Storybook baby shower

What it is

A sweet, low-cost baby shower where every guest brings a favourite children’s book with a handwritten message inside. The parents-to-be leave with a whole library for the nursery.

Plan ahead

• Four weeks before: send invitations explaining the book idea (“Bring a book instead of a card”).
• One week before: print bookplates (stickers for inside the cover) and the games.
• The day before: bake and decorate.

Set the scene

Stacks of classic children’s books, paper garlands of book pages, a “library” table with a cosy armchair, and quotes from children’s books on the walls.

Games

• First line game: read the first line of a classic children’s book; guests guess the title.
• Baby animal match: match the baby animal names (kid, joey, cygnet).
• Guess the bump.

Food and drink

• Finger sandwiches and scones
• Treats inspired by stories: “eat me” cupcakes, caterpillar fruit skewers, teddy bear biscuits
• Tea, coffee and fizz or mocktails

Tips

• Ask guests to write the date and their name in the book.
• Keep a list for thank-you notes.