Homemade baby shower food ideas
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 baconHollowed-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.
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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.
Baby puree at home: recipes
Baby puree from vegetables and fruits at home: cooking secrets
Vegetable and fruit puree often becomes the first meal of the baby after breast milk or formula, so many mothers prefer to cook it on their own. Although modern manufacturers convince us that baby food is devoid of preservatives and harmful additives, fresh vegetables and fruits are much healthier, especially when it comes to infant nutrition. Yes, and cooking baby puree at home is not so difficult. nine0005
Vegetables or fruits?
Let's try to make baby puree for our beloved baby. Despite the fact that pediatricians of the last century recommended starting complementary foods with fruits, it is better to first introduce the child to vegetables - modern doctors and nutritionists have come to this conclusion.
Boiled vegetables do not irritate the gastrointestinal tract, are better absorbed, satisfy hunger, do not cause allergies and increased gas formation. In addition, vegetables do not contain fructose, which irritates the pancreas. And one more weighty argument in favor of the fact that it is better to start with vegetables - fruits are tastier, and if the baby tries them first, he will refuse vegetables, because they will seem to him more insipid. nine0005
How to prepare baby vegetable puree
What can baby puree be made from? The ideal puree for the first feeding is from cauliflower or zucchini. A little later, you can introduce pumpkin, broccoli, carrots, potatoes and green peas. Before cooking, vegetables are washed well, peeled, cut into pieces and cooked - steamed, in the oven or in the usual way, in water. The first two methods are preferable because oven roasting and steaming preserve the vitamins, minerals, nutrients, and natural color in the vegetables. And most importantly - such vegetables are much tastier.
Some nutritionists recommend boiling vegetables with their skins on before peeling them, so choose your own cooking method. nine0005
If you do have to cook vegetables in a saucepan, use an enamel pot, add less water and put the vegetables in boiling water. Boil until soft, but do not overcook vegetables and fruits, otherwise they will become tasteless and lose a lot of vitamins. Ready vegetables are chopped with a blender until smooth and slightly diluted with water, vegetable broth, breast milk or mixture to a gruel state, since the child does not yet know how to digest thick food. Small pieces of vegetables in puree sometimes cause the baby to refuse to eat, so the knives in the blender should be well sharpened, and if there is no technique, you can grind the vegetables through a sieve. Salt and spices are usually not added to baby vegetable puree, and if the baby is more than 6 months old, you can put a little butter in the puree. nine0005
A few rules for making baby puree at home
- Use only fresh vegetables and fruits.
- Water for cooking vegetables must be filtered or bottled.
- If you are using frozen foods, choose only whole fruits and vegetables as they retain the most nutrients.
- All utensils for preparing baby food should be perfectly clean, so if the knife falls on the floor, it should be washed well. Also, the presence of pets in the kitchen during the cooking process is not allowed. nine0026
- Avoid vegetables and fruits high in nitrates, such as spinach, lettuce, beets, melons, and watermelons, in infants' diets.
- Store-bought vegetables are recommended to be soaked in water to remove nitrates: 1-2 hours for this, up to 24 hours for potatoes.
- Mix sour-tasting fruits and berries with sweet fruits - for example, blackcurrant goes well with a banana or pear. Sour puree is unlikely to please the baby. nine0026
- Give your child only fresh food, but yesterday's puree from the refrigerator is better to eat yourself.
DIY fruit puree for children
Children are more likely to eat fruit puree, because fruits are tastier and sweeter.
Fruits contain a large amount of vitamins, minerals, trace elements, fiber and antioxidants, so they are very useful for a growing body. However, fruits are strong allergens, especially berries, bananas, pomegranates and apricots, so they should be given with caution, watching the child's reaction. The most low-allergenic fruits are apples and pears, so it is better to start complementary foods with them, and then introduce all other fruits. First, the baby is fed with a one-component puree made from only one product, and then you can mix different vegetables and fruits, and not only among themselves. Very tasty combinations of fruits and vegetables, such as apples and zucchini, pumpkins and pears. nine0005
Fruits must be of good quality, without damage, ripe and juicy, and the rules for preparing fruits do not differ from the rules for cooking vegetables. Naturally, fruit puree is not sweetened with honey and sugar - the later the child learns the taste of sugar, the stronger his health will be.
