Food options for baby shower


37 Crowd-Pleasing Baby Shower Food Ideas

Planning a baby shower is lots of fun, especially when it comes to brainstorming food ideas. Whether you’re looking for food ideas that match your chosen baby shower theme or you’re just looking for quick, easy, and flavorful options that everyone will love, you’ve come to the right place. Check out our 37 baby shower food ideas, including savories, sweets, and thirst-quenching drinks.

9 Tips and Ideas for Planning a Baby Shower Menu

When planning a baby shower, you can be as creative as you like with the food ideas, but it’s also important to consider some practical aspects.

As the host, you’ll have a lot to take care of, including decorating the venue, so it’s good to plan food that is quick to make and easy to serve and eat.

Here are some tips to help you think about the types of food to choose, how to serve it, and more:

Savory Baby Shower Food Ideas

Whether you plan on having only finger foods or an entire menu at the baby shower, here are some ideas for the savory food:

Baby Shower Dessert Table Food Ideas

Besides having a baby shower cake as a centerpiece, you may want to have a dessert table with an assortment of other sweet offerings. Here are some ideas for crowd-pleasing sweets and desserts:

Drinks

Beyond serving the usual wine spritzer or sparkling wine at the baby shower, consider some alcohol-free drinks, like mocktails, punch, and homemade sodas:

The Bottom Line

You’ll no doubt have lots of fun planning and serving the food for the mom-to-be’s baby shower.

If you’ve decided to prepare most of the food, round up some of the mom-to-be’s friends and family to help. Make it easier on yourself by using some store-bought elements, too. You could also make some of what’s on offer but ask each guest to bring a small plate to share.

Set up food and dessert tables so that guests can serve themselves buffet style, and stick to foods that aren’t too messy to eat while standing up and mingling.

If you have a set theme, you can tie the food into the theme by using colored frosting, or by piping lettering onto foods like “Oh, Baby!” Cookie cutters are your friend! Cut everything from brownies to sandwiches into shapes that match the theme. You can also connect the food and drinks to the theme based on the colors you choose for the straws, napkins, and cupcake liners.

Having a chocolate fondue fountain or a soda bar can create an interactive element that guests will love.

Have fun with it! Your options are endless, and you might find you really get into it once you get started. And, always remember, no matter what food and drinks you serve, your guests — especially the guest of honor — will really appreciate your efforts and thoughtfulness.

While you’re here, check out our baby shower checklist to double-check that you’ve covered everything for the upcoming event.

25 Perfect Baby Shower Food Ideas on a Budget – Instacart

Throwing a fun, memorable party to celebrate the new arrival in your life doesn’t have to break the bank. You can decorate a party or backyard and prepare a tasty menu affordably without compromising on quality—it just takes planning. If you’re stuck and don’t know where to start, these baby shower food ideas on a budget will get the ball rolling.

How to throw a baby shower on a budget

Before we get into baby shower food ideas, these are our cost-cutting tips for throwing a wonderful baby shower on a budget.

1. Don’t host at mealtimes

If you host a baby shower at mealtimes, you’ll have to serve full meals, which can be expensive. Instead, throw your baby shower between meals, so you can serve only appetizers and sweet snacks. 2 p.m. is a popular time for these events.

2. Keep a pared-down guest list

On average, guests eat around 5 pieces of food at baby showers. The more people you invite, the costlier the event will be.

3. Ask guests to bring food or drinks

If you still want a full party but can’t afford to feed everyone, ask your guests to bring over food or drinks. It will be a baby-shower-meets-potluck type of event, which can be a lot of fun.

4. Choose local, seasonal ingredients

The cheapest food for a baby shower is the one that’s local and in season. Research what fresh produce is cheapest, then come up with recipes using those ingredients.

Following a themed menu can help you pinch pennies. For example, if you’re using chicken for 1 appetizer, make sure to include it in another snack. This way, you don’t have to buy as many ingredients and end up saving money.

6. Ditch the fully stocked bar

Choose just 1 or 2 drinks to serve—preferably non-alcoholic for baby showers. No need to keep a handful of spirits and mixers on hand.

7. Make your own decorations

DIY the décor using things you already have at home. Visiting a thrift store can also help you throw a stylish baby shower for cheap.

Affordable appetizers for a baby shower

Plate up these tasty, budget-friendly appetizers for your guests.

1. Ham and cheese sliders

Ham and cheese sliders are simple, easy to make, and affordable.

