Baby Showers in the UK

What to Expect, What to Bring & How to Choose the Perfect Gift

If you’ve been invited to a baby shower, how exciting! 
Baby showers are joyful, love-filled occasions where friends and family come together to celebrate a new arrival.

If it’s your first time attending, or you’re not sure what’s expected, here’s everything you need to know.   

Smiling friends celebrating a baby shower with cake, drinks and balloons

What Happens at a Baby Shower? 

A typical UK baby shower lasts around 2–3 hours and often includes:

Welcome drinks & introductions

Lighthearted games or quizzes

Cake, nibbles & laughter

Gift opening and well wishes

Traditionally baby showers were girls-only events, but these days it's considered normal for men to attend also.

It's not a formal party, but a relaxed get-together with a special focus on the parents-to-be.

Baby Shower party games with balloons and donuts

What Should You Wear?

Opt for smart-casual and comfortable.
A light dress, or top/shirt paired with a skirt/jeans work perfectly.
If the invite mentions a theme, you can coordinate your outfit to match, but keep it easy and fun.

beautifully wrapped gift with ribbon on for a baby shower

What Gift Should You Take to a Baby Shower?

While gifts aren’t mandatory, most guests like to bring something thoughtful to mark the occasion.

If you’re having trouble finding the perfect gift, our baby shower gifts collection has a range of classic colour-themed favourites and gender-neutral
gifting ideas, from baby essentials to luxury newborn gift hampers.

 

 

Neutral Baby gift set with plush elephant comforter, fleece blanket, and heart-shaped door-hanging plaque in a star-patterned keepsake suitcase.

Keepsake Gifts

Keepsake gifts are heartfelt and timeless.

A keepsake box is thoughtful gift that can be given on its own, or filled with a mix of useful baby essentials and/or special items such as a favourite soft teddy, decorative nursery plaque, photo frame or silver spoon.

Once the gifts have been enjoyed, the box itself becomes a beautiful keepsake for storing precious memories from those first few weeks - ultrasound photos, hospital bracelets, baby cards, first babygro and booties to name a few.

Selection of soft teddies and bunnies for newborns in a wicker basket

Small but Sentimental Gifts

If you prefer a smaller gesture, consider:

Soft toys suitable from birth

Baby photo frames

Tooth and curl boxes or money boxes

Find more in our Baby Gifts Collection.

decorative macarons with pink flowers on a plate at a baby shower party

Baby Shower Etiquette for Guests

RSVP early so the host can plan.

It's helpful to arrive on time, rather than being fashionably late, so you can be included in any planned games.

Drink in moderation if there is alcohol.

Sending a thank you note afterwards is a thoughtful gesture.

Final Thoughts

Attending a baby shower is about more than gifts - it’s a celebration of love, hope, and new beginnings.
Whether you bring a big hamper or a tiny keepsake, what matters most is your care and thought.

Find a gift that feels just right at Tiny Welcome:
Baby Gifts | Keepsake Boxes | Baby Shower Gifts

Missed Part 1? Read: How to Plan a Baby Shower in the UK →

Discover the Best Baby Shower Games