Baby shower activities are notorious for making people cringe, but we’re firm believers that this doesn’t need to be the case! Once you have sorted out the baby shower invitations and you are looking for baby shower ideas, we can help. Today we’ve got two fun baby shower games ideas you can set up in an afternoon using materials you probably already have at home. Too easy! If you stick around to the end, we’ve got some other great baby shower activities that will be fun for even the most shower-averse guest.

Baby Predictions

Your prompts might include:

• Name
• Gender (if you haven’t told!)
• Date and time of birth
• Weight
• Length
• Eye colour
• Hair colour
• Looks more like Mum or Dad

Baby Shower Bingo

Gift-unwrapping time can is one of those baby shower ideas that polarises people. Some people love cooing over cute onesies, others don’t. Many guests really want to see the mama-to-be open the gift they so carefully chose, but many hosts worry that their guests will get bored sitting through the unwrapping of all the other gifts. This can be combatted with a fun game activity like baby shower bingo, and by keeping things informal so people can wander around and chat if they need a break from the gift-giving. Of course, with bingo, if they take a break, they risk losing some vital squares on the board ;)

The way this works is pretty straightforward. Create a bingo card that lists some of the most common baby shower gifts. Our list includes items such as:

• Bib
• Socks
• Crib sheet
• Car seat
• Bottle
• Book
• Bouncer
• Onesie
• Nappies/Diapers
• Activity toy
• Wipe warmer
• Burp cloth
• Changing pad
• Baby monitor
• Baby sling
• Swing
• Stuffed toy
• Sippy cup
• Nappy bag
• High chair
• Blanket
• Stroller
• Dummy/Pacifier

The first guest to get five squares in a row wins! The whole game will be even more fun if you have a great prize lined up and let everyone know ahead of time so there is a competitive edge to the proceedings.

Other cringe-free baby shower games ideas

You might let guests create custom onesies with fabric paint and patches, or work on painting or collaging decorations for the nursery (maybe wooden letters, photo frames or small figurines). This gives guests something fun to do with their hands while they chat, gives the baby some customised swag, and will appeal to those guests who aren’t big on baby shower party games.

Baby shower word games are easy to put together, since you just have to relate the game back to baby-themed words. The type of game is entirely up to you, but we’re thinking word searches, crosswords and word scrambles. Fun and baby-centred, but not in your face.

Allocate your baby shower guests a letter or two that have been cut out from card, and have them decorate them with pencils, glitter, scrapbooking materials and other fun crafty things. After the shower, collect all the letters into a fun, personalised book of ABCs for the baby. If you’ve got a lot of guests, make one with numbers to match.

Ask all your guests to bring a picture of themselves as a baby, and stick them on a wall or set them out on a table. Over the course of the baby shower, everyone can try to work out which guest is pictured in each image. As with any baby shower game or activity, good prizes are a must!

Whether you’re strict on choosing fun baby shower games that won’t make you cringe, or you’re embracing the cringe and just looking for other activities to fill out the day, these are some out-of-the-ordinary baby shower ideas that are sure to be a hit!

More Baby Shower Activity Ideas for 2026

Baby shower activities have evolved well beyond the classic baby bingo and gift guessing games. Here are fresh ideas that keep every guest engaged regardless of how well they know the parents-to-be.

Baby advice book station: Set up a table with blank cards, pens, and prompts. Guests write their best parenting advice, funniest memory, or a prediction for the baby – their card goes into a keepsake box or scrapbook. The parents end up with a collection of personal messages that’s more meaningful than a traditional guest book.

Name that tune – lullabies edition: Play the first 10 seconds of famous lullabies, nursery rhymes, and children’s songs. Teams write their answers and hand in sheets. Works beautifully for mixed-age groups where younger guests may not know the classics and older guests have the advantage.

Onesie decorating station: Provide plain white onesies in newborn and 0-3 month sizes, fabric pens, and stamps. Guests decorate one each – the parents receive a collection of one-of-a-kind outfits from everyone who attended. Set clear rules: no fabric paint that takes hours to dry, and keep markers capped between uses.

Baby photo timeline: Ask the parents (and their parents) for baby photos of both families. Display them on a timeline board – guests try to match the baby photos to the right person. Both hilarious and surprisingly touching when grandparents’ baby photos appear alongside modern ones.

Build-a-book library: Instead of (or in addition to) a gift registry, ask guests to bring their favorite children’s book with a personal inscription. The parents leave with a curated home library selected by the people who love them most.

How to Plan Baby Shower Games That Work for Everyone

The common mistake with baby shower games is choosing activities that work for one type of guest and alienate everyone else. Here’s how to structure a games lineup that actually lands.

Mix knowledge-based and skill-based: Not everyone knows diaper sizes or baby product names, but everyone can compete at a speed challenge or a creative task. Balance trivia-style games (Guess the Baby Food flavor) with participation games (onesie decorating) so no one sits out feeling out of their depth.

Limit games to 45-60 minutes total: Three focused, well-run activities outperform eight poorly explained ones. Have all materials prepped before guests arrive – fumbling with setup mid-game kills momentum.

Have prizes ready: Small prizes for game winners (bath products, candles, chocolate) make games feel worthwhile rather than obligatory. Booby prizes for last place are optional but often get the biggest laughs.

For the invitations that bring everyone together for these moments, baby shower invitations from Paperlust set the tone before the party begins. And if the parents need to print custom name tags, activity cards, or favor labels for the event, custom labels from Paperlust Print Shop add a polished, coordinated look.

Themed Baby Shower Activity Ideas

A strong theme makes game selection much easier – everything connects to a central concept and the decorations, activities, and invitations tell a unified story.

Garden / botanical theme: Seed packet favors, flower crown making station, “name that herb” trivia, pressed flower art activity cards.

Books and reading theme: “Don’t say baby” game using bookmarks as forfeits, literary baby name trivia, build-a-library activity instead of traditional games.

Safari / jungle theme: Animal name trivia, “pin the tail on the elephant” instead of the donkey, animal matching games for younger guests.

Golden / luxury theme: Wine and cheese pairing guess (or sparkling water varieties for a sober-friendly version), baby shower bingo with gold foil cards, champagne tower building.

Once the shower wraps up, send guests a personalized baby shower thank-you card for every gift, attendance, and favor you received.

Frequently Asked Questions

What games work for mixed groups?
Balance knowledge-based (baby trivia) with participation-based (onesie decorating). Everyone can compete at a creative task even if they don’t know diaper sizes.

How many games should you have?
Three to four well-organized games for a 2 to 3 hour shower. Keep structured game time to 45-60 minutes total.

What are some unique activity ideas?
Onesie decorating, baby advice book, build-a-library (guests bring a children’s book), baby photo timeline, name-that-lullaby.

How do you make games feel less forced?
Tie them to the theme, keep rules simple, have prizes ready, and give guests the option to participate or observe. The best activities don’t feel like games – they feel like things people want to do naturally.

The post Paperlust’s Best Baby Shower Ideas: Activities appeared first on Paperlust.

This has meant people have been making baby showers into must-attend events: making the theme fun, the décor gorgeous and the guest list broad. That same level of design care should extend to the post-shower follow-up, match your baby shower thank-you cards to the invitation aesthetic for a complete suite. Many are now inviting the men along too and making it a whole family affair. Whether serious and chic or casual and fun, it makes sense to have gorgeous baby shower invitations to match! Here are some of our favourite upcoming trends in baby shower stationery.

Nature Inspired

Nature is a perfect option for a baby shower, since it tends to be a feature of kids books, toys and nursery décor. It evokes a sense of discovery and learning all about the world for the first time. Everything is new and exciting to a small child, and that feeling is contagious! What better feeling to capture in your baby shower invitations. Nature is, of course, a super broad area, so there are so many themes to choose from!

Here are just a few suggestions:

• Ocean or beach
• Space
• Seasons
• Sunshine or rain (weather)
• Floral
• Animals (Rubber Ducky, Rabbit, Teddy Bear, Monkey, Elephant, Giraffe, Lion)
• Night time

You can go big with an illustration taking the stage on your invites or keep it simple with a small nod to the theme on the invitations. You can always decide to go big on the theme at the actual event. Either way, it’s bound to be a winner.

