Popular baby shower food
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.
Grab it now on Instacart:
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Baby Shower Food Ideas - Baby Chick
Hosting a baby shower is such an important job to support a mother-to-be. I will never forget my baby shower and all the work my mom put into it to host for me. I am forever grateful!
Planning a baby shower is a lot of work, from the guest list to the décor, the baby shower games, and most importantly, the food. There is a lot of thought and effort that goes into a shower.
What to Consider When Planning the Baby Shower Food
When planning the menu, you want to consider the preferences of the mother-to-be and serve some of her favorite foods, along with considering the theme.
The theme of my shower was “Fiesta, Baby,” and we had a taco and nacho bar—some of my favorite things and on theme! You will also want to consider your guests’ dietary needs and ensure you have some gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, and vegan offerings mixed in.
That way there is a little something for everyone in the spread. Of course, make sure to have plenty of bottles of hand sanitizer available to your guests as they prepare to make their way through the food offering. This will help keep everyone healthy.
Baby Shower Appetizers
Finger foods are excellent to serve at baby showers, and anything “mini” is always a charming option for the food table. I love going to a baby shower where many different appetizers are served. Bonus points if they are on a toothpick or in a single serving cup! Serving many appetizers is a great way to have lots of options for your guests that meet the needs of even the pickiest of attendees. Here are some delicious ideas for appetizers:
- Pimento cheese crostini
- Charcuterie board
- Individual cups of cut veggies and dressing
- Tea sandwiches
- Fruit kebabs
- Sandwich pinwheels
- Meatballs
- Pigs in a blanket
- Stuffed mushrooms
- Mini crab cakes
- Shrimp cocktail
- Spanakopita
Baby Shower Buffet
Buffets of entrée foods are a great, inclusive baby shower food idea for your guests.
They can choose exactly how they want to customize their meal according to their preferences and dietary needs. I have shared some fun buffet ideas and examples of items to put on that buffet that will give your guests many options.
- Taco/nacho bar (taco meat, chicken, refried beans, sour cream, salsa, taco shells, tortillas, corn chips)
- Baked potato bar (cheese, chili, sour cream, chives, butter, bacon, ham, black olives, scallions, chicken)
- BBQ and fixins (pulled chicken, pulled pork, brisket, coleslaw, macaroni and cheese, baked beans, potato salad, cornbread)
- Bagels (various cream cheese flavors, lox, capers, pickled onions, dill)
Baby Shower Brunch
A common time for baby showers is a brunch shower! I have often been to showers late Sunday morning, and I love a good brunch shower. Here are some yummy options for baby shower food ideas during brunch:
- Mini quiches
- Breakfast casserole(s) both with meat and vegetarian
- Deviled eggs
- Baked French toast
- Chicken salad on Hawaiian rolls
- Croissants
- Scones
- Muffins
- Fruit salad
Baby Shower Desserts
The options for baby shower desserts are endless and the center of a shower’s celebration.
Most traditionally, you can serve a beautiful cake decorated akin to the shower’s theme. A trendy idea is to have a dessert bar with lots of different options for your guests to choose from. Here are some other more non-traditional dessert ideas:
- Decorate your own cookie station
- Cinnamon buns (cute for a “bun in the oven” theme)
- Cake pops
- Cookies
- Chocolate covered pretzels
- Petit fours
- Cupcakes
- Fun-sized candy bars
- Hershey’s Kisses
- Personalized M&M’s
- Caramel popcorn
- Chocolate covered strawberries
- Rice Krispie Treats
- Chex Muddy Buddies
Baby Shower Drinks
The drinks you offer at a baby shower depend heavily on the theme! One cute theme that I have seen is “Something’s Brewing.” You would serve beer and coffee at that shower. At a brunch shower, you’ll probably have a mimosa bar with lots of different juice offerings. Depending on the time of day and audience, a signature cocktail inspired by the mother-to-be is also a cute idea! Of course, a nice offering to have is mini bottles of water.
I find that at events where the mini bottles are served, it cuts down on the half-empty bottles of water being found everywhere when the event is over!
- Mimosa bar (various fruit juices such as mango, pineapple, orange)
- Coffee or hot cocoa station
- Iced tea
- Hot tea
- Infused water
- Signature cocktail
- Bottled water
I hope this inspires you as you plan for baby shower hosting responsibilities. You can mix and match from this list of food ideas and pull off a flawless shower! The guests and mother-to-be will love what you put together, no matter what you choose to do.
43 Baby Shower Meal Ideas to Delight Your Guests
When planning a baby shower, there is a long list of things to consider. If you're hoping to surprise a mom-to-be with a shower, then knowing what she needs, wants, and already has can be helpful. It is usually a good idea to enlist the support of your family members and close friends for many decisions.