2. Pulled pork buns

Pulled pork sliders are also a popular snack for baby showers. Don’t skip out on the barbecue sauce.

3. Turkey cheddar hot pinwheels

With pre-made pizza dough, deli turkey slices, and cheddar cheese, you can make this comforting finger food.

4. Tomato and broccoli mini quiches

Quiches are sophisticated but surprisingly cheap to make. For this version, use ripe sliced tomatoes and broccoli florets for the filling.

5. Hummus and roasted veg toast

Spread homemade or storebought hummus on toasted bread and top with an assortment of roasted veggies.

6. Build-your-own chili

If you’re looking for a more filling snack, chili is the way to go. Let your guests add their own toppings.

7. Potato skins with bacon

Hollowed-out baked potatoes, bacon, and sour cream make the perfect appetizer. It’s easy to eat and packed with flavor.

8. Summer pasta salad

For something lighter, serve individual portions of pasta salad. Toss fusilli and whatever veggies are in season in olive oil and a pinch of salt.

9. Deep-fried pickles

Pickles are a popular satisfying snack among many moms-to-be. Set out a plate of deep-fried pickles with ranch dressing on the side.

10.

Babies in a blanket

Give pigs in a blanket a twist. Wrap the dough around the sausage so it looks like a swaddled baby and add chocolate sprinkles for the eyes.

11. Grape jelly wieners

Toss smokies in a grape jelly and ketchup mixture, then serve on toothpicks.

12. Barbecue meatballs

Another hearty appetizer, meatballs doused in barbecue sauce are a crowd-pleaser.

13. Tater tot casserole

Tater tot casserole is pretty inexpensive to make. Use a blend of affordable cheeses to take this comfort food to the next level.

14. Chicken salad sandwiches

Spread chicken salad on soft white sandwich bread and serve with an olive and a toothpick on top.

15. Pesto chicken tea sandwiches

Grilled chicken and basil pesto is another great combination. Cut the sandwiches into quarters so they’re easier to eat.

16. Hamburger meat empanadas

Pie crust and hamburger meat can be turned into delicious empanadas. Salsa makes for a great dipping sauce.

17. Cheese pizza bites

Make finger food pizza bites using a cupcake tin, pizza dough, pizza sauce, and shredded cheese.

Cheap desserts and treats for baby showers

What’s a party without something sweet? These cheap recipes for a baby shower will satisfy your sweet tooth without going over budget.

1. Gendered rice crispy treats

Rice crispy treats are cheap to make. They only call for margarine, marshmallows, and puffed rice. Add red or blue food dye for a gendered twist.

2. Carrot cupcakes

Not into gender-themed desserts? You will probably love carrot cupcakes. Making your own is cheaper than getting it from the store—and surprisingly easy!

3. Fruit on a skewer

Pierce a skewer through pieces of fruit for a healthy snack. Grapes, banana, strawberry, apple—whatever is in season.

4. Caramel apples

In the fall, when apples are abundant, caramel apple slices hit the spot. 

5. Waffle bites

Waffle mix is inexpensive, so why not make waffle bites? Cut a waffle into fourths and top with fruits, caramel, or chocolate.

6. Decorated sugar cookies

Take sugar cookies to the next level by decorating them. All you’ll need is icing, food dye, and a piping bag.

7. Ice cream sundaes

Sundaes are perfect for summer baby showers. Choose 1 ice cream flavor and let your guests pick their toppings—pretzels, caramel drizzle, and chocolate chips are just some of the options.

8. S’mores bar

Set up a s’mores bar for a DIY dessert. You’ll need graham crackers, chocolate bars, and marshmallows. Don’t forget skewers and a few candles.

Save time and money with a little help from a friend

You probably have a clearer picture of what you’ll serve at your budget-friendly baby shower, right? Now comes the fun part: creating invites, making a playlist, and decorating the space. What’s not so fun is doing the grocery runs—but, fortunately, you can leave that to Instacart. Order everything you need with just a few clicks and focus on the party. You may also want to check out current deals from our retailers.

Grab it now on Instacart:

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60 ways to decorate baby's meals

Home ideas / Recipe Ideas

You don't know what to do if your baby won't eat? Of course, lack of appetite may be related to a state of health, but the experience of many mothers suggests otherwise. As a rule, the child does not eat because the food does not seem appetizing to him. And here a variety of ideas for decorating dishes come to the rescue.

We tried to make the selection as diverse as possible, in which you will find ideas for both a regular meal and a festive menu. Porridges, soups, breakfast dishes (that the whole family will love), cakes... 60 options for children's dishes are waiting for you. Well, we will start with the simplest, moving to more complex ideas.