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Kid’s Stuff

What better way to celebrate the arrival of a child than with the things children use, need or love. Consider:

• Bottles, prams, nappies, dummies, high chairs
• Teddy bears, stuffed toys, winnie the pooh baby shower invitations
• Alphabet blocks, rattles
• Children’s books
• Baby clothes, onesies
• Favourite children’s characters from books or films

You could also include illustrations or photos of babies or children themselves. The trick is to keep it cute and classy. Less is more when it comes to stylish illustrations, so they shouldn’t just be piled on the invite. One larger feature image or a few smaller ones should be plenty to set the scene.

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http://www.ssheart.com/blog/2016/5/my-where-the-wild-things-are-baby-shower

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Baby Shower Invitations For Boys

When it comes to celebrating a baby boy on the way, patterned invitations are a timeless favourite. Think stripes, checks, stars or playful animal motifs, they add a fun, boyish charm without feeling too cliché. While classic blues still reign supreme, don’t shy away from soft greens, warm neutrals or even pops of mustard for something a little more unexpected. Whether you’re going for sweet and simple or bold and bright, there’s a patterned design to suit every kind of party vibe.

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Baby Shower Invitations For Girls

Planning a baby shower for a little girl? You can’t go wrong with a simple, type-led design that keeps things soft and elegant. Think delicate fonts, clean layouts, and a hint of blush or rose gold to tie it all together. These minimalist styles feel modern and refined, making them perfect for a relaxed afternoon tea or a chic garden gathering. Sometimes, less really is more, especially when paired with beautiful paper and a thoughtful message. Also check out the wording for baby shower invitations in this post.

Source: Paperlust.co

Gender Reveal Baby Shower Invitations

Nothing builds anticipation quite like a gender reveal, and your invitations should capture that excitement from the very beginning. Gender reveal baby shower invites are all about playful mystery, think pink vs. blue, cheeky question marks, or fun rhyming clues. Whether you’re planning a big reveal bash or a laid-back afternoon with friends, these designs help set the scene and spark curiosity before the party even begins. Check gender reveal baby shower invitation design at Paperlust 

So if you’re planning a baby shower, consider one of these four huge trends and how it might tie into your theme. All four are incredibly versatile and can mix and match with almost any style of shower, whether you’re going for a casual get-together or the whole shebang.

The post Trend Forecast: Top Five Baby Shower Invitation Trends in 2025 appeared first on Paperlust.

We’ve taken the time to collate a list of 7 of our favourite baby shower tips, so planning your shower is as easy as one, two, baby!

1. Save the Date: Baby Shower Invitations

Baby shower invitations are far more critical than simply relaying the ‘who,’ ‘when,’ and ‘where’ of a baby shower. They should reflect the mother-to-be’s personality. Set the tone for the occasion and give guests an idea of what kind of celebration to expect.

Whoever your guest-of-honour may be, discover the perfect design for their celebration from Paperlust’s range of beautiful customisable Baby Shower invitations. And of course, don’t forget to send out the invitations at least 2 weeks prior to the celebration to give everyone time to RSVP and get excited.

Helpful hint: If you have any questions or requests of your guests or if you’re organising a group gift and require funds to be deposited into a bank account prior to the shower.

2. Setting the scene: Baby Shower Decorations

As with your baby shower prep, remember your guest of honour when planning the decor. This is the mommy-to-be’s special time, and it should reflect who they are and how they would like to celebrate this new family member.

The possibilities for decorations are endless, but to start, think about themed items such as:

– Streamers and balloons

– Personalised banners

– Tablecloths and themed table confetti

– Floral table centrepieces

– Coloured and scented candles

– Photo boards and guest books

Keeping the Round out the suite with personalized baby shower thank-you cards sent within two to three weeks of the event.

co/blog/trend-forecast-top-five-baby-shower-invitation-trends-2017/” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>colour choices and theme consistent across your invitations, decorations and party games (below!) will ensure your space is cohesive and welcoming for guests.

3. The big reveal: Gifts

‘Shower’ is the operative word for ‘baby shower’, and it most certainly does not mean pouring water over your mum-to-be. Showering her with thoughtful gifts is the name of this game, and proper planning will ensure she receives gifts she will use and love.

Setting up a gift registry is a no-brainer. It is absolutely acceptable to ask for help from the Mum-to-be as there’s no point in choosing gifts without her input and risking disappointment later on. Check out this impressive range of baby shower gift ideas.

Helpful hint: If your Mum-to-be has her heart is on one big-ticket item, ask guests for a fixed monetary amount on their invite and purchase the gift on everyone’s behalf. 

4. They’ll eat it up: Food and drink

Your guests are spending money on gifts and taking time out to celebrate this momentous occasion, and as we all know gift-buying and celebrating is mighty hard work! Your guests will expect to be fed and watered on the day, so make sure you supply a healthy selection catering to all tastes.

Plan to have plenty of food? making the options finger-friendly is a great idea, as no one will  be expecting a full meal.

Are your guests bringing children? Make sure you cater to those little mouths with healthy, child-friendly offerings, too.

Lemonade and iced tea are great drinks for young and old. It’s also nice to offer champagne or another festive beverage for those not ‘expecting’ as it will add to the celebratory vibe.

Helpful hint: Remember to supply paper plates and cutlery. Choosing options in colours and styles that are cohesive with the theme is another way to add pizzazz to your shower.

5. A little piece of heaven: The cake

An important part of the Baby Shower tradition is the baby shower cake.

The options for a baby shower cake vary greatly, from simple sponges to elaborate tiered masterpieces and many in between. As with the rest of your planning, take inspiration from your guest of honour and make sure the cake reflects your mom-to-be’s tastes (both in aesthetics and flavour!)

Helpful hint: Attendees with dietary requirements? How about offering a selection of shower-themed cupcakes? These delicious desserts make it much easier to cater for those who are vegan, gluten-free or sugar-free.

6. Playing the part: Baby shower games

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Baby Shower Games can transform your shower from a humdrum to an absolute hoot, so it pays to have a selection of interesting and fun games ready for your guests. If you make the games “interesting” and easy to play, everyone will get involved and have a laugh, and it avoids that feeling of ‘we just showed up with a gift, and now we’re going home.’ If all your guests don’t know each other, playing fun baby shower-themed games is a great way to break the ice and get everyone in a merry mood.

Helpful hint: Make sure you have prizes ready for the winners of your games.

7. Saying Thank You: Party Favours

Showing appreciation for your guests is important to the baby shower experience. Guests will expect and appreciate a party favour or gift bag, and the more thoughtful the gift, the better.

Gift something the recipients will treasure by personalising or hand-making a keepsake. A photo in a frame, a succulent in a cute decorated pot, or a baby-themed artwork are all fantastic gift ideas.

The choice is yours, but make it something your guests will appreciate just as they’ve shown how much they care by attending your baby shower and gifting.

Helpful hint: Include a personalised note with your party favour thanking the attendee for coming and gifting. The extra thought will not go unnoticed by your guests.

By April Chaplin

April is a word warrior and self-professed bookworm. She’s a copywriter at Yellow Octopus where you can find Australia’s Coolest Gifts And Gadgets

The post 7 Awesome Tips For Hosting A Bumper Baby Shower appeared first on Paperlust.

Putting together a baby shower and looking for decoration ideas? We’ve got two great tutorials for you today: A baby wish wall, and baby shower gift tags that can double as decor. These are easy to assemble, look fantastic, and double as useful and practical. Yay! Bonus: These baby shower decorations mostly rely on paper, an easy material to get hold of, and one of our absolute favourites (I mean, we are ‘Paperlust’).