Baby Shower Meal Ideas is just one of many items you may need help with. It is a nice finishing touch to serve food and snacks that the mother-to-be will enjoy on her special day. To take the pressure off you a bit, we've put together this list of 43 baby shower ideas that everyone will love. See which ones will fit into your baby shower menu.
1. Sunny Sunflowers
Source: Cope with the Heat
It's hard not to smile when you see a happy sunflower. These dreamy versions of cupcakes are no different. They are easier to make than they look and even tastier.
2. Dear Ducks
Source: Through a Cloudy Glass
Rubber duckies are the theme of this cute baby shower. From frozen cookies decorated like ducks to real rubber ducks floating in a punch bowl, it's all about the quack.
3. Sweet Spring
Source: Marla Meridith
Beautiful flowers frozen in time in these beautiful and quite tasty popsicles. Edible flowers are used to make a treat that adds a touch of floral fantasy to a spring baby shower.
4. Early Readers
Source: Hostess with Mostess
Start your child's education right away with a lot of books. This expensive cake is adorned with the shapes and names of several favorite children's and young readers' books. It's never too early to start reading.
5. Hearts Flutter
Source: Brit & Co
Individually wrapped heart-shaped cakes are the perfect treat for your shower guests to take home with them. The delicious treat is on a stick to make it even easier to enjoy.
6. Sweet Elegance
Source: No Spoon Needed
These tender raspberry and vanilla baked donuts are simply delicious to look at and taste. Sweet notes of vanilla enhance the sharpness of the raspberries. Because they are baked, they are slightly healthier than their fried counterparts.
7. Berry Cakes
Source: Eat Cake For Dinner
Strawberry Cakes add some color and an explosion of flavor to your dessert table. They are also fantastic enough to serve as baby shower prizes.
Om-Nom-nom!
8. Bottle Popping
Source: Kara's party ideas
The elegant black and white theme illustrates the metaphor of popping bottles. The monochrome color scheme includes desserts and sweet snacks, as well as other finger foods
9. Ready to Explode 3>
Source: Daily Reading
Baby shower topics are often difficult to define. This cute "ready to pop" theme uses lots of balloons for decoration, as well as takeaway food in the form of delicious iced sugar cookies.
10. Ice, Ice, Baby.
Source: Pechem Play Smile
Pink and white coconut ice is the perfect snack to serve as a baby shower theme. Delicate colors of a delicious delicacy will perfectly fit into the decor and theme.
11. Cotton Candy Wishes
Source: Culinary Class
As beautiful as they are, cotton candy cupcakes are the perfect way to convey baby shower wishes. Good thoughts and lots of love go hand in hand with these pastel shades of goodies.
12. Delicious Twist
Source: Brit & Co
Perfect for baby shower brunch, these delicious grilled cheese watermelon bites are a creative twist on the usual finger food. This unforgettable appetizer will easily become a new favorite.
13. Pink Punch
Source: Desert Now, Dinner Later
No baby shower dinner is complete without a signature drink. This Pink Sherbet Punch is packed with color, flavor and is perfect for a party.
14. Pudding Parfait
Source: Thoughtfully Simple
Mini desserts are a big hit when it comes to baby shower ideas. They are easy to prepare and will feed a large number of guests. This simple parfait pudding is a great example - but don't be surprised if your guests come back for a few seconds.
15. A stack of drinks
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Source: Sarah Tucker Lifestyle
Along with a variety of treats and finger food, a wide range of beverages is recommended.
Juices, teas, and infused waters are all popular options, especially when paired with a light menu.
16. Brunch Baby Shower
Brunch Baby Shower is a popular way to celebrate the expectant mother and her guests. Simple foods like waffles with fruit, jam and toast, and other toppings make it easy to plan and prepare.
17. Cookie Treat
Source: Brit & Co
For a fun and easy baby shower, try the heart-shaped Rice Krispie treat cookie. Whether you dip them in pink, blue, yellow, or green, you can easily customize them for your party.
18. Pink Pearl
Source: Baker Wench
A dash of elegance is added to any baby shower when these pretty cupcakes are part of the décor and menu. Pretty in pink and pearls, they are sure to be the star of the party.
19. Tourist comfort
Source: Kara party ideas
There is nothing more comforting on a hike than making s'mores. These yummy cupcakes bring that flavor to a baby shower for mom and her little camper-to-be.
20. Confetti Cookies dipped-cookies.jpg" alt= "baby shower food dipped cookies" width= "1480" height= "1000" />
Source: breakfast sprinkles
The wildly popular Oreo cookie takes on another role as it becomes a fun and tasty way to host a baby shower gender display. Dip vanilla cookies in blue or pink frosting. Then sprinkle candy on confetti to help make the gender announcement.
