Let’s be real for a second, planning a baby shower is honestly exhausting. I remember when I helped plan my sister’s shower a few years back, I thought I was going to lose my mind just staring at Pinterest boards and worrying about napkin colors. You really want the mom-to-be to feel special, but you also don’t want to go broke or stress yourself out completely. Since picking a theme is usually the hardest part because there are just too many choices, I put together these 7 baby shower theme ideas for 2026 that are actually easy to pull off and will make the day unforgettable without driving you crazy.
1. Embrace the “Wild One” with a Safari Jungle Theme
I have to start with this one because it is just everywhere right now, and honestly, I get why. The “Wild One” theme is such a fun pun, especially if this is the first baby. I actually helped my neighbor set this up last month, and we wanted to make sure it didn’t look too much like a cartoon.
In 2026, the vibe is shifting a bit. We aren’t seeing as many bright orange tigers or loud colors. It is way more about “modern safari.” Think soft sage greens, creams, and wood textures. It feels a lot calmer and looks great in photos.
Decor Tips That Save Money
Here is a trick I learned that looks expensive but is actually super cheap. Go to the dollar store and buy a bag of those cheap plastic jungle animals. Take them outside and spray paint them gold. Seriously, do it. You can put them on top of the cake, glue them to mason jar lids, or just scatter them on the table. It looks so fancy, and it costs like five bucks. Also, get some big fake monstera leaves (the ones with the holes) to use as placemats.
Food Ideas
You don’t need to be a chef here. We put out bowls of animal crackers and called it “Lion Chow.” Simple, right? Another hit is “Jungle Juice,” which is basically just lemonade or a green punch with some sherbet in it. And if you have time, banana pudding cups are always a winner for this theme.
2. Shoot for the Stars with a Celestial “Over the Moon” Theme
I have a huge soft spot for this theme. A friend of mine did this for her evening baby shower last winter, and it was honestly magical. If you aren’t finding out the gender of the baby, or if you just aren’t into the usual pinks and blues, this is a fantastic choice.
The vibe here is all about deep navy blues, silvers, and golds. It feels very calm and peaceful, which is exactly what a new mom needs before the chaos of a newborn begins!
Decor Tips
Lighting is everything for this one. You know those cheap Christmas fairy lights you have stuffed in a box in the garage? Dig them out. String them up everywhere to look like stars. It instantly changes the mood of the room. I also love using cotton batting (you can get it at any craft store) to make “clouds” for the centerpieces. Just fluff it up and maybe hide a little battery-powered light inside.
Food & Favors
You can have a lot of fun with the food here. Use a star-shaped cookie cutter for everything—sandwiches, cookies, even fruit slices. It’s an easy way to make regular food look like it fits the theme. For favors, my friend gave out “Galaxy” chocolate bars and little star-shaped soaps. Everyone loved them.
3. Create a Buzz with a “Sweet as Can Bee” Theme
I admit I might be biased here—I teach a unit on bees in my 4th-grade class every year—but I just think this theme is adorable. It is especially great if you are hosting a shower in the Spring or Summer. It just feels like sunshine.
A lot of people use this theme for gender reveals too (“What will it bee?”), but it works perfectly for a shower. The yellow and black colors are naturally gender-neutral, so it is safe if the parents are keeping the gender a surprise.
Decor Tips
You have to be careful here. If you use too much black, it can start to look like a Halloween party or a construction zone. Stick mostly to bright yellows, whites, and soft creams. Use black only for small accents. For flowers, sunflowers are your best friend. They are big, they are usually pretty cheap at the grocery store, and you don’t need many of them to make the table look full.
Food Ideas
We set up a little drink station and called it the “Watering Hole” with fresh lemonade. It was a hit. Also, cheese platters go great with this theme—just add a block of honeycomb on the board. It looks fancy but you can grab it at most supermarkets now. For favors, little jars of honey are a classic choice, and people actually use them!
4. Keep It Classic with a Vintage “Storybook” Theme
I see kids with their noses buried in books all day at school, so naturally, I adore this theme. It is perfect for parents who want something timeless and sweet. We are talking about the classics here—think Peter Rabbit, paddington bear, or the original Winnie the Pooh (the soft watercolor one, not the bright red cartoon).
This theme works great because it feels very nostalgic. It reminds everyone of their own childhood, which is a nice feeling to have at a baby shower.