Creative Baby Shower Decoration Ideas for a Wish Wall

• Scrapbook paper
• Stencils (bought or DIY)
• Scissors
• String or twine
• Mini pegs
• Pens

1. Before the big day, get to the local craft shop and buy yourself some scrapbook paper. It should be light-coloured and not too busy so that when people write on it the text can be easily read. The paper can be in a range of different colours, but make sure it all works together nicely. Think about the colour scheme of your event and the colour scheme you have planned for the baby’s nursery or playroom (you’ll understand why in just a moment!).
2. Use a stencil to trace shapes onto the paper. You can use any shape you like, so this will fit in with any baby shower theme! We chose to use animal shapes, but you could do stars and planets, letters and numbers, baby items, or something else entirely. The shapes should be large enough for guests to write messages on and to use as decoration around the room.
3. Use your scissors to cut out the shapes! You’re going to want enough shapes for all your guests to have at least one or two each, plus spares in case some people want a do-over. If you’re busy with other planning, you might want to outsource some of this cutting work to other friends who will be attending the shower.

4. The day of the shower is here! Place strings along a wall, leaving enough room between rows for the shapes to be pegged on them. Make sure the strings are easy to reach. You can have the shapes already pegged up at the beginning of the event, sitting nearby in a basket or piled on a nearby table. Leave plenty of pens nearby.
5. Ask your guests to write wishes for the baby on the shapes and peg them up on the wish wall throughout the baby shower. You could include a fun reading of the wishes later in the proceedings, or just let everyone read the notes on the wall.
6. When the baby shower is over, these decorations can be reused to decorate the nursery. Simply string up the wishes along a wall. Alternatively, you can stick the wishes in a scrapbook, or just hold onto them in a memory box.

Unique Baby Shower Ideas with Gift Tags

• Paper stock
• Computer, printer and ink
• Scissors, knife or guillotine
• Hole punch
• Twine, string or ribbon

1. Use a Word document or a program online to create a design for your gift tags. They might be traditional gift tags to give ‘thank you’ gifts to your guests, or you could use a similar design as place cards or to keep track of whose drink is whose. Work out what you want to say and if you want to have any pictures on them to match the theme or colour scheme of your baby shower. Depending on the size you are hoping for, you might choose to make the design four to a page, six to a page or eight to a page. You could even go larger or smaller if you wanted to.
2. Print out your design on the best quality paper your printer is compatible with. Ask at your local stationery and office supply shop if you’re not sure. To avoid smudging, make sure you leave enough time for the ink to dry before you try to do anything with them and remove each page from the printer tray as the printer spits it out.
3. Trim your gift tags to size. This is easier with a guillotine or a craft knife, but if you have a steady hand scissors will do just fine. Try to keep them consistent.
4. Punch a hole in the corner of the tag, where it won’t affect the design or disrupt readability. If you don’t have a hole punch, cut a small hole with scissors or a knife. Don’t make the hole too close to the edge of the paper or it will be in danger of tearing.
5. Thread twine, ribbon or string through the hole and tie it to whatever you’re planning to decorate: a gift, a glass, a flower. It’s entirely up to you.

There we have it! Two beautiful baby shower decoration ideas that can be made just with paper and a few other bits and pieces. Happy showering!

Baby Shower Decoration Themes for 2026

Strong themes make decoration decisions infinitely easier – every purchase either fits the concept or it doesn’t. Here are the themes driving baby shower styling in 2026.

Earthy neutrals (terracotta, sage, warm ivory): The shift away from pastel pink-and-blue has accelerated. Terracotta vessels with dried pampas, sage green tablecloths, and warm ivory paper goods create a sophisticated, gender-neutral aesthetic that photographs beautifully and doesn’t skew toward traditional baby color codes. This theme suits parents who lean toward modern, minimalist interiors.

Maximalist floral: An abundance of fresh or dried flowers as the primary decoration – oversized bouquets in floor vases, flower crowns for the guest of honor, floral centerpieces on every table, and blooms woven through the dessert table display. Works best for garden venues or bright, naturally lit spaces. Coordinate invitation florals with the real arrangements for a cohesive visual story.

Safari or jungle: Tropical foliage (palm leaves, monstera, banana leaf), animal figurines on the dessert table, rattan and natural wood textures. A classic gender-neutral choice that’s stood the test of time because it creates immediate visual impact without requiring a precise color palette.

Books and storytelling: Vintage children’s book covers displayed as art, reading-corner-inspired seating area, build-a-library station as part of the activity. This theme works for literary parents and creates something meaningful – guests bring books, the parents leave with a home library.

For invitations that match your chosen theme, baby shower invitations from Paperlust are available across all aesthetic directions – floral, modern, botanical, and classic.

DIY Baby Shower Decoration Ideas

Not every shower has an unlimited budget – but with the right DIY approach, handmade decorations can look better than purchased ones. Here’s where to invest your time.

Paper flower backdrop: Large paper flowers made from tissue paper or cardstock create a stunning photo backdrop for a fraction of the cost of real florals. Templates are widely available online – they take time but no specialist skills. Group them in a tight cluster in the party’s color palette and the result is genuinely impressive.

Book page bunting: For literary-themed showers, vintage book pages folded into bunting triangles add a charming, thematic touch. Use pages from books that have significance to the parents or that represent the baby’s future reading life.

Photo string lights: Print 4×6 photos from the couple’s relationship – engagement shots, travel photos, family moments – and clip them to fairy lights strung across the venue. A personal touch that turns generic lighting into a visual story.

Custom labels on food items: A simple but impactful detail – custom labels on water bottles, snack bags, jam jars, or honey pots with the baby’s name or shower theme. Custom labels from Paperlust Print Shop can be printed in small quantities to match your theme precisely. They take a buffet from generic to genuinely personalized in minutes.

The Dessert Table: Making It the Room’s Focal Point

The dessert table is where decoration decisions make the biggest impact – it’s the most photographed spot at any baby shower. Here’s how to style one that earns its own Instagram moment.

Create height variation: Use cake stands, risers, and stacked books or crates to create different levels. A flat table of treats looks like a spread; a layered display with height variation looks intentional and styled.

Three-color rule: Limit your dessert table palette to three colors maximum – your primary (e.g. sage green), your secondary (ivory), and your accent (terracotta). When everything connects to the same palette, the table reads as a unified display even with multiple food types and container sizes.

Label everything: Printed tent cards for each food item look professional and help guests with dietary restrictions navigate quickly. Carry the same printed-stationery polish through to the post-shower thank-you with our baby shower thank-you cards collection. Match the font and colors to your invitation design for end-to-end consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions

What decorations do you need for a baby shower?
Feature wall/backdrop, table centerpieces, styled dessert table, balloon arrangements, welcome sign, and coordinated tableware. Custom labels and paper flowers add personalization at any budget level.

What themes are popular in 2026?
Earthy neutrals (terracotta, sage, ivory), maximalist botanicals, safari/jungle, and literary themes. Gender-neutral palettes have overtaken traditional pink and blue.

How do you style a dessert table?
Create height variation, limit to three colors, label everything, use the back-center as the visual anchor. It should read as a unified display, not a flat food spread.

What are budget-friendly ideas?
Tissue paper flower backdrops, book page bunting, photo string lights, custom labels on store-bought items, Mason jar vases, and balloon garlands. DIY done well beats expensive purchased decorations every time.

The post Paperlust’s Best Baby Shower Decoration Ideas and Inspirations appeared first on Paperlust.

Housewarming invitations

Housewarming party invitations are difficult to come by. While Paperlust don’t have a specific section on our site for housewarming invitation templates, many of our engagement invitations are compatible with an invitation for housewarming. Customising a wedding invitation can add sophistication to your housewarming, but if you’re looking for variety, you could also browse our birthday invitation category for suitable housewarming invitations.

We understand that your home is special to you – your housewarming invitation deserves to be special too. For some people, a housewarming is simply a casual catch-up with friends, while for others a housewarming may be more formal, perhaps even including a ceremony. Some cultures place a lot of emphasis on this event and view it as a right of passage, especially for a young married couple moving into their first home. In these instances, a house warming ceremony invitation is perfect: choose a more formal design, potentially incorporating a premium print technique like raised gold foil or letterpress to add a touch of elegance.

We think the ‘The Magnificent Garden’ baby shower invitation pictured above would be perfect repurposed as a housewarming invitation.

