So… Not Feeling the Baby Shower Vibe?
Honestly? I get it. Baby showers are cute and all, but if you’ve been to one, you’ve basically been to them all. Onesies, diaper cakes, weird melted-chocolate-in-diapers games—who came up with that anyway?
When I hit my third trimester, the last thing I wanted was to sit in a circle and pretend to be surprised by yet another burp cloth. I wanted something useful. Something fun. Something that didn’t involve eating stale cupcakes off paper plates while strangers judged how “ready” I looked. 🙄
That’s when I discovered nesting parties. And let me tell you—these aren’t just a thing. They’re a whole vibe.
What Even Is a Nesting Party?
Think of a nesting party as a practical, cozy, and personalized alternative to your average baby shower. Instead of playing games and opening 50 pacifiers, you:
- Get help preparing for baby
- Spend quality time with people you actually like
- Cross real things off your to-do list
- Eat snacks while wearing sweatpants (aka the dream)
Sounds better already, right?
Let’s talk about the best ideas to make your nesting party unforgettable—and way more helpful than another diaper raffle.
1. Meal Prep Party
Because Future-You Deserves Warm Food Without Cooking It
You’ve probably heard about freezer meal prep for the third trimester (if not—bookmark that for later, it’s a lifesaver). A meal prep nesting party takes it to the next level.
Here’s how it works:
- Friends bring ingredients or ready-to-assemble meal kits
- You all chop, bag, and label meals together
- You laugh, snack, and end up with a full freezer
Hot tip: Assign recipes in advance to avoid five people bringing chicken Alfredo. Unless you really love Alfredo.
2. Nursery Set-Up Session
Turn that Pinterest board into reality (finally)
Got a pile of baby furniture still in boxes? Invite your besties over for a DIY nursery setup. You bring the snacks, they bring the tools.
What they can help with:
- Assembling the crib (without crying, hopefully)
- Hanging wall art or decals
- Organizing baby clothes, diapers, and gear
IMO, this is one of the most satisfying nesting party ideas. Your nursery goes from “cardboard chaos” to “baby magazine ready” in one afternoon.
3. Deep Cleaning Party
Yes, it sounds un-fun. No, it’s not optional.
Nesting energy is real—but sometimes your body doesn’t get the memo. If scrubbing baseboards and washing windows sounds exhausting (because it is), call in reinforcements.
Set the vibe:
- Playlist on. Candles lit. Snacks out.
- Divide and conquer: bathroom, kitchen, nursery, etc.
- Let someone else vacuum for once 🙂
Throw in a few sarcastic “before and after” photos for Insta. FYI, this party works best with friends who don’t mind seeing your dust bunnies.
4. Baby Gear Assembly Party
That swing? It’s not putting itself together.
The amount of stuff that comes with having a baby is wild. From bassinets to bottle sterilizers, there’s a solid chance you’ve got unopened boxes stashed all over your house.
So invite friends to:
- Build gear (strollers, gliders, etc.)
- Sort baby gadgets
- Learn how to use said gadgets together (because buttons are confusing)
Let’s be honest—you’re gonna forget how to fold the stroller anyway. But at least you’ll have moral support when it takes four people to do it the first time. 😅
5. Closet & Drawer Organizing Party
A.K.A. turning your “baby stuff explosion” into a Pinterest-worthy setup
You know all those adorable onesies you got on sale at 2 a.m.? Yeah, now you need somewhere to put them.
Closet party essentials:
- Mini hangers (so cute it hurts)
- Bins and drawer dividers
- Labels, labels, labels
Let your friends help you sort everything by size and season. Bonus: someone will absolutely cry over a tiny pair of socks. It’s science.
6. Moms-Only Chill Night
Because sometimes the best prep is emotional prep
Not every nesting party needs a to-do list. Sometimes, you just need snacks, cozy blankets, and real talk with other moms.
Ideas for a moms-only hangout:
- Share postpartum hacks and honest birth stories
- Watch a feel-good movie (or a birth documentary if you’re feeling brave)
- Have a foot soak or DIY mini spa night
This one saved my sanity, tbh. Hearing other moms talk about what really happens after birth made me feel 10x more prepared than any baby book.
7. Diaper & Wipes Stock-Up Station
It’s functional. It’s cute. It’s basically a gift grab, but clever.
Okay yes, I know I dissed baby showers earlier—but this one’s different. Think of it as a “mini-supply drive with zero pressure.”
Set it up like this:
- Ask guests to bring diapers or wipes (variety of sizes)
- Offer fun snacks or mocktails in return
- Stack everything by brand/size so you can easily stash it later
IMO, this works great as a casual drop-in party. Friends can swing by, chat, and drop off supplies without the awkward structured games.
8. Batch Baking Party
Because postpartum snacks matter more than people think
Trust me, future-you will live on muffins, granola bars, and lactation cookies. A baking nesting party means stocking your freezer with love—and chocolate chips.
Bake your hearts out with:
- Muffins (banana, blueberry, oat)
- Energy bites
- Breakfast bars
- Cookies for… reasons
Label and freeze in portions. Your 2 a.m. self will be forever grateful.
9. Thank You Card Writing Party
No one tells you how many thank-you notes you’ll need to write…
If your hand already hurts just thinking about it—get help. Invite a couple friends over, set up a cute card-writing station, and knock it out together.
Make it fun:
- Play music or a podcast
- Add snacks (theme: “thanks for coming to my TED talk on gratitude”)
- Let a friend address envelopes while you sign
Teamwork = way less stress. Also, fewer spelling errors when you’re not sleep-deprived.
10. Netflix + Nesting Bash
Because folding baby clothes doesn’t have to be boring
Here’s my personal favorite. You pick a series, throw on comfy PJs, and fold baby clothes with friends like you’re starring in a Target commercial.
Must-haves:
- Streaming service with good binge options
- Piles of onesies and swaddles
- Hot cocoa bar or snack tray
Add in baby name brainstorming or “guess the due date” bets for extra laughs. It’s the ultimate low-key nesting party, IMO.
A Few Pro Tips to Keep It Easy-Peasy
Let’s be honest—planning anything during the third trimester feels a little “meh.” So here are a few tips to make it extra smooth:
- Keep it casual. No pressure, no decorations needed.
- Accept help. If someone offers to plan it, let them.
- Wear leggings. Always.
- Say yes to food. Always-always.
Remember, the goal isn’t perfection. It’s progress—with snacks and support.
Final Thoughts: Forget Baby Showers—Let’s Nest Instead
Look, if you love baby showers, by all means go all out. But if you’re craving something more real, helpful, and meaningful, nesting parties are where it’s at.
You get stuff done. You connect with your people. And you prepare in a way that actually makes postpartum life easier (shocking, I know).
So gather your squad, plug in that slow cooker, and celebrate the chaos before the chaos. You’ll laugh, cry, and maybe organize your linen closet—because hey, why not?
And trust me—future you will absolutely thank you. 🙂