Aromatic pumpkin puree
Babies love to eat pumpkin because of its pleasant sweet taste, besides pumpkin is very healthy. It contains a whole storehouse of various vitamins, including vitamin T, which normalizes the metabolism in the body. For pumpkin puree, small pumpkins are suitable, since large fruits are not as tasty and difficult to peel. nine0005
Cut the pumpkin in half, and then into small slices, one or two of which (depending on the appetite of the crumbs) cut into cubes. Boil the pumpkin in a double boiler or in water for 20 minutes, while warm, beat with a blender to a smooth puree and dilute if necessary with water or a mixture. Add oil and salt depending on the age of the child.
Gentle Broccoli Puree
One of my favorite homemade baby puree recipes is broccoli. This cabbage is extremely useful because it contains potassium, iron, calcium and other valuable substances. It has much more vitamin C than lemon, and the reason for its nutritional value is its high protein content.
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Separate the broccoli into florets, wash thoroughly and steam for 20 minutes. Cabbage cooks faster in water - fresh broccoli will take 7 minutes, and frozen - about 15 minutes. Broccoli puree does not need much water, it should lightly coat the vegetables. After the cabbage becomes soft, chop it in a blender or pass through a sieve. If you're mashing for kids older than a year old, be sure to add butter - the little ones will gobble up broccoli on both cheeks! nine0005
How to make baby pear puree at home
Pear is a very delicate, tasty and healthy fruit that rarely causes intolerance. In addition to the high vitamin value, the pear has other beneficial properties - it facilitates digestion and removes toxins from the body.
For baby food, choose green pears to reduce the risk of allergies, which are rare among babies. Peel the fruits from the peel and core with seeds, and then stew the pear in a bowl with a thick bottom in a small amount of water for 15 minutes.
Let the pear cool slightly and puree it in a blender with a little of the remaining pear broth. For large kids, fruits can not be boiled, but add half a teaspoon of natural honey to the puree. nine0005
Zucchini and apple puree
Little gourmets will love this delicious puree, besides, zucchini is considered the most hypoallergenic vegetables, which, due to their high potassium content, have a beneficial effect on the heart. Apples contain iodine, iron and phosphorus, and due to the high concentration of vitamin C, apples help in the prevention of colds and viral infections.
Wash the zucchini and apples well, de-seed them, cut into pieces and cook in a saucepan for about 20 minutes, considering that the zucchini will cook 5 minutes faster. By the way, apples are steamed for 15 minutes, zucchini - 10 minutes. Next, vegetables and fruits are chopped in a blender, mixed and brought to a boil. For allergic children, this is the best side dish! nine0005
Exotic mango
Sometimes you can pamper your baby with exotic fruits - for example, make mango puree.
This is a very delicate fruit with an original taste, containing 12 amino acids and improving sleep.
Choose only ripe fruits that are soft and reddish-yellow in color. Peel the mango from a thick skin and a large bone, put the pulp in a blender, add 2 tbsp. l. water and mash it, and then heat it in a saucepan for several minutes. For a baby up to a year old, it is better to give mashed potatoes with heat treatment to facilitate digestion, and older children can be fed raw mangoes. nine0005
Carrot and Potato Puree
Make normal potato puree without oil. Peel the carrots, grate them and stew them with butter and vegetable broth - about 1 tsp is required for 200 g of carrots. butter and 150 g of broth. When the carrot becomes very soft, wipe it through a sieve, and then put it on a plate, put mashed potatoes on the second half. Let the child choose whether to mix two types of puree for him or eat separately!
Pumpkin and apple puree
This sweet, sugar-free pumpkin-apple puree, cooked in a double boiler, is suitable for children who are already accustomed to “adult” food and are able to perceive a new unusual dish.
It is better to take a pumpkin with a gray or green skin and with bright pulp - such fruits contain more vitamins and other useful substances. Apples are green because they have fewer allergens.