Saying farewell

Moving on to a new stage of life is a big deal and deserves to be commemorated. Unfortunately, leaving party invitations aren’t often available as a template, so whether it’s farewell invites, graduation invitation templates or retirement invitations, enjoy the variety of any of Paperlust’s designs by making it personal to your event. Replace aspects of a design you like and edit it until it feels right for your particular celebration.

Feel free to choose a farewell invitation template that is pretty basic and then add some personality to it yourself. If you’re saying goodbye to just one person, you may want a farewell party invitation that includes their name and a photo of them (or not, depending on how outgoing they are). Choose one of our templates that includes space for an image and find the photo that best shows their personality. For a graduating class you could include their group portrait. School formal invitations or graduation invites don’t have to include the school’s logo and crest – but they can if you want them to.

The ‘Florescence’ birthday invitation design pictured above would make a classy farewell invitation, just by tweaking the wording.

Religious rites of passage

At Paperlust, we offer christening and baptism invitations, and while we don’t have specific categories for confirmation invites, holy communion or first communion invitation templates, or Easter invitations, our designs can be easily customised to suit any of these religious events.

Whether you want an adorable photo, some beautiful flowers or a watercolour design, we have plenty of templates to capture your fancy. From there it’s all about personalising your chosen design to look appropriate for confirmation invitations, or whichever event you are planning. For communion invitations for a boy you can use blue colours, or pink for a girl, or stick to gender neutral colours like gold, white and grey. If you’re searching for holy communion invitations templates free online, use our online design tool to customise your invitation and see your results in real time obligation free. Purchasing quality eliminates any stress as our customer service team ensures that your whole order runs smoothly.

The ‘Baby on Frame’ christening invitation pictured above works for any milestone religious event, just change up the wording and the picture.

Casual gatherings

While no one expects every invite for dinner to be carved into a marble tablet, there’s no harm in ordering some fun BBQ invitations or pizza party invitations for a chilled out catch up at your house or local park. This is perfect anytime you want to make a little more of an effort – like for a birthday or Australia Day party. If you don’t fancy the typical Australia Day invitation, choose a Paperlust design with the colours you like (they don’t even have to be blue, green or gold) and start personalising the classiest Australia Day invites ever.

For something like a new year invitation or street party invitation, consider something like bright colours and a fun vibe – our birthday invitation collection might suit you more than adapting wedding or engagement invites for these fun occasions.

Dinner party invitations can be anything you like. From a fun murder mystery dinner party with wacky costumes to a formal dinner party to celebrate a milestone birthday or anniversary, look for colours and designs to match the mood of the night and you can’t go wrong.

Our ‘Happy Cocktail’ invitation pictured above is perfect for any casual event.

Bucks & hens

While a bucks invite can often be as casual as a text the weekend before, there’s nothing wrong with having a bucks invitation or bachelorette invitations a little more on the formal side. They don’t have to be raised gold foil or anything fancy, but ordering quality printed invitations (even if they are just handed out among close friends) builds anticipation for your event and signifies the importance of your wedding as a whole. Some people like all of the events in their wedding to follow the same theme, so stationery can be a way to create a cohesive feel without dominating your night. Remember that bachelorette invitations and hens invites are usually used as interchangeable terms, so don’t limit your search to just one!

Although not everyone does it, an official maid of honour invitation is a lovely way to invite your sister or friend to be part of your special journey down the aisle. If you’re looking for some groomsmen invitations ideas and don’t want to just ask over a coffee or cold beer, consider a simple black and white design to keep it classy, or a photo card for its comedic potential. Asking someone to be part of your bridal party is essentially a way to celebrate your friendship, so you should do whatever feels natural for you and not feel pressured to be overly formal.

Use our ‘Here Comes the Bride’ bridal shower template to invite your best friends to be part of your bridal party, or as bachelorette party invites.

At times we all want to add a little wow factor to our life events, so whether it’s a housewarming invitation card or a farewell invitation, Paperlust is here to help make it even more memorable. Customise any of our stunning designs to celebrate your important event and make it pop!

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Guests

Having guests sign in upon arrival is a fantastic way to commemorate the day. All of those signatures by loved ones are a visual display of “we love you THIS much” that baby will appreciate in years to come!  A great way to do this is to have a guest book or, better yet, a christening party signature frame that can be hung on baby’s wall.

Table Settings

Feel free to be creative when it comes to the table setting.  With summer time, anything goes! You can be more personable and have name tags next to each plate or have embroidered napkins with the guest’s name on them.  Or keep it casual and use pretty paper plates and napkins with plastic utensils.   Either way, be sure to add a touch of summer with some live flowers and a crisp tablecloth. Also, it is a good idea to make sure no sprinkler systems will be turned on during the festivities.

Food

For the main course, go for something that is versatile and easy.  For example, sandwiches can be little and fancy or can be customized by providing all the fixins’ to accommodate any taste buds. Fresh chilled fruit is always a great addition to a summer meal.  You can do fruit kabobs, fruit pizza, or just have a pretty bowl with your favorite fruits mixed together. For dessert, a cake is always a yummy option, as a bonus, it can be decorated to be part of the decor.  Have the bakery add a cross, embellishments to match your table setting, or baby’s name to make it extra special.

Pictures

We can’t stress enough the importance of pictures.  It is the only way to capture baby’s special day in vivid detail.  The best way to make sure you do capture every moment, in its truest form and lighting, is to hire a professional photographer.  There are many talented options out there.  Talk to more than one to find the photographer that will be the best fit for you.  Ask questions before booking: find out the cost, what is included with that cost, what type of photos they will be taking (you will want someone who can blend in with guests so they can snap moments and not just staged photos), what is their shooting style, and ask to see some of their previous work.  You will be glad you have these photos, and they will become more precious as time goes on.

Summer Christening Gown/Outfits

One of the most important things to consider for this special occasion is baby’s christening attire.  You want something that will hold up to the challenges only baby can bring.  We love these little people and want them to look adorable but also be comfortable. Here are a few things to look for:

For Girls

1. Lace with a light lining and cotton slip. Why? Both are a breathable material and will feel cloud-soft against new, tender skin.

2. Short sleeve, silk, and open-back bonnet. Why? Short sleeves for obvious reasons but silk is another lightweight material that is great for warm weather events. The open-back bonnet is not only an adorable vintage style it also allows for a cooling airflow as well.

For Boys

1. Outfits made with 100% cotton broadcloth. Why? It is crisp by nature to bring out the handsome and, above all, it is light and airy.
2. 100% silk or polyester shantung romper. Why? Both materials have an irresistible luster in the summer sun.  However, be sure to look for a short sleeve option and (if possible) a shorts style. These materials, although stunning, are less airy than cotton but are still a great light-weight option.
3. Bodysuit tops, overalls, or rompers. Why?  This is just a good rule in general.  All babies are precious and all babies LOVE TO WIGGLE!  With a one-piece style, you can rest at ease knowing you will not spend the day adjusting your little man’s outfit or tucking his shirt back in.

Thanks for reading and letting us share our ideas with you.  We hope these tidbits will help spring forth a plethora of your own amazing ideas as you plan your little’s magical outdoor summer christening.

The post How to Plan a Summer Christening appeared first on Paperlust.

Having a baby is one of the most exciting moments in a family’s life, and it is customary for friends and other family members to help mark the occasion with cards, gifts, and visits. Baby cards are one of the most important parts of this, they let you communicate meaningfully and provide a great memento for years to come. Baby cards from friends and family often end up in memory boxes, scrapbooks, and baby books for the child to look back on in the future.

When is a baby card appropriate?

It can be tough to know whether or not to send a baby card. Obviously for a close friend or family member you should send a card, and as a general rule, if you received a baby shower invitation then it’s probably a good idea to acknowledge the birth. But baby cards are one of those things that aren’t strictly required, which can cause a lot of confusion. What about a distant relative, colleague, or acquaintance? Should you send a baby card to them? The only time a baby card is good etiquette is if you received a mailed birth announcement card, which means most of the time it’s all down to whether or not you want to send a card.

If you’re thinking about sending a card but you’re in doubt, the answer is probably yes. You can adjust the content to an appropriate level for your relationship. People are always going to appreciate a card, even if you’re not that close.

