Gender-neutral baby showers have become increasingly popular in recent years as more parents are choosing to raise their children without traditional gender stereotypes. These celebrations are a great way to honor the new parents and welcome their bundle of joy into the world, without adhering to societal expectations of gender. Planning a gender-neutral baby shower can be a fun and creative experience for the modern parent. In this blog post, we will discuss some ideas for throwing a gender-neutral baby shower that is both unique and inclusive.
1. Choose a Neutral Color Palette
The first step in planning a gender-neutral baby shower is to choose a color palette that is free from traditional gender associations. Opt for soft pastel colors such as yellow, green, and purple, or go for a more modern and sophisticated look with a black and white color scheme. Avoid using pink or blue, as they are typically associated with gender-specific baby showers.
2. Use Gender-Neutral Decorations
When it comes to decorations, think outside the box and stay away from gender-specific items. Instead, opt for neutral decorations such as balloons, streamers, and banners in the chosen color palette. You can also incorporate fun and creative elements such as paper lanterns, pom-poms, and floral arrangements to add a touch of whimsy to the celebration.
3. Focus on the Theme
Choosing a theme for the baby shower can help tie all the elements together and make the event more cohesive. Some popular gender-neutral themes include “Safari,” “Jungle,” “Under the Sea,” or “Adventure.” These themes can be incorporated into the decorations, food, and even games. For example, for a Safari-themed baby shower, you can serve animal-shaped cookies, have a “guess the animal” game, and decorate the space with plush animals and greenery.
Gender-Neutral Baby Shower Ideas for the Modern Parent
4. Serve Gender-Neutral Food
When planning the menu for a gender-neutral baby shower, it’s important to keep in mind any dietary restrictions or allergies of the guests. Opt for a variety of dishes that are suitable for all guests, such as a fruit platter, vegetable crudites, and mini sandwiches. You can also incorporate fun and creative elements such as a DIY trail mix bar or a build-your-own taco station. For dessert, you can serve a gender-neutral cake or cupcakes, or opt for a variety of different treats such as cookies, brownies, and macarons.
5. Have Gender-Neutral Games
Games are a staple at any baby shower, and it’s important to choose games that are inclusive and fun for all guests. Some ideas for gender-neutral games include “Baby Name Scramble,” where guests have to unscramble popular baby names, or “Guess the Baby Food,” where guests have to identify different flavors of baby food. You can also have a “Diaper Raffle,” where guests bring a pack of diapers to enter into a raffle for a prize, or have a “Wishes for Baby” station where guests can write down their well-wishes for the new parents and baby.
6. Encourage Gender-Neutral Gifts
One of the main reasons for throwing a gender-neutral baby shower is to avoid traditional gender expectations, and this can also be applied to the gifts. Encourage guests to bring gender-neutral gifts such as books, toys, or clothing in neutral colors and designs. You can also have a “book instead of card” request, where guests can bring a book with a personalized message for the baby instead of a traditional card.
7. Plan Gender-Neutral Activities
Aside from games, there are many other activities that can make a gender-neutral baby shower more enjoyable. These can include a DIY onesie or bib decorating station, where guests can create personalized items for the baby, or a “Baby Advice” activity where guests can write down their best parenting tips for the new parents. You can also have a “Baby Photo Guessing” game, where guests bring a baby photo of themselves and the other guests have to match the photo to the correct person.
In conclusion, planning a gender-neutral baby shower can be a fun and rewarding experience for the modern parent. By choosing a neutral color palette, decorations, food, and games, you can create a celebration that is inclusive and welcoming for all guests. Remember to focus on the theme, serve gender-neutral food, and encourage gender-neutral gifts and activities to make the event truly gender-neutral and memorable for everyone involved.