Cut pumpkin and apple flesh without peel or seeds into pieces, place in a steamer and cook for 20 minutes. Grind pumpkin, apples and raisins in a blender or by hand with a pusher if the child has already learned to chew. They say that this puree is very good for skin and hair, and you can check the truth of this statement yourself if you start feeding this dish to your baby. nine0005
In autumn, you can take care of preparing vegetables for baby purees. Some vegetables, such as pumpkin, carrots and apples, are stored fresh, and zucchini, broccoli, berries are frozen in small portions, because due to frequent freezing and thawing, vegetables lose vitamins and become tasteless. You can roll up fruit and vegetable puree in jars, but this snack should not be given to babies. Remember that the taste of vegetables determines whether the baby will love them in the future, so try to prepare an appetizing and tender puree - for health and good mood! nine0005
what to cook for a 10 year birthday
How much do children need to be happy? To spend a wonderful holiday, the most anticipated of all, with family and close friends, and even in such a way that it will be remembered for a long time.
And caring parents will help in this - for this they need to prepare in advance and carefully plan everything. On the eve of a child's birthday, especially such a round date as 10 years old, every mother wonders, so what to cook on the table? And if you decide to celebrate this event at home, then the tips of the Zatusim resource will be useful to you. nine0005
Contents
What you need to know when choosing meals
Setting up a table for a 10-year-old child's birthday is, of course, easier than for younger children, for whom the list of foodstuffs is limited. But it is still important to choose fresh and high-quality ingredients for cooking.
Try not to use extravagant foods and recipes when composing the menu, especially if you are not sure that your child and guests will want to eat it.
It is best to choose food familiar to your baby, but prepared in a special way. nine0005
By nature, we tend to separate food, and in children this is especially pronounced.
Therefore, the simpler the treats are, the more the guys will like them.
Choose less fatty foods and try not to use frying when cooking, because tasty food can be prepared correctly and be healthy.
If other children were invited to the birthday party, it would not be superfluous to ask mothers about the presence of allergic reactions or other restrictions on products. nine0005
Another important aspect is safety. Keeping track of active children in the heat of the holiday is not easy, so make sure your food and table are as safe as possible.
Children are very fond of fresh fruits and vegetables - when serving them, make sure that the treats are well washed and, if possible, pitted.
Avoid fish with bones, complex sandwiches, spicy foods, and foods with strong allergens.
Fish dishes should be avoided, because even after a thorough check, small bones may remain, and if someone chokes, the holiday can be completely ruined. And not all children like to eat fish. nine0005
Children's birthday menu options
Chicken dishes are a great hot option - most children are positive about it.
Battered baked legs will definitely appeal to 10-year-olds - they are tasty and easy to eat with your hands. This treat is easy to prepare and can be fun to decorate with paper tassels.
Give preference to simple salads that can be put into bowls. Arrange the filling in shortbread baskets or tartlets. nine0005
It is much more interesting for children to treat themselves to such snacks than to sit in front of a plate full of heavy salads.
Make small sandwiches with homemade pork, cheese or pâté. But it is better to avoid smoked meats and sausages.
An excellent solution for a festive table are various canapes decorated on skewers - such a treat will definitely be eaten.
Avoid the abundance of purchased sweets and candies, many delicious desserts can be prepared at home. nine0005
The birthday menu for a 10-year-old girl can be varied with all kinds of fruit and berry jellies, mousses. Milkshakes and chocolate puddings also make great table decorations.
It is better to replace carbonated drinks with natural juices and fruit drinks. The time of bottled cola and forfeit on the tables is over, and every mother who cares about the health of her children is able to prepare delicious and healthy drinks.
Cooking meals that children love
Almost any healthy dish can be transformed into a children's menu for 10-year-old guests. But there are treats that children especially like. We will include them in our menu.
Snacks, Sandwiches & Canapes
Small Snack Sandwiches & Canapes make a great menu item for a 10 year old's birthday.
Make small sandwiches. The ideal size is 5x5 cm, so they are much more convenient to eat.
Foods can be cut into different shapes (stars, circles, fish) using cutters and put on skewers. It is desirable that the skewers are not very sharp, which will exclude injuries. nine0005
Anything can be strung on skewers: fruits, vegetables, cheese, cold cuts, bread. Alternate colors - so the appetizer will look much more interesting.
More recipes in 7 sandwiches you can't resist.
If the party is outdoors or in the woods around a campfire, prepare covered sandwiches - burgers and sandwiches will delight children.
Homemade pizza for a birthday
For a girl's or boy's 10th birthday, pizza can be prepared. Children simply adore it, and will prefer it to many other dishes. nine0005
This Italian open pie can be both the main treat on the table and a small snack. It all depends on the filling you choose and how you serve it.
