If you’re throwing a baby shower for an expectant mother-to-be, and you plan on playing games, then why not get together some prizes to crank the competition up a notch?
The prizes you choose don’t have to break the bank, and the number of prizes you purchase or DIY yourself is entirely up to you.
This article will cover some easy and affordable prizes for baby shower games, along with a few frequently asked questions like how many prizes should you get for a baby shower? And how do people even win prizes at a baby shower in the first place?
So, if you’ve got your games sorted and are on the hunt for the perfect baby shower prizes, keep reading!
Easy and Affordable Prizes for Baby Shower Games
If you don’t have the budget for baby shower game prizes, don’t worry; your guests will still have a great time regardless, but if you want to add a little special incentive, then here are 17 easy and affordable prizes for baby shower games.
Bottle of Wine
Although the new mom-to-be isn’t able to currently drink alcohol, it doesn’t mean that her guests cant.
A bottle of wine, which can be relatively inexpensive depending on the bottle you buy, is a great baby shower prize that both women and men can enjoy (if you have a co-ed baby shower, that is.)
DIY Alcoholic Beverage Kits
Sticking with the alcohol theme, if you’re handy at DIY, put together little alcoholic beverage kits. All you will need to do is get a small bottle of spirit, whether that be vodka, rum, or gin, a mason jar, a mixer such as Sprite, Coca-Cola, or Red Bull, and some string to decorate.
Wrap the string around the neck of the mason jar and either tie a nice bow or, if you’re using curling ribbon use a pair of scissors to curl the ends. Then, place your chosen mixer in the mason jar, and tie the small bottle of spirit to the outside of the jar. You can add a straw for a nice extra touch, but this isn’t necessary.
Box of Chocolate
You can’t go wrong with a box of chocolate, and as you can find them in every supermarket or gas station, it makes a fantastic prize that your guests won’t say no to.
For another excellent baby shower prize idea that includes chocolate, you could purchase a bulk chocolate assortment box as you would for Halloween and place a few different pieces into clear party bags. This way, you have a handful of prizes which you could give to the winners of the games, as well as those who come second and third place.
Photo Frame
Photo frames are readily available, but they’re something most people don’t usually buy for themselves, making them a great baby shower game prize.
You can stay on budget and head to the dollar store or Walmart for inexpensive options or purchase packs of nicer frames that will look good in everyone’s homes.
Succulents or Plants
If you know that your party guests aren’t exactly gardening experts, then small succulent plants which need very little care could be an excellent prize for your baby shower games.
Not only are succulents extremely low maintenance, but they’re also absolutely adorable and will bring some greenery into your guest’s home space.
If you’re hopeful that the baby shower guests can keep a plant alive, you could also opt for any other type of plant, but you may just be warned that you may need to explain to them how to take care of it.
Scented Candles
Scented candles are always a hit, and as they come in a range of shapes, scents, and sizes, you can find some that are relatively low-cost but still a nice-to-receive gift.
Yankee candles are always popular, and you could choose a large 22 oz option or a mixed scent assortment, so you have prizes for more than one person.
Bath Gift Sets
You can purchase already put-together bath gift sets or make your own and include a body scrub, a body lotion, a loofah or a bath mit, and some bath salts. Once you’ve got all your products together, arrange them in a cute basket and add a bow for decoration.
Lip Balm Set
If your guests are anything like me, then they lose or misplace their lip balm regularly, which is why receiving one or a pack of lip balms would be a very fitting and needed prize that you could give out at the baby shower.
Nail Polish Set
You can buy a pre-made nail polish set, or you can put together one yourself and include a nail polish color, a nail file, buffer, and some nail clippers, putting them all in a little party bag and tying them off with ribbon.
Bath Bombs
No bath is truly complete without a bath bomb, as not only do they make your bath smell incredible, but they put on a spectacular show turning your bath into an assortment of colors in the process.
I would buy a multi-pack of bath bombs and wrap them individually to create more prizes and cut down on costs.
Gift Cards
If you left baby shower prizes to the last minute and you’re completely strapped for time, then a gift card makes a fantastic prize that people of all ages and preferences can enjoy.
You can get gift cards for a wide variety of shops, including Amazon, Starbucks, and Bath and Body Works, or you can pop into a local restaurant or boutique store in your area and purchase one from there.
Brownies or Other Baked Goods
If you or any close friends or family members are any good in the kitchen, bake a batch of brownies, cookies, or cupcakes, and give them out as prizes for your baby shower games. Prizes with some thought and love behind them are the best prizes, and I know your guests will absolutely love them.
Gift Baskets
Gift baskets make ideal prizes, and you can include a little bit of everything from make-up and hair care to candies and fluffy socks. So pick up some of your favorite things at the store and put them together in a basket or bag to create adorable gift baskets.
Coffee Mug
Coffee mugs are available in shops all around you, and they come in a range of patterns, colors, and sizes that are suitable for a baby shower prize. It’s no secret that coffee mugs are affordable, and as most people drink hot beverages daily, you know they will be put to good use by whoever wins it as a prize.
Tumbler
If you’ve spent any time on social media, you would have seen tumblers like the Stanley 40 oz Tumbler or Yeti Tumblers. Depending on your preference, a decent tumbler that keeps your drinks cold or hot is a fantastic prize, in my opinion, and something every new mom, stay-at-home mom, or working mom would be grateful to have.
Pillow or a Throw
No matter what time of year it is, everyone loves a throw blanket, whether it’s for decorative purposes or comfort. So if you wanted to, you could add a decorative pillow to the prize table, putting them together as a set or letting them go individually.
Planner
There is no better way to get your life together than with a planner, and it’s oddly something you don’t know you need until you have one. Planners can be inexpensive, and as they come in a wide variety of styles and patterns, they make a beautiful prize for any baby shower.
What’s The Difference Between Prizes And Favors?
The difference between party prizes and party favors is that you need to win a game to get a prize. On the other hand, favors are typically given to all guests at the end of the party to thank them for coming and to provide them with something to remember the party by.
I want to note that party favors and party prizes aren’t a mandatory part of a party, and if you don’t have the budget to cover them, don’t feel obliged to provide them because your guests will be happy regardless.
How Many Baby Shower Game Prizes Should You Get?
The amount of baby shower prizes you get is really up to you and the number of games you wish to play. For example, if you plan on playing three games at the party, you could choose three big prizes for each of the winners or get smaller prizes and give them out to winners and runners-up.
Ideally, you would want at least one prize for every game you play, but prizes aren’t necessary, and they don’t need to break the bank.
How Do People Win Prizes At Baby Showers?
People win prizes at baby showers by participating in baby shower games. Of course, not all baby showers have to have games, but there are some fun and affordable options that get all of your guests engaged and excited for the party.
It’s All About Having Fun
At the end of the day, the baby shower you’re throwing is to celebrate the expectant mother and provide her with the essentials she will need when her baby enters the world.
Prizes for baby shower games, along with baby shower games in general, aren’t the be-all and end-all of the party, and if you don’t have the budget to afford them, don’t feel obliged.