Baby shower games can be brilliant for getting everyone talking, adding a little fun to the celebration and bringing together guests who may not know each other particularly well.

But let's be honest.

Nobody wants to spend an afternoon playing games that make half the room quietly wish they'd stayed at home.

The best baby shower games are simple to explain, easy to join in with and don't require hours of preparation.

So whether you're planning a relaxed afternoon tea, a traditional baby shower or something a little more elaborate, here are ten baby shower games that can be adapted to suit your celebration.

1. Don't Say “Baby”

This one starts as guests arrive and continues throughout the shower.

Give everyone a peg, ribbon, bracelet or other small token when they come in.

The rule is simple:

Don't say the word “baby”.

If somebody hears another guest say it, they can take their token.

The person with the most at the end wins.

Why we like it

There's almost nothing to prepare and it gets surprisingly competitive once everyone realises how often the word baby comes up at a baby shower.

You'll need: One peg or token per guest.

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2. Guess the Baby Photo

Ask each guest to send the host a photograph of themselves as a baby before the shower.

Number the photographs and display them together, then give everyone a sheet to write down who they think each baby is.

The person with the most correct answers wins.

Make it easier

If you have a large group, provide a list of everyone's names so guests only have to match them to the photographs.

You'll need: Baby photographs, numbered cards and answer sheets.

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3. Guess Baby's Arrival

Create a prediction card where guests can guess things such as:

• Baby's date of birth
• Time of birth
• Weight
• Name, if it hasn't been announced
• Hair colour
• Who baby will look most like

Keep everyone's predictions after the shower and see who came closest once baby arrives.

A lovely extra

Instead of throwing the cards away afterwards, pop them into a keepsake box for the parents-to-be.

They'll be fun to look back on one day.

You'll need: Prediction cards and pens.

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4. The Baby Name A–Z Challenge

Give everyone a sheet containing the alphabet.

Guests have to think of a baby name beginning with as many letters as possible within a set time.

A — Amelia
B — Benjamin
C — Charlotte...

And then everyone reaches Q and starts questioning how badly they actually want to win.

Alternative version

If the parents already know baby's name, use baby-related items instead.

You'll need: Paper, pens and a timer.

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5. What's in the Baby Bag?

Fill a changing bag with a selection of baby-related items.

You could include things such as a muslin, nappy, baby sock, bib, dummy, brush, bottle or soft toy.

Guests get a short time to look inside.

Then hide the bag and ask them to write down as many items as they can remember.

The person who remembers the most wins.

Make it harder

Don't let guests touch anything — they can only look.

You'll need: Changing bag, baby items, paper and pens.

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6. Baby Shower Bingo

Create bingo cards containing baby-related words or items.

Depending on the shower, you can play this in several ways.

Guests might cross off items as they're mentioned, spot things around the room or mark gifts as they're opened.

The first person to complete a row calls:

BINGO!

Although shouting BABY! would be particularly unfortunate if you're playing Game No.1 at the same time.

You'll need: Bingo cards and pens.

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7. Who Knows the Parents-to-Be Best?

Before the shower, prepare a selection of questions about the parents.

For example:

Who chose baby's first outfit?
Who suggested the baby's name first?
Who is most likely to get up first at night?
What was Mum's first pregnancy craving?
What was their first baby purchase?

Guests write down their answers and the parents reveal the truth.

Keep it personal

This works particularly well at showers where most guests know the parents reasonably well.

You'll need: Question sheets and pens.

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8. Baby Item Price Challenge

Choose five or six everyday baby products and ask guests to guess their current prices.

You could use:

• A packet of nappies
• Baby wipes
• A sleepsuit
• Muslin squares
• Baby bath products
• A soft toy

The person whose total comes closest to the actual amount wins.

Make it UK-friendly

Use products from familiar UK shops so the answers feel realistic.

You'll need: Products or photographs of them, price cards and answer sheets.

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9. Nappy Changing Challenge

You'll need a baby doll, nappy and preferably some willing volunteers.

Guests compete to see who can correctly put a nappy onto the doll in the fastest time.

Want to make it harder?

Use one hand.

Or wear oven gloves.

Suddenly changing a nappy becomes considerably more impressive.

One rule

Speed shouldn't win if the resulting nappy would immediately fall off an actual baby!

You'll need: Baby doll, nappies and timer.

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10. Wishes for Baby

This isn't really a game — and that's exactly why I'd include it.

Give every guest a card containing prompts such as:

I hope you always...
I hope you learn...
I hope you laugh about...
I hope you never forget...
My wish for you is...

Guests complete the cards for the new baby.

Collect them at the end and give them to the parents-to-be.

Why we love this one

After all the laughter and silliness, it creates something the family can actually keep.

You'll need: Wish cards and pens.

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How Many Games Do You Need at a Baby Shower?

Probably fewer than you think.

You don't need to fill every minute with organised entertainment.

For most baby showers, two to four games spread throughout the celebration will be plenty.

You could choose:

One ongoing game — Don't Say Baby
One icebreaker — Guess the Baby Photo
One silly game — Nappy Changing Challenge
One keepsake activity — Wishes for Baby

That gives the celebration some structure without making guests feel as though they've accidentally attended a team-building day.

What Prizes Should You Give?

Prizes don't need to be expensive.

Small chocolates, candles, hand cream, mini plants, sweets or little gift vouchers can work perfectly well.

You could also skip prizes altogether if that suits the group.

The point is to have fun — not to establish the UK's most competitive baby shower league.

Choose Games to Suit Your Guests

Not every baby shower needs games.

And not every parent-to-be will enjoy being the centre of elaborate activities.

Think about the people attending.

A small family gathering might love sentimental games and memory-making activities, while a larger group of friends might prefer something silly and competitive.

You can also make games optional so guests can join in without anyone feeling uncomfortable.

The best baby shower isn't the one with the most elaborate activities.

It's the one that feels like the people you're celebrating.

And whether that means an afternoon of games, cake and laughter or simply sitting together with a cup of tea and celebrating the new arrival, that's exactly how it should be.