You can bake one large pizza or make small portioned treats.
The golden rule of baby food is the simpler the better. Therefore, chicken, cheese, pickled cucumbers, tomato sauce are perfect as ingredients for pizza.
Do not overload it with olives or onions - children often do not eat these foods. nine0005
Homemade lemonade
Cooling drinks are indispensable in summer. This is where homemade lemonade comes in handy.
To make lemonade you will need:
- water;
- lemon;
- sugar.
The proportions of the ingredients are arbitrary. Usually, juice and zest of 1 lemon is enough for 1 liter of water. But everything will depend on the size and freshness, acidity of the fruit. Add sugar to taste as well. For 3 liters of drink, 1 glass of granulated sugar is consumed. nine0005
Wash the lemon thoroughly and scald it with boiling water. Remove the zest from the citrus on a grater.
Squeeze out all the juice, then strain to remove the pits.
Boil water and add zest and sugar. Continue to boil the drink for another 10 minutes.
Cool the syrup and pour in the squeezed lemon juice.
Lemonade is ready! Store in the refrigerator in a sealed container.
Berry Smoothie
You will need 1 kilo of ripe strawberries. You can use wild strawberries or wild strawberries, or other berries that are in season. nine0005
To prepare a delicious smoothie, mix 2 cups of juice (fruit drink), berries, melon pieces, banana in a tall bowl.
Beat the resulting mixture well with a blender until smooth.
Pour into tall glasses and garnish with fruit. This drink will be a great addition to any appetizer or dessert.
Interesting recipes with the use of berries in the material Dishes of gooseberries and raspberries on the festive table.
10th birthday cakes
What birthday is complete without a cake - its appearance almost always becomes the culmination of the holiday.
Of course, mothers always have a choice - to order a birthday cake for a 10-year-old boy in a pastry shop or bake it at home on their own.
If you have free time, the second option is preferable, as you will know exactly what ingredients the cake for children is made from.
The rules for the safety of components and the preparation of a cake for the 1st anniversary of the baby remain relevant for the first anniversary. nine0005
In addition, there are recipes for amazingly delicious and easy-to-prepare treats, from classic cakes to funky gingerbread, desserts, cupcakes, muffins.
No-Bake Jelly Cake
Even if you don't have experience with complex pastries, making a jelly cake is easy. In addition, there is a place for creative experiments and the embodiment of the most incredible ideas.
For cooking you will need:
- butter;
- shortbread biscuits;
- cinnamon;
- fruits;
- gelatin;
- chocolate;
- heavy cream;
- curd mass;
- powdered sugar.
Prepare butter, cookies and cinnamon for the base. Mix the ingredients thoroughly and tamp in a detachable cake mold. We send it to the freezer for 15-20 minutes.
For the next jelly layer, you can choose any filler - fruits, berries, chocolate. The most beautiful cake will turn out if you combine several layers. nine0005
Prepare the gelatin mixture according to the instructions on the package, add melted chocolate and heavy cream - 200 ml. Stir and send to simmer over low heat, not bringing to a boil.
In a blender, mix 200 g of the curd mass with the prepared chocolate mixture and add 50 g of powdered sugar. Put it on the base of the cake and send it to harden in the cold.
At this time, prepare the next layer.
Add berry juice, chopped fruits and berries to the new gelatin mixture. Let it brew a little and fill it with the first layer after it has hardened. nine0005
You can combine the number of layers and their content as you wish.
Decorate the cake to your taste - with fresh berries or almond flakes, chocolate chips or marzipan figurines.
A 10 year old girl's birthday cake can be not only a delicious treat, but also a great activity for your child.
Involve the young birthday girl in the cooking process, giving her the freedom to be creative.
Such joint chores on the eve of the holiday will definitely please girls and even some boys. nine0005
Festive table setting
It is important to remember that children are not adults who are ready to sit at the table for hours on end.
Most likely, the holiday will not do without competitions and games, where only at intervals the kids will run up to the table and have something to eat and chew on the go. Try to create comfortable conditions for them.
Unbreakable plastic utensils, small portions of food that are convenient to take from the table will help out. nine0005
Drinking cups can be personalized with guest names, resealable cocktail and smoothie bottles with straws.
