these Micron .05 black pens for outlining, writing and signing
• Pencils with erasers, optional
• Samples of simple graphics to help inspire and guide some non-artsy guests, make your own or use mine available free in my Resource Library

This station was a huge hit with all the guests and the new Mom! And it was a great way to get all the ladies introduced to each other.

Decorating Specifics-

Paired with Winnie the Pooh, featuring this cute Pooh banner on this Sprinkle tablecloth.

Midnight Diaper Duty

This is such a cute (and easy) idea to help the new parents smile and maybe even chuckle in their exhaustion.

We all know new parents are going to need a little extra support, especially during those sleepless nights. 

That’s where our Midnight Diaper Duty station comes in! Write a funny joke, a Dad pun, a heartfelt message, or anything that will bring a smile to their faces.

It’s a small gesture that can make a big difference.

Besides, it’s fun for the guests, too!

Activity Supplies-

• Sign explaining activity, available as free download in my Resource Library
• ​Newborn diapers, without characters, (kind of hard to find) I used and recommend these diapers.
• Fine tip Sharpie permanent markers
• Basket or bin to hold finished diapers

Decorating Specifics-

Paired with “Love You Forever“, featuring this book page banner on this Sprinkle tablecloth.

Parenting Advice

Our Words of Wisdom station is all about encouraging your guests to share their parenting pearls! 

Here, they’ll write entries in a book of their best tips, tricks, or funny anecdotes about parenthood.

It’s a chance to help the new parents feel supported and prepared for the journey ahead. Plus,it’s a great way to connect with other guests and share your experiences.

Activity Supplies–

• Sign explaining activity, available as free download in my Resource Library
• Pens 
• Blank Book or guest book to write in or loose papers to jot entries on that you’ll add to a cute book later. 

Decorating Specifics-

Paired with “Make Way For Ducklings“, featuring this book page banner, a duck decoy and these charming ducks for our sweet little baby to keep.

Spreading the Joy: Extending the Celebration to All

I was so bummed when some of our favorite people couldn’t make it to the shower. 

But I had a brilliant idea! 

I reached out and asked if they wanted to be part of the fun from afar. They could send me a funny diaper message or share their best parenting advice. 

I simply and easily transcribed them from email to the diapers and advice book.

It was so easy and everyone loved it! It felt like they were there with us in spirit.

If you are lucky enough to be welcoming a new baby into your village, I hope this has inspired some great baby shower ideas for you.

This stage is one of the great joys of my life.

Honestly, this post was supposed to be published twelve days ago. It’s amazing how little actually gets done while you’re caring for new parents so they can care your grandchild. It’s been two weeks of bliss so far. I’m staying over an extra three days to help our daughter get a bit further along on her recovery after a very difficult, and rather harrowing delivery.

Don’t hesitate with any questions or comments! Did I forget something that should be included in this post. Let me know and I will amend it for future shower hosts,