21. Soft Marshmallows
Source: She Wears Many Hats
Marshmallows are a great choice for holiday treats, as they are lightweight and offer many ways to serve them. Covering them with icing and adding personalization is a popular method, as is offering a DIY bar where guests can create their own delicious piece.
22. Festive Fruits
Source: Kara's party ideas
These festive fruit cups are as beautiful as they are healthy. Delicious fruit served in a waffle cone is a good alternative to some other sweet snacks.
23. Woodland Picnic
Source: Kara Party Ideas
This forest-themed baby shower teddy bear proves that rustic décor and baby shower snack filling work well together.
Savory picnic dishes are paired with sweet treats to provide an experience not soon to be forgotten.
24. Magical Unicorns
Source: Kara Party Ideas
Lovely pastels are the color of choice when it comes to a unicorn baby shower. Delicious biscuits and cupcakes are decorated to look as sweet as they taste.
25. Little Lumberjack
Source: Cara's party ideas
It helps to know who to invite to the shower when you're choosing foods. This fine selection of salads and appetizers will satisfy any appetite or palate, including lumberjack big or small.
26. Endless Rainbows
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Source: DIY studio
It is impossible to deny the beauty of the rainbow and all the hopes and dreams that follow it. This cute and simple cake embodies that spirit and adds a bit of happiness to the day.
27. Outdoor Celebrations
Source: Brit & Co
These cool cocktails' bright colors and cute cork blocks are perfect for an outdoor baby shower.
It would also be appropriate fare for a student baby shower that is celebrating family.
28. The Farm Girl Rule
Source: Kara's party ideas
Baby shower food ideas don't have to be limited to glamor and elegance. This adorable farmer and animal theme returns to our roots with farm animal cake and other sweet treats like chicken sugar cookies and hard candy eggs.
29. It's a jumpsuit
Source: Erin Gardner
This little cake is a simple dessert that adds a lot of the cute factor to the shower. It's easy to make - no special pans required - and can be decorated as whimsically or simply as you like.
30. Soul Food
Source: Jenny Cookie
This beautiful heart-shaped cupcake is as pretty as it is delicious. This would be a great treat, and also a great way to do some gender revealing at heart.
31. Daisy Delight
Source: Love Day
With bright white and yellow daisies at the center of the party, how could anyone not enjoy themselves? Lovely yellow cake and happy iced cookies add fun and vivacity to the table.
32. Pink and blue
Source: Brit & Co
Let the guests decide what gender they think the baby will be. These fun and pretty appetizers are a great way to let partygoers in on the secret or keep them on their toes.
33. Fake Pie >
Source: Ox Sahara Event Planning
No wonder these cute cupcakes are often mistaken for individual apple pies. Sweet treats are decorated to fool your eyes, but not your taste buds.
34. Salty Sweet
Source: Kiss in the Kitchen
Strawberry salad with pretzels is a favorite at any time of the year. It is a delicacy that is a welcome addition to any menu, especially for baby showers where the thirst is rampant.
35. It's a Boy
Source: DIY Studio
For a fun way to celebrate the upcoming birth of a boy, this little blue rocket cake is just the ticket. The darling design celebrates the endless possibilities that are about to become a reality.
36. Roll With It
Source: The Crafting Chickens
These cinnamon rolls or muffins are sure to be a favorite even after the baby shower is over.
Make sure you have coffee ready to serve with these decadent dandies.
37. Fruity Dreamsicles
Source: DIY Studio
A spring baby shower wouldn't be complete without these colorful frozen treats. Delicious fruits and cream come together to create a wonderful dessert that doubles as decoration.
38. Busy Bumblebees
Source: I Heart Naptime
Black, white and yellow are the perfect colors for a happy bumblebee baby shower. The vibrant hues on these cute cupcakes will make anyone smile.
39. Button, Button
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Source: Culinary Melangeria
Vanilla Cream Cheese Cookies are a delicious treat that can also do double duty. There are many baby shower games where these easy cookies can add some fun.
40. Garden Glam
Source: Kara's party ideas
No glamorous garden baby shower would be complete without a touch of gold and crystal.
This includes sparkling edible treats and snacks that also double as holiday decor.
41. Dirty Buddies
Source: Mom Always Knows Everything
While it may sound like something for a boy, dirty buddies are a treat that everyone can enjoy. The beauty of this snack is that you can customize it for any gender by changing the colors.
42. Gender Revealed
Source: Kara party ideas
Light baby shower food can be made to support a gender reveal party. These simple treats can be decorated and wrapped in any color for a fun and tasty announcement of the baby's gender.
43. The Pleasure of Eating
Source: Honey And Lime
Choosing baby shower finger food can be a lot of fun. Finding something with the fun factor already built in just makes it even better. These homemade marshmallow flakes fit all the bills.