Part One: Basic Kids Menu Ideas

I. How to Decorate Egg Dishes

Eggs are one of the healthiest foods for adults and children alike. Of course, you can’t eat egg dishes every day, but they must be present in the child’s diet at least once a week. How can you turn ordinary eggs into a delicious culinary masterpiece?

1. Scrambled eggs on toast

Sunshine What kid doesn't love crispy toast? To make the dish even more appetizing, cook croutons with scrambled eggs. To do this, we need ordinary bread for toast. With a knife, cut out any figure in the loaves, spread the bread in a pan and brown one side. Then turn the bread over and pour the egg into the cut hole. Do not throw away the cut pieces of bread, but fry and serve with scrambled eggs. Get a delicious meal for the whole family.


2. Perfectly even scrambled eggs

How many times has this happened: I broke the eggs, but I don’t understand how they spread over the pan - damp in one place, burnt in another, and their outline does not cause delight. If you have round egg tins, use them to make perfect, even and beautiful scrambled eggs. Put the finished dish on a loaf, decorate with toasts (making the eyes and ears of a kitten) or draw a smiley face with ketchup.


3. Fried eggs in pepper

No molds? Well, don't worry! You can make edible shapes from other foods, such as the toast bread mentioned above. The same goes for bell peppers. Wash the pepper, cut it into rings (at least a centimeter high, because the pepper shrinks when frying). We put the pepper in a preheated pan with oil and pour an egg into each round.

Children love bright colors, so rounds of colorful peppers: green, red, yellow and orange are a great idea. Leftover peppers can be used in a summer salad. Ready scrambled eggs can be sprinkled with herbs - a beautiful and healthy dish will come out.


4. Kitten fried eggs

Here is another idea for those who love to use molds when cooking. You will need a heat-resistant form with a ready-made muzzle of some animal, for example, a kitten.

The yolks of the eggs will form eyes. To make them, you need to break the eggs, separating the yolk from the protein. Personally, I prefer to do it the traditional way, rolling the yolk from one half of the shell to the other until the whites run into the bowl. Well, you use the methods that are comfortable for you.

Next, you need to distribute the yolks and whites inside the mold by placing it on the pan. Pour the yolks into the slots for the eyes, fill the remaining voids of the form with proteins. For greater beauty and taste, you can add any ingredients, such as fried bacon.


5. Eggs in the shell with pictures

Stock up on ready-made stickers, because this is the easiest way to quickly decorate boiled eggs in the shell. It's also an easy way to decorate eggs for Easter. You can also paint the testicles with markers. Be sure to study the composition of the markers. There are special children's models, the paint of which is harmless, even if the child licks it.


6. Chick in the testicle

After poring over a boiled egg with a knife for a couple of minutes, you can make such a charming chicken. Lay the egg in a bowl with greens, forming a kind of nest. True, there is a chick to eat now a little sorry!


7. Colored Stuffed Eggs

Are you preparing a festive dish and want to decorate your stuffed eggs in a special way? To do this, boiled eggs must be peeled and put in food coloring diluted with water. Remove the eggs, dry, cut and stuff with pate or yolk paste. For beauty, the filling can be squeezed out with a confectionery syringe.

Since we are talking about dishes for children, be extremely careful when studying the composition of food colors. Even the most harmless of them should not be given to very young children in order to avoid allergic reactions.


8. Egg figurines

To create such figurines, you will need special molds. Some of them come with additional details, as in the photo (with a stand in the form of paws). After boiling the egg, cool it, put it in the mold, close the mold and press its sides. The egg will take the desired shape.

9. Winking Smiley Omelet

Bake an ordinary omelet, place on a plate and decorate. Sour cream and olive - one eye, cucumber - the second eye, a smile can be made from spinach stewed in sour cream, and a tongue from a piece of salmon. Remember that raw fish is not recommended for children. Use slightly salted or ovtar fish.


10. Omelette in the shape of a heart and a star

Once again, we will need cooking molds. In such as in the photo, you can bake pancakes, vegetable pancakes, fry meatballs, eggs or scrambled eggs. Oh gods, send me lots and lots of money, I want to buy all the molds in the world!


II. How to decorate sandwiches and fast food

Sandwiches or sandwiches are a popular breakfast item. Just let's not forget that you can not feed children like that from morning to night. But on the weekend, you can pamper the kids with a burger or other fast food.