When should I send a new baby card?

There’s no official time period on baby cards, but soon after the arrival of the baby is preferable. If the card is a thank-you for shower gifts specifically, browse our dedicated range of baby shower thank-you cards matched to your shower theme. It’s a new baby card, so you ideally want to send it while the baby is still new. Within a few months is perfect. Most people choose to send a gift as well. Popular gifts include teething toys, milestone baby cards, natural bath products, and decorations for the nursery.

Styles of baby cards

Baby cards traditionally feature pictures of babies or baby accessories: rattles, bottles, onesies, stuffed toys, cribs, and similar items. They may also feature cute illustrations or things kids might be interested in: animals, space, the ocean, butterflies. There has been a push back against heavily gendered designs, with people increasingly choosing cards that the parents will love, rather than something geared toward children.

Baby card wording samples

Wording a baby card doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful. Keep it simple. The winning formula is:

• Name the parents, mother, or family (whoever you’re directing the card to)
• Say congratulations
• Name the baby (if you know the name)
• Say something kind about the baby, if you have seen a picture
• Say something kind about the recipient(s) of the card
• Congratulate them again
• Sign your name

For an informal example:

For a more formal example:

Whoever you are writing to, and whatever your relationship, just remember to keep it real, be honest, and say what you mean. The gesture of the card is more important than what you write in it.

Birth Announcement Wording Examples: 20 Templates by Tone and Situation

Writing the announcement itself, the card you send from your family to your guests, is a different task from writing a message in a friend’s baby card. Your announcement wording should capture the personality of your family. Below are 20 templates sorted by tone and situation.

Classic and Traditional

Classic wording is timeless, warm, and respectful. It suits formal families and older recipient lists.

Warm and Heartfelt

Warm tones feel personal without being casual. Great for cards sent to a wide circle of family and close friends.

Funny and Playful

Playful wording works for casual families and younger recipient lists. Keep it brief and let the humor land in a single line.

Poetic and Lyrical

A poetic style suits families who love literature or want something that feels like a keepsake from day one.

Minimalist

Minimalist wording lets the design carry the card. A single sentence, or even just a name and date, is the entire message.

Special Situations

Twin announcements

Rainbow baby

LGBTQ+ parents

Adoption announcement

Single parent

Photo Birth Announcement Cards: Design Tips and What to Include

Photo birth announcement cards are the most popular style in 2026, they give recipients a first look at the new arrival and create an instant keepsake. Here’s how to make yours work well.

When to take the photos

Newborn photos have a narrow window. The first 5-14 days are the sweet spot when babies sleep deeply and curl naturally. If you miss this window, 3-4 months is another great stage when babies are awake, alert, and starting to smile. Don’t worry about having professional photos, well-lit natural-light shots work beautifully on printed cards.

Photo specs for print

For sharp results on a printed card, aim for:

• Minimum 300 DPI resolution
• File size of at least 1 MB (ideally 3-5 MB+)
• Natural or soft artificial lighting, avoid heavy flash shadows
• Portrait orientation for standard card layouts; landscape for wide/horizontal designs

Paperlust designers can enhance brightness, contrast, and light retouching on your photo as part of your order at no extra cost, just include a note in your special requests.

What to include on a photo birth announcement card

A well-designed birth announcement card balances the photo with enough information to be meaningful. Here’s what to include:

• Baby’s full name, confirm spelling before you submit
• Birth date
• Birth weight and length, optional but expected by most guests
• Time of birth, optional, but often meaningful to grandparents
• Parent names
• Sibling names (optional, especially sweet for first children being introduced to a new baby)

No-photo birth announcements

No-photo cards are a legitimate and beautiful choice. Reasons families choose them include privacy preferences, NICU stays where photos feel premature, adoption timing, or simply preferring a design-forward look. A well-written no-photo card with a stunning flat foil or metallic print can be just as memorable as a photo card.

Choosing the right print method for a photo card

Birth Announcement Timing: When to Send and Who to Tell First

The classic advice is to send birth announcements within 2-6 weeks of your baby’s arrival. That said, the 6-week rule is a guideline, not a hard deadline. Many families send announcements at 8-12 weeks, especially when recovering from a difficult birth, NICU stays, or simply the fog of newborn sleep deprivation.

Who to notify first

There’s an informal hierarchy most families follow:

• Day of birth: Immediate family (parents, siblings, closest friends), usually by phone or text
• First week: Extended family and close friends, phone, text, or a quick social post
• Weeks 2-6: Formal printed announcement mailed to your full guest list

The printed card serves a different purpose from the day-one phone call. It’s the official, tangible record, the one that gets pinned to a refrigerator or tucked into a baby book.

How many announcements to order

A common mistake is underordering. Think through your list carefully before placing your order:

• Both sets of grandparents (they often want multiple copies)
• Aunts, uncles, and cousins
• Close friends from different stages of life (school, college, work)
• Neighbors you are close to
• Colleagues and professional contacts, if appropriate

Most families order between 50 and 150 cards. Ordering extra at the time of your initial print run is always cheaper than a reprinting later.

Special timing situations

NICU stays

There is no obligation to send announcements while your baby is still in the NICU. Wait until you feel ready. Many families add a brief note acknowledging the journey, which is always received warmly.

Adoption announcements

Timing is personal and varies by the adoption process. Many families send announcements at finalization, placement, or both. There is no wrong answer.

Twins and multiples

Plan for a slightly longer lead time, coordinating photos and finalizing two (or more) names takes extra days. Factor that into your ordering window.

2026 Birth Announcement Design Trends

Design preferences shift every year. Here’s what’s popular across Paperlust birth announcement cards in 2026.

Earthy, neutral palettes

Sage, terracotta, warm cream, and dusty blush have overtaken the traditional baby pink and blue. These palettes photograph well and feel timeless rather than trend-dependent. They also avoid the “is it a boy or a girl?” guessing game for families who prefer gender-neutral presentations.

Botanical and nature-inspired illustration

Botanical line drawings, eucalyptus, wildflowers, simple branch silhouettes, remain a dominant style. They pair beautifully with both photo and no-photo cards and translate well across print methods.

Flat foil names with photo windows

The combination of a full-bleed newborn photo with flat foil treatment on the baby’s name has become one of the most requested styles. Gold and pale gold are the top two foil colors. Rose gold is a close third, particularly for parents who want a warmer, more feminine feel.

Minimalist single-photo designs

Clean layouts with a single large photo, the baby’s name in a simple serif, and nothing else. These feel modern and function well as a standalone keepsake. Less information, more impact.

Oversized and landscape formats

A5 landscape and DL portrait formats are growing in popularity as families look for announcements that stand out in a mailbox. Standard 4×6-inch cards remain the most commonly ordered format, but larger designs are trending upward.

Sustainable papers

Seed paper and recycled stock options are increasingly requested, particularly from environmentally conscious families. Paperlust’s digital print range covers these options.

Birth Announcement FAQs

What should I write in a birth announcement card?

Include the baby’s full name, birth date, weight, and length. Add parent names and any siblings. Tone can be formal, warm, or playful, match it to your family’s personality and your relationship with recipients.

When should I send birth announcements?

The traditional window is 2-6 weeks after birth. Up to 3 months is perfectly acceptable, especially for families navigating NICU stays, difficult recoveries, or adoption processes.

How many birth announcement cards should I order?

Most families order between 50 and 150 cards. Think through both sides of the family, close friends, colleagues, and neighbors. Ordering extras upfront is cheaper than a reprint.

What is the difference between a baby announcement and a baby shower invitation?

A baby shower invitation goes out before the baby is born and invites guests to a celebration. A birth announcement is sent after birth to share the news of the baby’s arrival.

Can I include a photo on my birth announcement card?

Yes. Digital and flat foil print methods both support full-color photo layouts. Aim for a photo taken in the first 5-14 days when newborns sleep deeply and curl naturally.

What photo resolution do I need for a printed birth announcement?

At least 300 DPI is recommended. A file size of 2 MB or larger will produce sharp results. Paperlust designers can adjust brightness and contrast on your photo as part of your order.

