Baby showers in America can feel like a bit of an event.
A theme. A color palette. A balloon arch that could be seen from space. Enough tiny desserts to cater a wedding. And somewhere underneath all of that: a pregnant person who just wanted to celebrate becoming a parent.
If that sounds familiar, consider this your permission slip to take a simpler (but just as beautiful) approach.
Because a brilliant baby shower doesn’t need to be big, expensive, or Pinterest-perfect. After all, it's about you, your baby, and feeling celebrated by the people who love you - not spending months planning an event for other people to enjoy...
In France, baby showers aren't really a thing yet. But when they are celebrated, many French families gravitate towards simpler "events".
They're calmer, warmer, and far easier on your nervous system.
Here’s how to plan one.
Start with the actual point
Before you plan anything, ask yourself one question:
What do I want to feel that day?
Supported?
Celebrated?
Held?
Laughing?
Not overwhelmed?
A baby shower is not a production, it's a pause during your pregnancy where people gather around you before life changes.
Keep that as your north star.
Keep the guest list small (or at least intentional)
You do not need to invite everyone you’ve ever met.
A smaller gathering is often more intimate and more enjoyable - especially when you’re pregnant, tired, and perhaps already overstimulated.
Think: the people who make you feel like yourself.
A good rule of thumb: if you wouldn’t want them in your living room on a hard day, they probably don’t need to be at your baby shower.
Choose a format that feels like real life
In France, celebrations tend to be simple: a meal, a few friends, a long afternoon.
Consider skipping the structured “games and agenda” approach and choosing something softer:
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brunch at home
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cake and coffee in the afternoon
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a picnic if the weather is kind
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a cozy dinner with close family
People don’t need entertainment. They just want to connect with you.
Let food be really easy
This is not the time to cater like you’re hosting the Met Gala.
Keep it simple:
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one beautiful cake
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a few snacks
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something warm in the oven
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store-bought is absolutely allowed
No one will remember the charcuterie arrangement, they'll reminisce about how it felt to be together.
Skip the stuff, focus on support
It’s easy for baby showers to become about things.
More things. More gadgets. More tiny novelty outfits that will only be worn once.
But what most parents actually need is support.
If you want to make the shower feel less consumption-focused, try:
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asking guests to bring a book that you can enjoy during pregnancy/postpartum instead of a card
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doing a meal train sign-up
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inviting people to share one piece of advice (the kind that’s actually helpful)
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keeping gifts optional or minimal
A shower can be generous without being excessive.
Create one small ritual
Simple doesn’t mean forgettable.
One meaningful moment can anchor the whole day:
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everyone writes a note for the baby to read later
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a toast to the parent-to-be
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a quiet moment of sharing hopes
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a circle of encouragement (short, not intense)
It doesn’t need to be emotional theatre. Just real.
Don’t overdecorate
This may be controversial in certain American zip codes, but:
You do not need a balloon arch.
A few flowers, candles, soft music, and a tidy-enough room is plenty.
Minimalism isn’t about aesthetics. It’s about nervous system peace.
The calmer the space, the calmer you’ll feel.
Let it end early
This is one of the most underrated French principles: leave room for an evening rest.
A baby shower does not need to last six hours.
Two or three hours is perfect. People come, celebrate, eat something sweet, hug you, and go home.
You get to rest.
Remember: it's about love
The best baby showers feel like a deep breath.
A reminder that you’re not doing this alone. That people are around you. That it's your turn to be cared for.
Keep it simple enough that you can actually enjoy it.
Because the goal isn’t to throw the perfect party.
It’s to feel held before the next chapter begins.
Petites pensées
In a season where everything is about preparing, buying, planning, and doing… a simple baby shower is a beautiful rebellion.
Less stuff.
More presence.
More people who truly matter.
That’s the kind of celebration your nervous system will remember.