Are you ready to start planning the perfect baby shower? Do you have all your baby shower food ideas ready to go? If not, feel free to return to this list.
There are many ways to tweak and customize most of these ideas to suit your party. Once you've decided on the menu, it's time to think about parties. We have many fun gift ideas that can be personalized to suit your needs. Don't delay, this child won't wait.
20 recipes from Eat at Home. Cooking articles and life hacks
Pleasing young gourmets is not an easy task, especially if you need to prepare not only tasty, but also healthy dishes. When the supply of ideas runs out, time-tested recipes and children's smiles come to the rescue. See the selection from "Eat at Home" and delight young household members with delicious treats!
Children's vegetable soup
Grated cheese, pieces of boiled meat can be added to this soup, and older children will love the fried bacon added before serving, sparkling golden snake in the middle of the plate. If you are whipping soup, then 2 tbsp. l. cream will make it even more tender.
Detailed recipe.
Children's sausages and sausages with cream
Homemade sausages and sausages can be prepared in reserve and kept in the freezer.
Hearty meat products will always be a good addition to lunch or dinner, and most importantly, this is a natural product.
Detailed recipe.
Children's pumpkin risotto
Who said that children wouldn't like risotto?! Add fragrant pumpkin, grated cheese, cream, and your gourmets will not resist such an appetizing dish. Parmesan can be substituted for any other hard cheese in this recipe.
Detailed recipe.
Sloppy Joe Sandwich
If your child has long dreamed of a hearty burger or sandwich, please your child! Make Sloppy Joe with homemade bun and toppings. Cooking will not take much time, and the result will exceed all expectations.
Detailed recipe.
Multi-grain porridge with baked banana
Breakfast porridge is healthy! And to make the kids like it, add baked bananas, cinnamon, some fresh berries. Cook the dish in milk and put a little butter for flavor. Overeating!
Detailed recipe.
Curd cakes with carrots
Sometimes an unexpected impromptu can result in an original dish.
Curds with carrots and apples are very tender and tasty. And if you bake them in the oven, children's delight is guaranteed!
Detailed recipe.
Hot chocolate on a stick
Hot chocolate on a stick is both a drink and a dessert. Undoubtedly, the younger family members will like the treat. The author also suggests picking up beautiful packaging, writing a wish and presenting such chocolate on a stick to relatives and friends.
Detailed recipe.
Cottage cheese donuts
Fluffy and fragrant cottage cheese donuts with a crispy crust are a delicious treat for children and adults.
Detailed recipe.
Healthy candy
Make healthy candy for the whole family! They can be served with tea and taken with you as a snack. The ingredients are completely natural and healthy. What could be more important when it comes to the health of a child?!
Detailed recipe.
Cottage cheese biscuits with almonds
Spend time with your children in a fun and healthy way — prepare delicate fragrant biscuits together! Young household members will like to cut out the dough using different molds, and when ready, the treat will delight them doubly.
Detailed recipe.
Chicken pancakes with cheese
Tender and tasty chicken pancakes. They do not contain anything superfluous and are prepared from simple and affordable products. We recommend the dish especially for the children's menu.
Detailed recipe.
Vegetable soup with peas
This light vegetable soup will appeal not only to children, but also to adults: vegetarians, those who adhere to a healthy diet or fast. From the main products you will need potatoes, broccoli, green peas. Complement the meal with toasted pumpkin seeds or crispy bacon strips if you're a meat eater and want to make your meal more satisfying.
Detailed recipe.
Mini pizzas
The author of the recipe makes mini pizzas from homemade yeast dough, so it will take time to proof. The filling can be completely different, be guided by the taste of your young gourmets.
Detailed recipe.
Pasta with Meatballs
This is a hearty and tasty dish that can be served both for lunch and dinner for the whole family.
Tender meatballs, juicy baked vegetables and pasta that help fill you up.
Detailed recipe.
Chocolate rice porridge with sea buckthorn
Chocolate porridge with berries is almost a full-fledged dessert that a child is unlikely to refuse. The dish can be supplemented with any chopped nuts.
Detailed recipe.
Cherry cake
Very soft, porous cake with juicy cherries. Berries are also suitable frozen, and cooking takes only 1 hour. Such pastries will be delicious the next day.
Detailed recipe.
Mini breakfast pancakes
Look at those babies! Mini pancakes will cause tenderness and genuine interest in the child. Put berries in a plate, pour over everything with topping - and a wonderful children's breakfast is ready.
Detailed recipe.
Lazy dumplings
Another favorite childhood breakfast is lazy dumplings with just four ingredients. You will need cottage cheese, flour, sugar and chicken eggs.
