Baby Shower Bingo: Rules, Example Card and Word Bank

Baby shower bingo has two straightforward versions: the host calls baby-related words, or guests mark predicted presents as gifts are opened. For a game that does not depend on gifts, start with the called-word version below.

You can copy the example grid into a document or draw it on paper. This page provides a copyable layout and word bank, not a downloadable bingo PDF.

Quick rules for a 3 × 3 game

• Give each player a different nine-square card and a pen.
• The host draws baby-item words at random and reads each one aloud.
• Players mark the word if it appears on their card.
• The first complete horizontal, vertical or diagonal line of three wins after the host checks it.

There is no free centre square in this version. Plan roughly 5–10 minutes, allowing more time if guests want slower calling or help reading.

What to prepare

• A card for each player, with nine different words from the bank below.
• Pens or pencils; avoid small loose counters around young children.
• One calling slip for each word in the full bank, a container to draw from and a list to record the words called.
• An optional prize, with a tie rule agreed before play.

Copyable example card

This is one example card. Do not give everybody an identical copy: change both the selection of words and their positions for other players.

A 30-word baby bingo bank

Use these same terms on the cards and calling slips. Choose nine unique words for each 3 × 3 card.

• Nappy
• Muslin cloth
• Pram
• Rattle
• Baby blanket
• Bib
• Changing bag
• Board book
• Baby socks
• Baby hat
• Vest
• Cardigan
• Sleepsuit
• Hooded towel
• Washcloth
• Changing mat
• Baby bath
• Baby brush
• Teething ring
• Soft toy
• Baby carrier
• Moses basket
• Cot sheet
• Play mat
• High chair
• Baby spoon
• Baby bowl
• Memory book
• Milestone cards
• Photo album

This is a word-game bank, not a shopping list or advice about what every family needs.

How to run the round

1. Explain the winning line. Show one horizontal, vertical and diagonal example. Players may sit together and help each other.
2. Shuffle all 30 calling slips. Draw one at a time without putting it back.
3. Say and show the word. Read slowly, repeat it and display the written word where practical. Give guests time to find it.
4. Record each draw. Keep the used slips separate so you can check a winning claim.
5. Pause when someone calls bingo. Ask them to read their three marked words and check that all have been called.
6. Resolve simultaneous wins fairly. Accept all valid winners on the same draw. Share the win, or use the pre-announced random draw if you have one prize.

If nobody has a line yet, keep drawing: every card word is in the calling bank. For another round, clear the marks or use new cards and return all slips to the container.

How to make different cards

Draw a three-row, three-column table in your document editor. Add one word per cell in a large, clear font. Make the first card, duplicate the layout, then choose a different set of nine words and rearrange them for each guest. Label the backs with card numbers to help spot accidental duplicates.

Test-print one copy before making the whole set. Check text size, contrast, margins and spelling. For layout and printing checks, use our guide to making printable baby shower games.

Want a longer 5 × 5 version?

Use a five-row, five-column grid. Put “FREE” in the centre and choose 24 different words from the 30-word bank for the other squares. Make different selections and arrangements across the cards. The winning line is now five squares horizontally, vertically or diagonally, with the free centre counting as marked.

Tell guests which version they are playing before the first draw. Do not mix 3 × 3 and 5 × 5 cards in the same competitive round.

Gift-opening bingo: a separate option

Only use this version if the parents want to open gifts during the shower. Before opening starts, guests fill a blank 3 × 3 grid with nine different types of present they think may appear, using the word bank as inspiration.

Mark a square when that type of gift is opened. Agree what counts beforehand: a pack of socks marks “Baby socks” once, for example, and repeated gifts do not create extra squares. Use the same three-in-a-row rule.

Not every prediction will appear, so a winner is not guaranteed. If no one finishes a line, thank everyone and end the game. Avoid commenting on gift prices, who brought what, or why someone did not bring a present.

Keep it comfortable for your guests

Offer larger print, a partner or a non-playing role without singling anyone out. Let guests skip the game. Called-word bingo is useful when you want a shared activity without asking personal questions or making gift opening the entertainment.

For other formats, browse our six free printable baby shower games; that hub offers different games, not this bingo template. If you would prefer ready-made activities, explore the baby shower games collection.