How to Plan a Baby Shower on a Budget: Celebrate Big Without Spending Big

Hey mama, bestie, sister, auntie (whoever is planning the baby shower)!

Having a baby can be expensive, but the baby shower doesn’t have to break the bank. You can create a beautiful, Pinterest-worthy celebration without spending a fortune.

Whether you’re hosting it at home, a park, or a cozy little venue, I’ve got you covered with low budget baby shower ideas that are cute, creative, and wallet-friendly.

Let’s dive into all the juicy tips on how to throw a baby shower on a budget, from decor and food to games, and even fasvors ideas!

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How Much Does an Average Baby Shower Cost?

Before we dive into budget friendly ideas, let’s look at what a typical baby shower might cost, just so you can see how much you could actually save by planning smart.

Here’s a rough breakdown of the average expenses for a standard baby shower (based on hosting 25–30 guests):

• Venue – $200 to $500+
  Renting a space can be one of the biggest costs if you don’t use a free location like a home or park.
• Decor – $100 to $300
  Hiring a decorator or buying themed decorations adds up quickly.
• Food & Drinks – $300 to $600
  Catering or ordering takeout for a group can get pricey, especially when adding desserts and drinks.
• Cake or Desserts – $50 to $150
  Bakery cakes and specialty treats are beautiful, but expensive.
• Games & Activities – $50 to $100
  Buying ready-made games, supplies, and prizes can sneak up on your budget.
• Invitations – $50 to $100
  Printed and mailed invitations cost more than most people think!
• Favors – $75 to $150
  Party favors for guests are thoughtful, but can be pricey when multiplied by 30 people.

That adds up to anywhere from $825 to $1,900 or more!

But here’s the good news: with a little planning, creativity, and some free resources (keep reading!), you can host a meaningful, memorable shower for a fraction of that price.

Stay Organized & Save Money with My FREE Baby Shower Planner

The secret to throwing an amazing baby shower on a budget? Staying organized from the very beginning.

That’s why I created a FREE printable Baby Shower Planner just for you! It’s designed to help you keep everything in one place, reduce stress, and avoid those last-minute, budget-breaking surprises.

My planner includes:

• Baby Shower Task Checklist
• Budget Tracker
• Guest List Organizer
• Menu Planner
• DIY Decor & Game Planner
• Master Shopping List

Print it, fill it out, and use it as your go-to guide for planning a beautiful, stress-free shower without overspending.

(Just scroll to the end of this post to grab your free download!)

Keep It Intimate to Keep It Affordable

Before you dive into planning the venue, food, or games, start with your guest list.

The number of guests you invite has a huge impact on your overall budget. More people means more food, more seating, more favors, and more supplies… which adds up fast.

If you’re looking to save, one of the smartest moves is to keep the baby shower small and intimate. Invite only close friends and immediate family. Not only does this reduce costs, it also makes the event feel more personal, cozy, and meaningful.

Smaller showers are often more relaxed, allow for deeper conversations, and let the guest of honor truly connect with everyone there.

Once you have your guest count set, you can make smarter choices for every other part of your planning – starting with the venue.

Choose a Cozy, Affordable Venue

Let’s start with the biggest potential expense: the venue.

But here’s the good news – it doesn’t have to cost a lot. You can skip the pricey banquet halls and still host a beautiful, memorable shower.

Here are some budget-friendly venue ideas that can still feel magical:

• Backyard or living room – Free and personal. Add some string lights and you’ve got instant charm.
• Local parks – Great for warm-weather showers. Pack some picnic blankets or set up folding tables for a laid-back feel. I actually threw an awesome jungle-themed birthday for my son at a local park, and it turned out amazing! Plenty of space, fresh air, and tons of charm!
• Community center or church hall – Often available at a super low rate or donation.
• Restaurant patio – Many let you reserve a space if you meet a food/drink minimum.

These options make a baby shower on a budget feel just as special, without the big price tag.

DIY Decor for a Dreamy Look (on a Dime!)

You don’t need a professional decorator or an expensive decor setup – just some scissors, string, and a little Pinterest inspiration. With a few creative touches, you can transform any space into something beautiful and memorable.

Balloons & Banners

• Buy balloons in bulk (often under $0.10 each) and create a fun garland or group them into bunches. Check out this tutorial on how to make a DIY balloon garland like a pro: DIY Balloon Garland Tutorial.
• Make your own banner from cardstock or printable templates – just punch, thread, hang!
• A personal photo garland is both nostalgic and heartwarming. Use baby ultrasound pictures or photos of the mom-to-be as a child. Want to make your own photo garland? Here’s an easy tutorial: DIY Photo Garland Tutorial.

Table Centerpieces

• Simple candles in clear vases – add floating flowers or fairy lights for a soft, elegant glow.
• Mason jars filled with local wildflowers or colorful tissue paper pom-poms make easy, adorable centerpieces.
• Framed Baby Quotes – print sweet or funny baby quotes, place them in dollar-store frames, and decorate the base with greenery, mini rattles, or faux flowers.
• Baby Food Jar Vases – clean out old baby food jars and use them as mini vases. Add a flower, ribbon, or even a tealight candles.

These DIY touches create a cozy, inexpensive baby shower that feels thoughtful and personal.

Tasty & Affordable Baby Shower Dishes

Let’s be real: feeding a crowd can get pricey, but it doesn’t have to. With a little planning, you can serve a delicious spread that both adults and kids will love, without the high catering costs. (And if cooking isn’t your thing, ask a talented friend or family member to help out!)

Affordable Main Dishes

Mini Sandwiches or Sliders
Use affordable fillings like egg salad, tuna, chicken salad, or deli meats. Arrange them on platters for a cute, grab-and-go option.

