10 Baby Shower Ideas For Future Moms Dreading The Event

I vividly remember the moment I opened an invitation for a friend's baby shower and realized with glee that the days of my own baby showers were behind me. Don't get me wrong, I'm eternally grateful for the loving support of my family and friends. I just don't like to be the center of attention. The expectation of a baby shower can be anxiety-producing for some, and a downright burden for others. Introversion and social anxiety aside, for moms going through difficult pregnancies, the prospect of being the guest of honor at a large gathering might be the last thing they want to do.

If the idea of your baby shower makes you want to run and hide, you've come to the right place. Here's something to embrace as a new parent: You can forge your own parenting path, and it can start with the baby shower. Celebrating the upcoming arrival of your little bundle of joy should be something you enjoy and remember fondly, so do it your way. Does the idea of a gift registry stress you out? Just don't do it. Instead, ask other parents to consider gifting their favorite baby items, and ask non-parents for clothes and diapers. Or, simplify things for everyone and just ask for gift cards in place of a registry. If you're already on the fence about a shower, skip opening presents in front of everyone and request unwrapped gifts instead. And you really, truly don't have to play those silly baby shower games. Instead, here are 10 baby shower ideas to help you make your celebration one you will actually want to attend.

If your baby shower dread comes more from the games than the get-together, the solution is simple: drop the games and opt for activities that are more "you." Have a "blessings for baby" table where guests can write a special blessing or wish for baby in a book that will serve as a keepsake. (It would also make a lovely shower guest book!) Or, have guests contribute ideas for a baby bucket list for the baby's first year, such as going on a family hike, (edible) finger painting, or going to the zoo.

Who says you have to stay home for your baby shower? Invite the gang out to celebrate your baby while doing something fun together. Go bowling, paint ceramics, do an escape room, play mini golf — see this as an opportunity to enjoy a day out before the newborn stage hits. Centering the shower around an activity is also an easy way to divert attention away from you while ensuring everyone has a great time. Guests can still bring a gift, and this idea works especially well if you opt for a gift-card registry.

A co-ed baby shower can be a great way to make the event more casual and comfortable. It can take the focus off just you and the pregnancy and instead encourage more of a party vibe. A barbecue is a popular choice, or shall we say, a baby-Q? Speaking of dad jokes, here's a fun co-ed activity idea — have everyone write down their favorite dad joke, and then have someone read them out for the group to enjoy and rate. Winner of the best dad joke gets a prize (or just bragging rights).

If you like the idea of a shared activity but don't feel like getting out, plan the shower around making something together. Have the group tie-dye onesies for your little one, or offer stencils and fabric paints to design their own. Or, make nursery decorations together, such as painting small canvas tiles to hang as an art display. You can also pass out ABC coloring pages to turn into baby's first alphabet book. Alternatively, you can include a craft station at your shower so folks can stop by and create at their leisure instead of doing something all together.

Let your baby shower be a chance to enjoy your favorite restaurant one more time before baby arrives by reserving a table or room for a baby shower dinner. This can be as formal or informal as you want to make it — if you have a toast maker or two in your group, that'd be a nice touch, and you can casually make it clear that everyone can grab their own tab. It wouldn't hurt to have a few icebreakers in mind, like going around and recommending baby names or guessing the gender.

If you've had a tough pregnancy or are just feeling low energy, your baby shower should never compromise your well-being. This is about celebrating you and your baby, remember? Instead of having to get dressed up for a fancy tea, opt for a slumber party theme instead. Schedule it for an evening and pop popcorn, watch movies, and make it clear the pajama dress code will be strictly enforced.

Raise your hand if you prefer one-on-one to group hangs. If you're sheepishly raising your hand like me, consider offering baby shower dates instead of a big gathering. You can even make a thing of it and send out invites with a link to sign up for a special time slot and options for where to meet (be sure to also include registry and gift info on the invite!). You'll get to soak up time with your favorite people the way you want to, and they'll enjoy the one-on-one time with you before baby comes, too.

If you are in panic mode, trying to get your home ready for your new arrival, turn your baby shower into a nesting shower. Invite friends over to celebrate while painting the nursery, folding baby clothes, meal prepping, and assembling the crib (this is a great idea for a co-ed shower, too). Provide pizza and drinks for their troubles, and you can also present the idea as an alternative to buying gifts. However, many will likely still want to get your baby a little something, and it's okay to let them!

A spa party full of pampering and relaxation? Now that's a baby shower to look forward to. Enjoy a day out at the spa with the girls or book a mobile spa to come to you. Prenatal massage, facials, and mani/pedis are all safe to enjoy while pregnant, but always let the spa professionals know you're expecting ahead of time, especially when booking mobile services, so they can be sure to provide safe treatments.

Some moms love being pregnant, others ... not so much. If pregnancy hasn't been your jam, consider throwing a "sip-and-see" party. Just like some couples host receptions after they get married, you can have a party a few months after the baby arrives. Send out invites before your due date with registry information so loved ones can still send a gift. Plus, everyone will get to meet and swoon over your new bundle of joy (which means fewer eyes on you!) — and it might also help keep visitors to a minimum in the early days following the birth.