1. Ladybug sandwich

The main filling can be whatever your heart desires: from bacon, sausage or cheese. We put a green lettuce leaf on top and decorate it with a funny figure that looks like a ladybug. We make wings from cut tomatoes, dots on the wings and a head from olives.


2. Sandwiches with Forest Animals cheese

And here are cute wild animals: a raccoon, an owl, a hedgehog and a fox. You will have to tinker a little, cutting out curly details from black and white bread, as well as contrasting varieties of cheese. But the kids will love it for sure.

By the way, involve the kids in the cooking process. So you will have little helpers, and besides, you will cultivate independence in children from a very early age. Also, children usually do not refuse food that they have made themselves. So the second option is a win-win on all counts.


3. Vegetable sandwiches

Carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, radishes, olives, greens - all these healthy ingredients can be used to decorate bread. Bread can be served with any side dish.


4. Bear Burger

To keep the pattern well, choose burger buns without powder. You can attach slices of sausage and sliced ​​\u200b\u200bfrom cheese and olives to the top bun to make a cute face.


5. Sausage in Race Car Dough

Broom Broom! I'll tell you a secret: both boys and girls like toy cars. Surprise your child with a delicious racing car made of ... sausages in dough! Wheels can be made from tmoats, cucumber slices, zucchini or other vegetable. To prevent the wheels from falling off, pierce them with a toothpick, sticking the other end into the bun. Remind your child to take out the toothpick before biting into the bun.


6. Pizza "Heart"

Children love pizza with all their heart, so why not make pizza in the shape of a heart? Raw cake can be pre-cut. You can trim the cake after baking (but then it will not have delicious sides). The third option is to put the raw dough into a heart shape for cakes. What ingredients to add is up to you.


III. How to decorate salads

Vegetables are extremely important in the diet of a growing organism, and therefore a balanced diet is impossible without them. Let's look at interesting ways to serve vegetable cuts and salads.

1. Vegetables on portrait plates

These plates with ready-made portraits are a great purchase for a family with small children. You can invite your child to participate in cooking. Give him chopped vegetables and let him create a work of art by laying out additional parts of the portrait from food.


2. Santa Winter Salad

This salad serving is ideal for decorating New Year's dishes. However, the salad looks so appetizing that you can cook it on any other day. The basis can be the usual Olivier or crab salad. We create a portrait from grated ingredients and finely chopped vegetables. For the pattern, you will need boiled eggs, grated cheese, tomatoes or red bell pepper salad.


3. Summer salad "Watermelon slice"

Does your baby not like vegetables? We are willing to argue, he will definitely like a watermelon, even if it is made from vegetables. We need only four ingredients: cucumbers, cheese, tomatoes and a couple of olives. Finely chop the tomatoes, removing the skins. Three cucumbers and cheese on a coarse grater. We spread everything in the form of a crescent, creating an imitation of a watermelon peel. To make a semblance of seeds, you just need to cut the olives into thin slices.


4. Sliced ​​vegetables with Whiskers egg

Make eyes out of two cherry tomato halves, make green eyebrows. From young carrots we make shavings for the mustache. Half an egg (hard-boiled or bagged) will be the nose. Half a cucumber - with a mouth, and mayonnaise or sour cream - with a white-toothed smile. Fresh parsley will be our eyelashes.

Hmm... it feels like this face looks like some cartoon character I know. Does she remind you of anyone?


Kids Menu Recipes - 215 Step by Step Photo Recipes You Can Make at Home

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If the baby eats with appetite, the mother is happy and happy! But, alas, not every child will be happy to eat ordinary porridge or cottage cheese. Therefore, mothers have to constantly invent something, invent something so that the child does not turn away from cooked food. The main secret of recipes for children at home lies in an interesting presentation, the use of fresh products and healthy ingredients. Of course, the children's menu should include soups, milk porridge, meat (minced meat), vegetables, fruits. But most preschoolers and children of primary school age are wary of vegetable stews and salads. Not too willingly, they eat a whole apple, pear or banana. It will be much more interesting for them to eat fruit skewers, a boiled egg that “turned” into a pig or a carrot cut into stars.

Recipes for children are the fruit of creativity and imagination of mothers and grandmothers who do not want to "stuff" children with products with various fillers, dyes, preservatives. For example, the same oatmeal will become tastier if you add a spoonful of jam, berries, pieces of fruit to it. In a selection of children's recipes with step-by-step photos, our authors suggest preparing delicious applesauce with cream, banana milkshake, fruit dessert with chocolate chips.


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