Pasta Salad Bar
Make a few varieties ahead of time – one with veggies, one with protein (like chicken or tuna), and one kid-friendly with just cheese and pasta.

DIY Taco or Burrito Bar
Budget-friendly proteins like ground beef, beans, and rice go far. Add simple toppings like cheese, lettuce, and salsa. Bonus: kids love building their own plates.

Flatbread or Mini Pizzas
Make several different types or set up a build-your-own pizza station using pita bread or tortillas.

Soup & Bread Station (Seasonal)
Great for colder months! Offer two affordable soups (like tomato basil and chicken noodle) with bread rolls or crackers.

Snack & Side Options

Cheese Cubes & Crackers
A classic that feels a little fancy but is very affordable when bought in bulk.

Fruit Skewers or Cups
Buy fruits in season or from wholesale stores and serve in cute cups or on sticks.

Veggie Cups with Dip
Pre-portion baby carrots, cucumber, and bell pepper slices in plastic cups with a scoop of ranch at the bottom.

Popcorn Bar
Cheap, easy, and always a hit! Offer sweet and savory seasonings so guests can customize their snack.

Drink Station

Infused Water (Cucumber, Lemon, Mint)
Looks fancy, costs very little, and is a refreshing option for all.

Iced Tea & Lemonade Dispensers
Add fruit slices to dress it up.

Cakes and Sweet Treats Without the Bakery Bill

Luckily, there are plenty of creative and affordable ways to serve sweet treats that still feel special (and Instagram-worthy!).

• Homemade sheet cake – A classic! Bake a simple sheet cake, frost it in soft pastels, sprinkle on some edible confetti, and add a themed topper. All for under $15!
• Naked cake – Leave the sides unfrosted for a chic, rustic vibe. Top with berries or fresh flowers for a minimal-effort, elegant look.
• Cupcakes – Easy to serve and always a crowd-pleaser. Use a box mix, pipe on some colored frosting, and pop in baby-themed toppers or edible glitter.
• Brownie Bites or Blondies – Cut them into squares and pile them on a cute tray with powdered sugar dusting.
• Mini Cheesecakes in Jars – Use mason jars or small cups for no-bake cheesecakes. Layer crushed graham crackers, sweetened cream cheese, and fruit topping.

Don’t want to skip a centerpiece cake? just make it at home! It’s easier than you might think, even if baking isn’t your thing.
Try this simple and stunning recipe: Easy DIY Cake Tutorial – perfect for baby showers!

Low-Budget Baby Shower Games + Activities

Laughter and connection are the secret ingredients to any shower. For tons of fun game ideas, check out my post on The Funniest Baby Shower Games Ever. Perfect for a budget friendly baby shower.

Beyond games, create connection with low-cost activities:

• Onesie decorating station – Just grab a few plain onesies and some fabric markers.
• Advice cards for mom-to-be – Print free templates and collect in a keepsake box.
• Baby Prediction Cards – Guests can guess baby’s birth date, weight, length, and more. You can print a free template and collect all the guesses in an envelope for the parents to open after birth.
• Baby Name Suggestions Jar – Set out a jar and some note cards. Guests can write their favorite baby names or funny name ideas and drop them in.
• How Many in the Jar? Fill a clear jar with candy, mini pacifiers, or rubber ducks (or anything else that matches your shower theme). Guests write down their best guess. Closest answer wins a small prize!

It’s all about the memories, these low budget baby shower ideas create moments she’ll never forget.

Budget-Friendly Baby Shower Invitations

Invitations set the vibe for your baby shower, but that doesn’t mean you need to splurge.

Here are a few affordable (and even free!) ways to invite your guests:

Digital Invites
Skip the stamps and go digital! Use free tools like Canva, Evite, or Paperless Post to create beautiful, themed invitations.
You can personalize colors, fonts, and wording to match your shower’s vibe, and track RSVPs all in one place.

Printable Templates
Find cute downloadable designs on Etsy or Pinterest and print them at home or at a local print shop.
Pro tip: Print four invites per page on cardstock to save paper and money.

Inexpensive Baby Shower Favors Guests Will Love

Sending your guests home with a little thank-you is a sweet gesture, but it doesn’t have to cost a lot.

Here are some adorable, budget-conscious baby shower favor ideas:

DIY Treat Bags
Fill small paper bags or clear favor boxes with:

• Homemade cookies
• Candy in the party theme colors
• Popcorn bag with a cute sticker that says “Thanks for Popping by!”

Mini Succulents or Flower Pots
Buy in bulk and wrap with twine and a tag like “Watch me grow!” It’s a lasting and meaningful gift.

Lip Balm or Hand Sanitizer
Add a printable label like “From our shower to yours” and tie with ribbon.

Tea Bags or Hot Cocoa Kits
Package single tea bags with a sweet note (“A baby is brewing!”), or fill mini jars with hot cocoa mix and marshmallows.

Seed Packets
These are perfect for spring showers. Add a message like “Plant these seeds and watch love grow.”

Whatever you choose, wrap it with love and a personal touch, guests will feel the thought behind it.

So now you know exactly how to plan a baby shower on a budget, one that’s heartfelt, fun, and full of joy (without being full of bills).

With creativity, a bit of planning, and love, your budget friendly baby shower will feel as luxurious and meaningful as any high-end celebration.

From DIY decor to sweet favors, tasty treats, and belly laughs from fun games, this is what memories are made of.

Need help or have a question? Drop it in the comments – I LOVE hearing from you.

Don’t forget to grab your FREE Baby Shower Planner to stay organized, stick to your budget, and plan the perfect celebration from start to finish:

With love,
Shely