How to Throw a Baby Shower on a Budget

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Want to throw a baby shower on a budget? These simple baby shower ideas are tried and true! Today we're sharing our favorite tips and some sweet free printable favors, games and decor ideas.

My mom is amazing at throwing parties, baby showers, basically any kind of get together. She knows just how to keep things fun and special. I loved that about growing up in her house and I want to learn to emulate her in that way. The trouble is, as I've grown up and started hosting showers and parties of my own I've realized how easy it can be to dump money into those things. Here are a few tips and tricks I've learned on how to throw an awesome shower on a budget!

Team Up

Having multiple hosts is an obvious way to save money. Hosting with friends also splits up the workload and it is more fun! I can't stand for an exciting event to turn into a chore. Keeping the workload manageable and the planning fun are key to a successful shower.

Accept Help

Often, people who aren't even hosting are generous enough to offer to help in some way, asking "can I bring anything?" or "who is watching your kids during the shower?" Take them up on their offers. Let others bring a side or a treat! Every little bit helps.

Plan Ahead

If the shower is in March, buy your gift in January, the favors in February and the food in March. Splitting things into increments will help you fit things into your budget without feeling like you're breaking the bank. Plus, thinking ahead allows you to find good deals. Prepare the food you can ahead.

Cheap Baby Shower Ideas

Baby Shower Table Decorations:

Decorate with things you already have

Collect white and clear serving dishes. They work for any party or occasion and always look cohesive!

Pull a flower arrangement or a wreath from somewhere else in your house to dress up the table.

For my sister's shower, my mom bought baby boy a couple of outfits as her gift. Instead of wrapping them, we hung them on clothesline so they doubled as a garland!

This Classy Diaper Cake is a gift AND a centerpiece. It's easy, and always a hit.

Utilize Free Baby Shower Printables

I made the large-scale poster that says "Hooray for Baby" and had it printed at FedEx Office for under $4. The key to this is making sure you mark that you want the poster printed in black and white. The default choice is full color, so make sure you specify. I usually add a note when I am ordering and they call me to confirm before printing.

Homemade Baby Shower Decorations:

Make what you can!

I made this onesie garland out of felt and fabric -- so easy, so CHEAP and so cute! I used my Cricut Maker and rotary blade to cut the onesie shapes out. You can do it by hand if you don't have a Cricut though.

I also used scrapbook paper behind the black and white baby shower printable stats and predictions cards to match the theme!

Free Printable Baby Shower Favors

Depending on how many people are invited, favors can be tricky. For our shower, I bought a bunch of mini hand sanitizers (like these) at Target. We made the sign to go on the glass jar they were held in. (You can print one below!)

Sometimes I like to give homemade treats for party favors, like popcorn with fun toppings or chocolate covered oreos.