Do birth announcements need to be mailed, or can I send them digitally?

Printed announcements are traditional and create a lasting keepsake. Digital sharing (social media, text, email) is fine for immediate family and close friends on the day of birth. The printed card is the formal record that gets kept for years.

What are the most popular birth announcement designs in 2026?

Earthy neutral palettes (sage, cream, terracotta), botanical illustration, flat foil baby names paired with photo windows, and minimalist single-photo layouts are the top styles this year.

How long does it take to receive birth announcement cards from Paperlust?

Your Paperlust designer will deliver your proof within 1-2 business days. Digital print orders dispatch quickly after proof approval. US orders arrive via DHL Express within 2-4 business days after dispatch. Free DHL express shipping applies to orders over $350 USD.

Can I order birth announcements for twins?

Yes. Paperlust offers designs that accommodate twin birth details. You can list both babies’ names, birth weights, and lengths. Browse the birth announcements collection and contact the team with your customization needs.

What is a rainbow baby announcement?

A rainbow baby is a baby born after a pregnancy loss, miscarriage, or infant loss. Rainbow baby announcements often use subtle rainbow motifs or meaningful wording that acknowledges the family’s journey. Paperlust’s design team can help craft a custom look.

Are there birth announcement cards for LGBTQ+ families?

Absolutely. All Paperlust birth announcement designs are fully customizable. You can adjust parent name labels, pronouns, and any wording to match your family. The design team treats every order with equal care.

Are there birth announcements for NICU families?

Yes. There is no obligation to send announcements while your baby is still in the NICU. Wait until you feel ready. Many families add a brief note acknowledging the journey, which is always received warmly by recipients.

The post Baby Cards 101: Your Questions Answered appeared first on Paperlust.

You have bought the perfect gift. Now you need a card message that is warm, genuine, and memorable. Baby shower cards are often read aloud as gifts are unwrapped, so what you write gets heard by the whole room. Whether you want something heartfelt, something funny, or something faith-inspired, this guide has you covered with 60+ baby shower card messages organized by relationship and tone.

Baby Shower Card Messages by Relationship

Who the card is for shapes everything: the level of warmth, the inside references you can draw on, and how much you can say. Here are messages organized by your relationship to the parents-to-be.

For Your Best Friend

Tip: Show excitement, solidarity, and support. You are in for the long haul with this one.

For Your Sister

Tip: Sisterhood adds a layer of history that makes these messages land harder. Lean into it.

For a Relative or Old Friend

Tip: Time holds you together. Shared experiences will make your message meaningful.

For a Work Colleague or Acquaintance

Tip: Keep it simple and short, with plenty of positivity. A warm, professional tone is always appropriate here.

For the Baby

Tip: Writing your message directly to the baby can make it a keepsake the parents hold onto for years.

For a Parent Who Is Doing It Alone

Tip: Acknowledge strength without making it the entire focus. Lead with love and excitement.

30 More Baby Shower Card Message Ideas

Need more options? Here are 30 additional messages organized by occasion and tone. Mix and match phrases to make them your own.

Sincere and Heartfelt Messages

Messages for a Baby Girl

Messages for a Baby Boy

Messages for Twins

Congratulations Messages

Thank You Card Messages (Bonus)

Once the shower wraps up, a well-chosen baby shower thank-you card is the perfect follow-up. Here are a few quick messages to inspire yours.

Funny Baby Shower Card Messages: 15 Lines That Will Get a Laugh

Humor is welcome at baby showers, just remember to end on a positive note. The best funny messages acknowledge the chaos of parenthood while expressing genuine love and support.

Christian and Spiritual Baby Shower Card Messages

Faith-based messages can be deeply meaningful when you know the parents share a religious or spiritual perspective. If you are not certain, a broadly warm sentiment is a safe and thoughtful choice.

Tip: These messages are also appropriate for baptism and christening cards.

Gender Reveal Card Messages: 10 Neutral and Surprise Options

Whether the reveal is part of the shower or happening separately, a gender reveal card message should capture the excitement of the moment. These work whether you know the gender or not.

Before the Reveal (Neutral)

Celebrating a Girl

Celebrating a Boy

General Reveal Celebration

Messages When You Don’t Know the Parents Well

Sometimes you are attending the shower of a partner’s coworker, a friend’s sister, or someone you have only met a few times. A short, sincere message is always appropriate and never awkward.

Quotes and Poems for Baby Shower Card Messages

A well-placed quote or short poem can add depth to your message. Keep it brief and relevant so it adds to your note rather than replacing it.

Quotes for Baby Shower Cards

Short Poems for Baby Shower Cards

Sweet Baby (abridged) by Linda Ori

Baby, sweet baby, your cute button nose,
Your soft tiny fingers and sweet baby toes,
Have truly bewitched me and nobody knows
How the depth of my love for you just grows and grows;

So precious and tender your love is to me,
Until I first held you, I never could see
How wonderfully magical my life could be —
You have opened my heart and my spirit is free!

Baby Shower Greeting by Joanna Fuchs

Your baby shower is here,
And I am glad I got invited.
Here is a baby gift,
I hope you will be delighted!

Baby Shower Invitations to Match the Moment

The message in your card starts before anyone even opens it. If you are hosting or helping plan the shower, the invitation sets the tone for everything that follows. Paperlust’s baby shower invitations are designed by independent Australian and international artists, with hundreds of styles from modern minimalist to floral and whimsical. Every order includes a professional designer who handles your customization from proof to print.

Orders over $350 USD ship free worldwide via DHL Express. Designer proofs are delivered within 1-2 business days. Samples are available so you can see paper quality before you commit.

Baby Shower Card Message FAQs

What is a good baby shower card message for a close friend?

For a close friend, lean into your shared history and genuine excitement. Something like: “You are going to be the most incredible mother. I have known it since the day we met. This baby is already the luckiest kid alive.” Specific, personal, and warm beats generic every time.

What should I write in a baby shower card if I don’t know the parents well?

Keep it short and sincere. A simple “Congratulations on your exciting news! Wishing you and your family every happiness as you welcome your new arrival” is always appropriate. You do not need to be close to write something meaningful, warmth and good wishes are enough.

Is it okay to write something funny in a baby shower card?

Absolutely, humor is welcome, especially if you know the parents well. The key is to end on a positive note. Start with a funny line, then close with genuine love or encouragement. Avoid humor that leans too heavily on the difficulties of parenthood without balancing it with support.

How long should a baby shower card message be?

Two to four sentences is the sweet spot for most relationships. Close friends and family can go longer if the message feels genuine. For colleagues or acquaintances, one to two warm sentences is ideal. Baby shower cards are often read aloud during gift opening, so shorter messages land well in that setting.

Should I address the card to the mother, the father, or both parents?

If it is a couples shower or co-ed event, address both parents. For a traditional mother-only shower, addressing the guest of honor is fine. Use both names if you know them, it shows care and attention.

Can I write a message directly to the baby?

Yes, and parents often treasure these for years. Keep it warm, hopeful, and brief. Something like: “Hello, tiny human. The world is better already, and you have not even arrived yet. We cannot wait to meet you.” These messages are often placed in a baby book.

What are good Christian baby shower card messages?

Faith-based messages work best when you know the family shares that perspective. Options like “May God guide your hands as you raise this precious child” or quoting Jeremiah 1:5 can be deeply meaningful. If you are not sure about their faith background, a broadly warm and hopeful message is always a safe and beautiful choice.

What should I write on a gender reveal card?

If the reveal has already happened, celebrate with specificity: “A girl! Get ready to have your heart stolen completely, congratulations!” If you are writing before the reveal, keep it neutral: “Whatever the color, this baby is already so loved.” Both approaches are thoughtful and appropriate.

What is a good baby shower card message from a coworker?

Keep it professional and warm. “Wishing you all the happiness, luck, and patience in the world” or “What an exciting time for your growing family! Congratulations to you both” strikes the right balance of genuine warmth without overstepping the professional relationship.

Should I add a poem or quote to my baby shower card?