Decor Tips
You don’t have to spend a fortune on props. Go to a thrift store or check your own shelves for old hardback books. Stack them up in the middle of the tables to use as centerpieces. You can put a little vase of wildflowers or a teapot on top of the stack. It looks super classy and costs almost nothing.
Activity Idea
This is my favorite part. Instead of a regular greeting card, ask guests to bring their favorite children’s book. Have them write a note to the baby on the inside cover. It builds the baby’s library before they are even born! I did this for my cousin last year, and she ended up with over 30 books to read to her little one.
5. Stay Grounded with a Boho “Little Ray of Sunshine” Theme
I honestly can’t scroll through Instagram without seeing this one, and I get it. The boho look is just so chill. It takes the pressure off because nothing has to match perfectly. It’s all about mixing textures and keeping things relaxed.
This “Little Ray of Sunshine” twist adds a really sweet meaning to the typical boho style. It’s perfect if the mom-to-be loves that earthy, natural vibe but still wants it to feel like a celebration.
Decor Tips
If you want to nail this look, you need pampas grass. You know, those tall, fluffy, dried grasses that look like feathers? Put a bunch of those in a vase, and you are halfway there. For colors, forget the bright yellows. We are looking for “terracotta” (like a clay pot), dusty oranges, and creams. I also love the idea of renting a big wicker “peacock chair” for the mom to sit in while she opens gifts. It makes her feel like a queen for the day.
Attire Suggestion
Since the decor is so relaxed, the dress code should be too. Suggest that guests wear flowy dresses or floral prints. It makes for really cohesive group photos without forcing everyone to wear a specific color.
6. Celebrate the Adventure with a “Travel/World Traveler” Theme
I honestly love this idea for parents who are always on the go. Bringing a baby home is definitely the biggest trip they will ever take, right? I went to a shower like this last year for a couple who had backpacked across Europe, and it felt so personal to them.
The slogan “Our Greatest Adventure Begins” is pretty standard here, but it works. It ties the whole travel vibe into the new baby really well.
Decor Tips
Don’t overthink this one. You can do a lot with just paper. I helped make garlands out of old maps cut into heart shapes, and we hung paper airplanes from the ceiling with fishing line. It looked really cool and barely cost anything. If you can find vintage suitcases (check your parents’ attic!), stack them up to use as a stand for the cake or gifts.
My Favorite Detail
Instead of a regular guest book, get a globe. You can buy a cheap one online or find one at a thrift store. Have all the guests sign their names on the ocean parts with a permanent marker. It makes for such a cool decoration in the nursery later on, and it’s way better than a book that just gets shoved in a drawer.
7. Cozy Up with a “We Can Bear-ly Wait” Teddy Bear Theme
Okay, I saved the cuddliest one for last. This theme has been popping up all over my social media feeds lately, and I am here for it. It is just so soft and sweet. If you are planning a shower for the fall or winter, this is hands down my top pick.
The whole vibe is about warmth. We are talking soft browns, creams, and fuzzy textures. It makes everyone feel comfortable the second they walk in the door.
Decor Tips
You need a bear. Actually, you probably need a few. I’ve seen people buy those giant, life-sized teddy bears (you know the ones from Costco?) to welcome guests at the door. It is the perfect photo prop. For balloons, skip the bright colors and go for “nude,” mocha, and chocolate brown shades. I also love the idea of using “bear hugs” as a motif—maybe a little sign by the favors that says “Sending you a big bear hug.”
Food Ideas
This is so easy it feels like cheating. Buy a box of Teddy Grahams. You can stick them on top of cupcakes, mix them into popcorn, or just put them in cute bowls. If it is cold outside, a hot cocoa station with bear-shaped marshmallows is a winner every time.
Conclusion
Phew, we made it through all 7 ideas! Whether you decide to go with the “Wild One” safari theme or keep it soft and cozy with the teddy bears, just remember that the most important part of the day is celebrating the new life that is on the way.
I know it can feel like a lot of pressure right now. When I look back at the showers I’ve hosted, I don’t remember the stress of hanging decorations or the one balloon that popped. I remember the look on the mom-to-be’s face when she walked in and saw all her favorite people in one room. So, take a deep breath. You are going to do a great job.
If the balloons aren’t the exact shade of sage green you wanted, nobody is going to notice except you. Just enjoy the cake, play a few games, and take a million photos.
Love these ideas? If this list helped you figure out your plan, please Pin this article to your Baby Shower board on Pinterest! It helps you find it later when you are standing in the party aisle at the store, and it helps other planners find these ideas too.
