10 Nesting Party Ideas to Celebrate and Prepare for Baby
Getting ready for your baby’s arrival is as exciting as it is overwhelming. Between prepping the nursery, stockpiling essentials, and soaking in your final quiet moments, there’s a lot to do— and the list of tasks can seem endless!
Enter the nesting party—a hybrid event where family and close friends gather to celebrate your growing family in a meaningful way and lend a helping hand with some of those pre-baby activities and tasks.
This combination of bonding, fun, and productivity will leave you feeling more prepared and supported for the big arrival.
Ready to host your own nesting party?
Here are 10 great nesting party ideas that are a perfect mix of celebration and preparation!
What is a Nesting Party?
But first, let’s take a closer look at the idea of a nesting party and why it’s become so popular in recent years.
Unlike a traditional baby shower or baby sprinkle, a nesting party focuses less on gifts and games and more on offering practical help with those essential pre-baby tasks.
Think of it as a gathering where your closest friends and family members come together to make the hard work of baby prep feel like a shared celebration.
While a traditional shower might include party games and gift openings, nesting parties are all about bonding over meal prep, organizing the baby’s clothes, and even setting up the nursery.
It’s a fun option for moms-to-be who may not want to be the center of attention but still need a little extra help tackling their long to-do list before the newborn’s arrival.
Why Nesting Parties Are Growing in Popularity
- They’re Practical: Nesting parties are the perfect simple solution for expecting moms juggling the tedious work of baby prep. Whether it’s sorting through baby gear, helping to clean up, whipping up a couple of freezer meals, or assembling baby furniture, having a group lend a hand helps to lighten the load.
- They’re Intimate: These gatherings often include only the parent’s closest friends and family, creating a relaxed and supportive atmosphere for the pregnant mom.
- They’re Flexible: Nesting party activities can be tailored to the expectant mom’s needs.
- They’re Perfect for Experienced Moms: Second- or third-time moms may not want to be the center of attention like during a traditional baby shower but still need support as they prepare for their growing family.
10 Nesting Party Ideas You’ll Love
1. Meal Prep Party
Once the baby arrives, every busy parent can agree—mealtime is tough! A meal prep party is a simple and practical way to support the expecting mom. Guests can help prepare freezer-friendly meals that will keep mom-to-be well-fed during the postpartum period.
How it works:
Provide recipes and ingredients for easy, freezable meals (think casseroles, soups, or crockpot boosters). Your guests can work together to prep meals in disposable containers, which you can pop into your freezer post-party.
Why it’s great: When exhaustion takes over during those sleepy newborn weeks, you’ll thank yourself for having ready-to-go meals on hand.
2. Sip and Sort (Baby Clothes Edition)
Chances are, you’ve already accumulated an adorable collection of baby clothes. Sorting through them by size can be a daunting task, but doing it over laughter and bubbly drinks makes it much more fun.
How it works:
Pour everyone a glass of sparkling cider or champagne and go through your baby clothes together. Set up designated areas for sorting clothes by size, season, and type (onesies, sleepers, etc.). Provide baby clothes hangers, bins, and labels to keep everything neat and easy to find. Label baskets for “newborn,” “0–3 months,” and beyond. Guests work together to help you fold, organize, and put away the new baby’s wardrobe.
Why it’s great: It’s simple, efficient, and turns a mundane chore into an enjoyable group activity. Plus, you’ll have a beautifully arranged closet or dresser all ready for baby’s arrival.
3. Nursery Setup Crew
Getting the nursery ready for your little one can feel overwhelming, but with a team of helping hands, it becomes a fun and productive event.
How it works:
Invite friends to assist with tasks like assembling furniture, arranging decor, painting, or organizing essentials for your new arrival. Provide tools, clear instructions, and maybe a mood-boosting playlist of baby-themed songs to keep the vibe upbeat. You can provide snacks and drinks to help keep everyone’s energy up too. For those less handy, they can help with lighter tasks like organizing baby items or folding linens.
Why it’s great: You’ll check off some of the bigger tasks on your to-do list while enjoying the company of your friends and family. By the end of the party, your nursery will be one step closer to being ready for baby—and you’ll feel more prepared and supported.
4. Diaper Stock-Up Station
The average baby goes through 2,500 to 3,000 diapers in their first year! Help stock up by setting up a diaper station at your party.
How it works:
Ask each guest to bring a pack of diapers in varying sizes—newborn, 1, 2, etc., to ensure you’re stocked for every stage. Provide cute tags for them to write their name or a funny message on each pack. You can even turn it into a raffle by entering guests into a prize drawing for every pack they bring!
Why it’s great: You’ll leave with a well-stocked diaper supply, saving you countless trips to the store in those busy early months. You’ll also save time (and money) by building your diaper stash before baby arrives. Plus, it’s a simple way for the guest list to support the expectant parents with something truly practical.
5. Baby Registry Shopping Spree
Why shop alone when you can turn it into a fun, social event from the comfort of your home with your closest friends and family?
How it works:
Set up a cozy space with snacks and drinks, and gather your guests to browse your baby registry together. Use a tablet or laptop to review items, get input, and make final selections on the list of things you’ll need. Guests can even purchase an item or two from the registry during the party and have it conveniently shipped to your home—no extra hassle for anyone! For a creative twist, ask guests to suggest any must-haves they think you might be missing.