A short quote or one verse of a poem can add a beautiful touch, but treat it as a complement to your own words, not a replacement. Write your personal message first, then add the quote underneath with the attribution. Avoid quotes that are so long they overshadow your note.

The post 60+ Baby Shower Card Messages for Every Relationship appeared first on Paperlust.

There’s no bigger adjustment in life than during the weeks following the arrival of a new baby. Physically recovering from birth, learning to care for a baby, functioning on little sleep and dealing with visitors all take their toll. The last thing on your mind during this time is sending out baby announcement cards, and many mums find they later regret missing the opportunity to officially welcome their babe to the world in this way.

So what’s the trick? How does anyone get baby announcement cards sent out in those hazy weeks and months after a baby arrives? We’ve got the answers for you.

1. Plan Ahead

Think about your baby announcements while you are pregnant. Find a design you love and get in touch with the store to find out their shipping times and other details. Ask if you can order and pay in advance, so that you only have to provide the final photo and information after the birth.

Write a list of people you want to send baby announcements to and make sure your contact details for those people are all up to date.

2. Enlist Help

You can have your friend simply place the order for you, or you can have them send the cards out too. Just leave them with a complete list of names and addresses, some stamps or even pre-prepared envelopes to make things easy for them.

3. Keep it Simple

Usually, the information included is:

• • Name (usually the full name)

• • Birth date

• • Weight

• • Length

• Photo

• • Birth time

• • Parents names

• • Siblings names (if it’s not the first child)

• A brief, general thank you message

This is a card you want to try and get out quickly after the birth, as an announcement. If you try to include personalised messages for every recipient, the job can become overwhelming and take weeks or months. Consider waiting until things have settled down a little and then writing thank you cards to family and friends who helped, visited or gave gifts.

It may seem overwhelming, but you don’t have to be super-mum to get birth announcements out after your baby is born. Just a little bit of organisation and preparation can make all the difference, and leave you with more time to snuggle with your new bundle of joy.

Written by Maddison Wallace from Paperlust

Also check out our Top five baby shower invitation trends for 2o17

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Baby Announcement Wording Examples

Getting the wording right is often the hardest part. Here are templates for the most common announcement styles – adjust them to suit your voice and your baby’s story.

Classic formal:
[Parent Name] and [Parent Name] joyfully announce the arrival of [Baby Name]
Born [Day], [Date] 2026 at [time]
Weighing [weight] and measuring [length]

Warm and conversational:
“She’s here! [Baby Name] arrived on [Date] and immediately made herself at home. Tiny, loud, and completely perfect. We couldn’t be more in love.”

Sibling announcement (when there’s an older child):
“Big news from the [Last Name] family. [Sibling Name] has officially been promoted to Big Brother/Sister. Please welcome [Baby Name], born [Date]. The management requests patience while we adjust to the new team structure.”

Adoption announcement:
“Our hearts are full. After a journey that tested our patience and filled our lives with hope, we are overjoyed to introduce [Baby Name]. Born [Date], joined our family [Date]. Love doesn’t always arrive on schedule – but it always arrives right on time.”

Browse Paperlust’s full range of baby announcement cards and customize your chosen design with your wording, photo, and baby’s details. Designer proofs arrive in 1 to 2 business days with two rounds of edits included.

Printed vs Digital Baby Announcements

Most new parents send a mix of both – a digital announcement on social media or via text for immediate news, followed by a printed card for family members and close friends who deserve something tangible. Here’s how to think about each format.

Digital announcements: Immediate, free, and widely shared. A well-composed photo with a short caption on Instagram or a photo shared in a group chat does the job for casual announcements. The limitation: it disappears in a feed and is forgotten within days.

Printed announcements: Lasting, tactile, and genuinely treasured. Grandparents display printed baby announcements on refrigerators and mantels for years. A beautifully designed card with a professional photo and the birth details printed in quality typography is a keepsake – something the recipient may keep for decades.

The approach that works best: Post the immediate digital announcement for the wide circle, then take a week or two to choose a design, select the best baby photo, and order a quality printed card for the 30 to 50 people who will genuinely treasure it. The printed announcement doesn’t need to be hurried – it arrives after the initial news, which gives it a different, more considered quality.

Baby Announcement Timing and Ordering Guide

There’s no single correct time to send a baby announcement. Here’s a practical guide to timing that takes the pressure off.

Digital announcement: As soon as you’re ready. Some families post within hours of birth; others wait a few days until they’re home and settled. Either is fine.

Printed announcement: Order within the first 4 to 6 weeks. You’ll need a good baby photo (usually taken in the first 1 to 2 weeks), the confirmed name and birth details, and 10 minutes to customize a design. Printed announcements from Paperlust include digital proofing within 1 to 2 business days, giving you a chance to check spelling and details before committing to print. Browse the full baby announcement collection to find a design that matches your family’s aesthetic. For matching coordinated pieces like gift tags, thank you labels, or favor stickers for a welcome baby celebration, custom stickers from Paperlust Print Shop complete the welcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should be on a baby announcement card?
Baby’s full name, date of birth, weight, and length. Many also add time of birth and parents’ names. A baby photo is optional but makes it genuinely treasured.

When should you send them?
Within the first 4 to 6 weeks. Wait until you’re home, have a great photo, and have confirmed spelling from the birth certificate.

How many should you order?
Typically 30 to 75 cards. Order slightly more than you think – you’ll always think of someone. Reprinting small quantities later is expensive.

Is it rude to skip printed announcements?
Not rude, but older family members who aren’t on social media will genuinely appreciate a physical card. Grandparents often display them for years.

Baby Announcement Design Styles

Choosing a design that reflects your family’s personality makes the announcement feel genuinely personal rather than generic.

Photo-forward: The baby’s photo is the primary design element – a full-bleed image or large portrait with minimal text overlay. Works best with a great newborn photo (natural light, simple background, baby awake or sleeping peacefully).

Illustrated botanical: A designed card with illustrated florals, botanicals, or a monogram frame – the baby’s details printed in elegant typography within the design. Suits families who want a more artistic, less photographic announcement.

Minimal typographic: Clean sans-serif or serif typography on a plain background. The focus is entirely on the information – name, date, weight, and a single sentence. This style prints beautifully on textured paper and suits parents with a modern, minimalist aesthetic.

Whatever style you choose, a professionally designed and printed baby announcement is something recipients display and keep – a physical keepsake that a text message will never replicate.

The post How to create baby announcements when you’re adjusting to life with a newborn appeared first on Paperlust.

There’s nothing quite as exciting as a new arrival in the family and everyone is thrilled to come and celebrate, even before the sweet bub has actually put in an appearance! A baby shower is an opportunity for this pre-birth celebration.

1. Who are you inviting to the baby shower?

Basically, who do you want to celebrate with? Baby showers are traditionally attended only by women, but many people now opt to include men, couples and families in the festivities. Regardless of the gender of those attending, consider whether the shower will be an event with relatives, friends or both. An event with your girls might be different from one with your nanna, aunts and little sisters.

Make clear to your guests what the demographics of the baby shower will look like so they can plan accordingly. This doesn’t have to be communicated in words necessarily. An identical invitation will communicate who will be present if it is addressed ‘to Georgia’, ‘to Georgia & Robbie’ or ‘to Georgia, Robbie, Mila and Charlie’.

For the wording of the baby shower invitations, try using terms like ‘girls’ afternoon’, ‘family lunch’, ‘ladies night’ or simply add a note indicating whether or not men or children are welcome.

Examples:

2. What is the style of the baby shower?

What are you actually going to be doing at the party? Is it going to be planned out with games and activities? Is it going to involve a sit-down meal? Is it being held at a restaurant or in your backyard? The event might be on the formal side, or it might be completely casual and relaxed. Make sure your guests know what to expect! This will help them make decisions about their own behaviour: what they wear, how strictly they adhere to the start time, perhaps even whether they come at all.

Use your invitation wording to indicate the style of the event. Words like ‘get-together’, ‘gathering’, ‘hangout’, ‘catch up’, ‘chill’, and ‘shindig’ communicate that the party will be casual, as does the mention of ‘games’, or references to a bbq, picnic or other such event. On the other hand, words and styles like ‘dinner party’, ‘high tea’, ‘rendezvous’, ‘appetisers’, and ‘gala’ suggest a more formal occasion.

