Homemade Baby Shower Games: 6 Easy DIY Ideas

To make homemade baby shower games, choose two or three activities, write a short set of rules, prepare the cards or household props, and test one round before guests arrive. You do not need a printer: blank paper, pens, a tray and a few everyday items are enough for several of the games below.

This guide covers hands-on games and personal touches. If you want to design printable sheets, follow our printable game design guide. For finished downloads, use our free baby shower games.

Your basic supplies

• Paper or blank cards, pens and a ruler.
• Scissors for the host to prepare cards before the event.
• A timer, answer key and simple score sheet.
• A tray, cloth and envelope or box for the games that need them.
• Optional small prizes; a competitive game does not need an expensive reward.

Count one answer sheet and pen per guest, or one per team, plus a few spares. Use large, dark lettering on a plain background and leave space to write.

6 homemade baby shower games

1. Make your own baby bingo

Make it: draw a three-by-three grid on each sheet. Write nine words from a shared pool of twelve in a different order on each card: nappy, bib, vest, sleepsuit, blanket, muslin, pram, teddy, book, socks, hat and changing mat. Put a copy of every word in a bowl.

Play: pull out one word at a time and read it aloud. Guests cross it off if it appears on their card. The first completed horizontal, vertical or diagonal line wins after the host checks it. Allow around 10 minutes. For gift-opening bingo, explain that version beforehand and use likely gifts instead.

2. Assemble a changing-bag memory tray

Make it: place ten clean baby items on a tray, write a private answer list and cover the tray with a cloth. Use items you already have rather than buying props.

Play: show the tray for 30 seconds, cover it and give pairs two minutes to write what they remember. Award one point per correct item. Repeat the viewing or remove the timer if that suits the group. Keep small objects out of children's reach.

3. Create a parent-approved family quiz

Make it: ask the parents for six light questions and their answers. Examples: favourite childhood book, first pet's name, preferred takeaway, favourite film, a hobby and a song they would sing to the baby. Offer multiple-choice answers so newer friends can join in.

Play: read each question aloud, allow teams to discuss, then reveal the approved answers. Give one point per correct answer and allow tied winners. Plan 8–10 minutes. Skip pregnancy, health, fertility, money and embarrassing stories.

4. Prepare a baby-name alphabet race

Make it: choose six letters and write them on each answer sheet. Choose letters with plenty of possible answers, such as A, C, E, J, M and S.

Play: give pairs three minutes to suggest one baby name per letter. Award one point for each completed letter; different languages and spellings are welcome. This is a word game, not a vote on what the parents should name their child.

5. Make a guess-the-baby-photo board

Make it: ask willing guests for a childhood photo, number the images and keep a private number-to-name answer key. Include a guest-name list on the answer sheet. Ask permission before displaying or sharing pictures.

Play: give teams 10 minutes to match names and numbers, then reveal the answers. Guests who do not want to supply a photo can still play. Collect printed photos afterwards and do not post them online without permission.

6. Write wishes and predictions cards

Make it: add three prompts to blank cards: “I hope you always…”, “A book I would love to share with you is…” and “One day your family might…”. Add a space for the guest's name, with signing optional.

Play: leave cards out during refreshments or allow 10 quiet minutes. Collect them in an envelope for the family. No scoring is needed, and reading messages aloud should be optional. If the parents want birth predictions, let them choose which details they are comfortable including.

How to personalise classic games

Change the examples, colours or prompts rather than making the rules harder. A book-themed shower could use favourite story titles in bingo or a book recommendation on the wishes card. A garden theme could use floral borders while keeping the text plain and easy to read.

For a family quiz, mix familiar interests with multiple-choice questions so close relatives do not have an unfair advantage. Ask the parents to approve personal stories. Use their preferred names and family wording, and let people play in pairs or take a non-speaking role.

Personalise your own sheets or an explicitly editable template. Do not assume a purchased printed game or PDF can be changed; check its product description and usage terms.

Test and pack your games

1. Read the rules to someone who has not helped make the game. Can they explain the objective back to you?
2. Play one round and check every answer against the key.
3. Decide the time limit, points and tie rule before the shower.
4. Pack each game's sheets, props and answers together, with spare pens.
5. Keep one round optional and leave time for food and conversation.

A simple three-game plan

Start with bingo for 10 minutes, follow with the memory tray for 5 minutes including scoring, then leave wishes cards available during refreshments. Allow about 25 minutes of organised activity overall, including explanations and transitions.

Do you need a nappy raffle?

No. It is an optional gift-linked activity, not an essential part of a homemade games plan. Discuss it with the parents first, explain any request clearly on the invitation and avoid putting guests under pressure to bring something extra. The six activities above can be played without asking anyone to buy a gift.

Prefer ready-made games?

Choose free printable baby shower games if you can print at home, or browse our Baby Shower Games Bundle for a coordinated printed set. You can combine one ready-made game with a homemade keepsake activity.