Why it’s great: You’ll leave the party with a few items already checked off your registry, along with valuable advice from experienced parents. Plus, it’s a great way to bond with your loved ones while preparing for the baby’s arrival.
6. Brunch and To-Do List Party
Pair delicious food with productivity by hosting a brunch where guests can help you tackle your pre-baby checklist.
How it works:
Set up a warm brunch with a spread of food like an assortment of muffins, chicken salad, and other brunch menu staples. Or if earlier in the day, a continental style breakfast. Add some fun details like virgin strawberry margaritas, hot chocolate, or sparkling cider. After everyone has enjoyed the meal, gather your nesting party attendees to cross off individual tasks on your to-do list. These can include anything from helping to clean up and organizing baby gear to assembling small furniture or sorting through baby registry items.
Why it’s great: You’ll tackle the tedious work of baby prep in a way that feels light and enjoyable. Plus, this is a great idea for creating a relaxed, supportive atmosphere where everyone can bond while helping out. By the end of the party, you’ll feel accomplished and ready for the arrival of your baby.
7. Vision Boarding for the Expectant Family
Looking for a creative and meaningful way to prepare for parenthood? Host a vision boarding party where everyone can create a visual representation of their hopes and dreams for your family.
How it works:
Gather magazines, craft supplies, and poster boards. Invite everyone to express their ideas by creating individual or group vision boards that reflect what they envision for the new addition to your family. You can also provide materials such as stickers, markers, and glitter to add some fun details to the boards. For a minimalist design, try digital tools where everyone contributes ideas online. Pair the activity with light snacks and drinks to keep the atmosphere relaxed and enjoyable.
Why it’s great: This is an opportunity to share your excitement with friends and family while getting creative together. Plus, having visual reminders of your goals will keep you motivated throughout your journey into parenthood.
Related: 125 Mom Affirmations to Nurture Your Mind, Body, and Soul
8. Pampering Party for the Mom-to-Be
Pregnancy can be physically and emotionally exhausting, so why not treat the mom-to-be to a day of relaxation and pampering? This type of nesting party is all about making the expectant mother feel special and loved.
How it works:
Book a spa day for the mom-to-be or bring the spa experience to her home. Set up calming music, candles, and comfortable seating in a designated relaxation area. Treat her to a massage, facial, or mani-pedi while also providing snacks and drinks for her to enjoy. You can even ask guests to contribute by bringing their favorite self-care products as gifts for the mom-to-be.
Why it’s great: This is a wonderful way to show the mom-to-be some love and support during her pregnancy. It also gives her a chance to relax and recharge before the baby arrives. Plus, she’ll appreciate being pampered without having to leave the comfort of her own home.
9. Library Starter Party
A library starter party is a great way to help build up the baby’s reading collection and encourage a love for books from an early age. This nesting party is all about building community and sharing knowledge with the expectant parents.
How it works:
Ask guests to bring their favorite children’s book as a gift for the baby’s library. You can also have guests write personal messages inside the books to make them even more special. Set up a cozy reading corner with cushions, blankets, and snacks where guests can read aloud from their selected books. You can also have fun activities related to the books, like creating puppets or masks of the characters.
Why it’s great: This activity promotes literacy and creates a meaningful collection of books for the baby. It also allows guests to share their favorite childhood stories and create memories with the expecting mom. Plus, it’s a excellent way to encourage a love of reading in the baby from an early age.
10. Photo Shoot Party
A photo shoot party is a fun and creative way to document the expectant mom’s pregnancy journey. It can also serve as a special keepsake for her to look back on in the future.
How it works:
Hire a professional photographer or designate someone to take photos throughout the party. Have guests wear matching outfits or colors for group photos with the mom-to-be. You can also have fun maternity-themed props like signs, onesies, and ultrasound pictures.
Why it’s great: This nesting party allows guests to capture memories with the mom-to-be and provides her with beautiful photos to cherish. It’s also a great opportunity for her to feel pampered and celebrated during this special time in her life.
Preparing for Your Nesting Party
Here are a few things to keep in mind as you plan your nesting party:
- Choose a location: You can host your nesting party at home or at another location such as a park or community center.
- Set the date and time: Ideally, you will want to schedule your party sometime during your third trimester so you still have enough energy but are also close enough to the due date that you can get those last-minute tasks done.
- Plan the guest list: Consider inviting only close friends and family members who will be a part of your support system during this journey. You can also invite experienced parents to share their wisdom and advice.
- Decide on the activities: Think about what you want to accomplish during your nesting party. Will it be focused on preparing for the baby’s arrival, or will it be more of a celebration? Make sure to plan accordingly and choose activities that everyone will enjoy.
- Have fun with it: Nesting parties are meant to be enjoyable and stress-free. Don’t worry if things don’t go exactly as planned, just focus on enjoying this special time with your loved ones.
Wrapping Up
Hosting a nesting party is a great way to prepare for the arrival of a new baby while surrounding yourself with the love and support of your closest friends and family.
Whether you’re a new mom, welcoming a second baby, or even preparing for your third child, these gatherings turn tedious work into meaningful memories.
If you’re expecting, consider throwing a nesting party to check off your baby to-do-list with a little help. Or, if you have a pregnant friend in need of some support, organizing one for her is a great idea to show you care.
Loved these ideas? Be sure to pin this post for future reference or share it with someone else planning for their new addition. 🤰🏻✨💕
Until next time,
xoxo