Examples:

3. Are you hoping for gifts at the baby shower?

This might sound like a rude or up-front question, but it is important because traditionally gifts were at the centre of the shower: they were basically the point of the thing! Friends and family would bring presents to help support the family as they welcomed a new child, providing much of the ‘stuff’ that babies need. Nowadays, many parents are in their thirties, mid-career and more stable than in the past, and so may not need a haul of baby things. Those in this situation might opt for a wishing well (cash gifts), a donation to charity in lieu of gifts, or ask for no gifts at all. Alternatively, many people do want or need gifts but would prefer to have a registry to ensure they get things they will use. Any of these options are fine, and as long as you are polite it is completely acceptable to let your guests know what your preference is.

Note: You don’t have to specify anything about gifts to your guests on the invitation! Just be prepared to field questions individually, and know that most people will be inclined to just bring a gift of their choice if you haven’t made any preference clear.

This isn’t a wedding invite, so there’s no etiquette dictating that gifts should not be mentioned on the invitation itself. Once the shower is over, follow up with personalized baby shower thank-you cards that match your invitation suite. Try to keep it to a brief sentence at the end of the text.

Examples:

Put it all together and you’ve got the perfect baby shower invitation wording, without the stress.

Baby Shower Invitation Wording by Tone: Formal, Playful, and Minimal

Your invitation wording should match the vibe of the party itself. A backyard brunch with close friends calls for something completely different from an upscale hotel luncheon. The tone signals to your guests how to dress, how to behave, and what to expect, so choose your words deliberately.

Formal and Traditional Wording Examples

Use this style for elegant sit-down events, restaurant reservations, or gatherings that lean on tradition. Full names, spelled-out dates and times, and measured language set the right expectation.

Playful and Whimsical Wording Examples

Fun, rhyming, or punny wording is perfect for casual backyard parties, brunch-style showers, or any celebration where the host wants guests to arrive smiling. Keep it light, the best playful invites don’t try too hard.

Modern and Minimal Wording Examples

Minimal wording feels fresh and confident, no rhymes, no exclamation points, just clean sentences that say exactly what needs to be said. This style suits modern design-forward invitations and understated aesthetics.

Baby Shower Wording for Girl, Boy, and Gender Neutral

Gender-specific wording adds warmth when the sex is known. Gender-neutral wording works beautifully when the parents are keeping it a surprise, or simply prefer to skip the pink-and-blue color expectations. Here are examples for all three.

Baby Girl Wording Examples

Baby Boy Wording Examples

Gender-Neutral Wording Examples

Co-Ed and Couples Baby Shower Invitation Wording: 8 Examples

Co-ed showers (sometimes called “couples showers” or “stag and doe showers”) include both partners, close male friends, and sometimes the whole family. The wording should make it unmistakably clear that everyone is welcome, since guests accustomed to women-only showers may assume the co-ed shower is a mistake. Say it plainly, “all welcome,” “men and women,” or “couples and families.”

Casual Co-Ed Wording Examples

Formal Co-Ed Wording Examples

Fun Pun Wording for Couples Showers

Baby Sprinkle Invitation Wording (Second Baby / Second Shower)

A baby sprinkle is a lighter celebration for a second or third baby, a “sprinkle” rather than a “shower,” because you’re topping up what you already have rather than starting from scratch. The wording should acknowledge this warmly, honor the returning parents, and feel celebratory without implying guests must bring full gifts. Many hosts specify “small gifts only” or “book instead of card” for sprinkles.

What is a Baby Sprinkle? (One-Line Context for Your Invitation)

If your guests aren’t familiar with the term, a short parenthetical like “(a sprinkle is a lighter shower for baby #2!)” removes any confusion. You can include this in the invitation body or add a note on the insert card.

Baby Sprinkle Wording Examples

Virtual Baby Shower Wording Examples

Virtual showers became popular in 2020 and remain a meaningful option for families spread across different cities or countries. Be specific about the platform, the link, and the time zone, and consider including a “how to join” card insert for less tech-savvy guests.

What Must Every Baby Shower Invitation Include

Whatever tone you choose and whoever you’re inviting, every baby shower invitation needs to answer six practical questions for your guests:

Optional but helpful extras include: dress code, parking notes, dietary accommodations (if you need to plan catering), and any theme cues (“garden party attire” or “wear your brightest florals”).

Baby Shower Invitation Wording FAQs

What should I write on a baby shower invitation?

Every baby shower invitation needs: the host’s name, the parent-to-be’s name, date, time, location, and RSVP details. Add a line about gifts (registry, wishing well, or no gifts) and any tone cues that tell guests what to expect, casual, formal, themed, co-ed.

Who traditionally sends baby shower invitations?

Traditionally, a close friend or family member (other than the parent-to-be) hosts and sends the invitations. In practice, this rule is widely relaxed in 2026, and many expecting parents send their own invitations, especially for casual gatherings or virtual showers.

How early should baby shower invitations be sent?

Send invitations 4-6 weeks before the shower for local guests. For destination showers or guests who need to travel, allow 6-8 weeks minimum so guests can arrange accommodation and time off.

Is it rude to mention gifts on a baby shower invitation?

No. Unlike wedding invitations, baby shower invitations have no etiquette rule against mentioning gifts. Including registry details, wishing well information, or a “no gifts necessary” note is helpful and expected. Guests appreciate clear guidance so they don’t arrive empty-handed when they should, or laden with presents when you’d prefer otherwise.

What is the difference between a baby shower and a baby sprinkle?

A baby shower is typically thrown for a first baby. A baby sprinkle is a lighter, smaller celebration for a second or subsequent baby, the idea being you already have most of what you need, so guests “sprinkle” you with a few extras rather than showering you. Sprinkles are usually more casual, often specify small gifts or books only, and tend to have smaller guest lists.

What should I write for a gender-neutral baby shower?

Focus on the baby and the parent-to-be rather than color or gender. Phrases like “a new little human is on the way,” “baby [Last Name] is arriving soon,” and “we’re keeping it a surprise” work beautifully. Avoid pink/blue references and lean into yellow, green, cream, or woodland color palettes in your design to reinforce the neutral tone.

How do I word a co-ed baby shower invitation?

Be explicit that all genders are welcome, guests unfamiliar with co-ed showers may assume a mistake. Add a line like “all genders welcome,” “men and women,” “couples encouraged,” or “bring your partner.” Co-ed showers typically have a more casual feel, and the wording should reflect that.

What is appropriate wording for a baby shower hosted by the mother-to-be?

It’s increasingly common for the expecting parent to host their own shower or help organize it. If the parent-to-be is the host, change the framing from “in honor of [Name]” to “join us as we celebrate our growing family” or “we’re expecting, and we’d love to celebrate with you.” First-person wording from the parent-to-be is warm and works well for casual events.

Should I include an RSVP deadline on the baby shower invitation?

Yes, always. Give yourself a buffer of at least 1-2 weeks between the RSVP deadline and the shower date so you can finalize catering headcounts, seating, and party favors. A firm deadline also prompts guests who might otherwise procrastinate to actually respond.

What do I write on a virtual baby shower invitation?

Include: the platform (Zoom, Google Meet, etc.), the date and start time with time zone, and instructions for joining. Add a note about how to send gifts if you have a registry, many guests will want to ship directly. Consider including a brief line about what will happen during the virtual event (games, gift opening, group chat) so guests know what to expect.

Can I include the baby’s name on the shower invitation?

Yes, if you’ve chosen a name and want to share it! “Join us to celebrate [Name] before baby Olivia arrives” is completely fine and adds a personal touch. If the name is a surprise, simply use “baby [Last Name]” or “their little one.”

How long should baby shower invitation wording be?

Keep it brief. The core wording (who, what, when, where, RSVP) should fit comfortably on one side of an invitation card, typically 50-100 words including event details. Longer is fine for digital invitations where space isn’t limited, but for printed cards, concise wording reads better and leaves room for the design to breathe.

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