Games That Won't Make Your Guests Cringe

Let's be honest: baby shower games have a reputation. Mention them and half your guests will suddenly remember a "prior commitment." But here's the thing – the right games actually make a party. They get people talking, laughing, and create those moments everyone remembers.

We've curated 15 games that work for UK baby showers in 2025. No measuring bumps with toilet paper (unless you're into that), no eating baby food blindfolded (okay, maybe that one's still fun). Just genuinely entertaining activities that suit different vibes and group sizes.

Icebreaker Games

Perfect for when guests don't all know each other. Get these going early while people are still arriving.

1. Baby Photo Match

Ask guests to bring their own baby photo (or email them in advance). Display them numbered on a board and have everyone guess who's who.

Why it works: Gets everyone looking at each other and chatting. The reveals are always hilarious.

You'll need: Baby photos from guests, display board, numbered labels, answer sheets

2. Don't Say Baby

Give everyone a pin or clip when they arrive. If someone catches you saying "baby," they take your pin. Most pins at the end wins.

Why it works: Runs in the background all party, creates funny moments, no setup required.

You'll need: Clothes pins, safety pins, or clips (one per guest)

3. Two Truths and a Lie (Baby Edition)

Each guest shares three "facts" about their own birth or childhood – two true, one false. Everyone guesses the lie.

Why it works: Personal stories get people engaged. Works for any group size.

You'll need: Nothing! Just willing participants.

Classic Games (With a Twist)

The tried-and-tested favourites that always deliver.

4. Guess the Baby Food

Remove labels from baby food jars, number them, and have guests taste and guess. Blindfolds optional but recommended for maximum chaos.

Why it works: Genuinely funny reactions. Adults eating pureed peas never gets old.

You'll need: 8-10 jars of baby food, spoons, answer sheets, optional blindfolds

Pro tip: Include some weird ones like beef casserole alongside obvious ones like banana.

5. Name That Tune (Lullaby Edition)

Play instrumental versions of nursery rhymes and lullabies. First to shout out the correct answer wins a point.

Why it works: Competitive, fast-paced, and surprisingly tricky.

You'll need: Spotify playlist of instrumental nursery rhymes, speaker, scoreboard

6. Baby Item Price Is Right

Show pictures of baby items and have guests guess the price. Closest without going over wins each round.

Why it works: Eye-opening for non-parents, validating for parents who know the pain.

You'll need: Pictures of items with prices hidden, answer sheets

Pro tip: Include a mix of budget and premium items for maximum shock value.

Creative & Crafty Games

For groups who like making things. These also double as keepsakes.

7. Decorate a Onesie

Provide plain white bodysuits and fabric markers/paints. Guests create personalised designs for baby to wear.

Why it works: Creates meaningful keepsakes. Good for quieter guests who prefer activities to games.

You'll need: Plain white bodysuits (various sizes), fabric markers, fabric paint, cardboard inserts

8. Wishes for Baby

Guests write wishes, advice, or predictions on cards. Compile into a book or display at the nursery.

Why it works: Meaningful, low-pressure, creates a lovely keepsake.

You'll need: Nice cards or a guest book, pens, display stand

9. Baby Time Capsule

Guests write letters or predictions to be opened on baby's 18th birthday. Include newspaper clippings, photos, etc.

Why it works: Incredibly meaningful. Future teenager will love (or be mortified by) it.

You'll need: Stationery, envelopes, a box or container, today's newspaper

Competitive Games

For groups who like a bit of rivalry. Prizes recommended.

10. Baby Word Scramble

Unscramble baby-related words against the clock. First to complete all correctly wins.

Why it works: Quick, competitive, works for any group size.

You'll need: Printed scramble sheets, pens, timer

Example words: RETTLOB (bottle), REPAID (diaper), YABB REWOSH (baby shower)

11. Baby Bingo

Create bingo cards with potential gifts. Guests mark off items as presents are opened. First full line wins.

Why it works: Keeps everyone engaged during gift opening. Prevents the glazed-over look.

You'll need: Pre-made bingo cards with gift items, markers or stamps

12. Speed Diapering

Race to put a nappy on a doll or teddy bear. Fastest time with a secure fit wins.

Why it works: Hilarious to watch, especially with non-parents. Good practice too!

You'll need: Baby dolls or teddies, nappies, timer

Low-Key Options

For more relaxed gatherings or mixed groups.

13. Baby Predictions

Guests predict baby's arrival date, weight, length, hair colour, first word, etc. Seal and open after birth.

Why it works: No pressure, everyone can participate, fun to revisit later.

You'll need: Prediction cards, pens, envelope to seal them

14. Nappy Raffle

Guests who bring a pack of nappies get entered into a prize draw. Practical for parents, fun for guests.

Why it works: Parents get useful supplies, guests get a chance to win something.

You'll need: Raffle tickets, a decent prize (bottle of wine, gift card, etc.)

15. Celebrity Baby Name Match

Match celebrity parents to their children's names. Harder than you'd think!

Why it works: Easy, no prep for guests, sparks conversation about baby names.

You'll need: Printed quiz sheets with celebrity names and baby names to match

Game Planning Tips

Pick 3-4 games max: Quality over quantity. You want time for chatting and eating too.
Mix it up: One icebreaker, one competitive, one creative works well.
Have prizes: Doesn't need to be expensive – candles, chocolates, mini prosecco bottles.
Read the room: If people aren't into it, move on. No one likes forced fun.
Prep in advance: Nothing kills momentum like scrambling to set up the next game.

Planning a baby shower?

Check out our complete planning guide for venues, themes, and timelines.

Read the Planning Guide