How to Plan a Virtual Baby Shower (That Still Feels Special)
Planning a baby shower but can’t gather in person? A virtual baby shower is the perfect solution — and yes, it can still be fun, heartfelt, and totally memorable.
Whether your guests live far away, you’re dealing with health or budget concerns, or you just want something low-stress, this guide will walk you through every step of hosting a virtual baby shower that actually feels like a celebration.
From the best platforms and games to decor, playlists, and gift ideas, you’ll find practical tips to make your online shower personal and stress-free.
Let’s dive into how to plan a virtual baby shower that everyone will love — no awkward silences or tech headaches included.
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1. Decide on the Best Virtual Platform
Before you send out invites or start picking out decorations, choose the right video platform — it’ll be the hub for your entire event. You want something easy to use, even for tech-challenged guests (hi, Aunt Linda).
Top virtual baby shower platforms:
- Zoom: Most popular for group events — up to 100 participants, breakout rooms, screen sharing, and reliable.
- Google Meet: Free with a Gmail account and easy to access via a link — no need to download anything.
- Facebook Rooms: Great if your guests already use Facebook. Casual, simple, and integrates with Facebook Events.
- WebBabyShower: A paid option, but offers dedicated baby shower features like guestbooks, games, and photo albums.
💡Pro tip: Test your platform ahead of time with a co-host or the mom-to-be. Make sure mics, cameras, and screen sharing work smoothly.
👉 You can include your virtual baby shower registry link in the invite or directly in the chat during the event — and if you’re not having a traditional shower, here’s how to tastefully share your baby registry without a shower.
2. Send Out Digital Invitations
Just because your baby shower is virtual doesn’t mean you skip the invites. Digital invitations still set the tone, share key details, and get guests excited — minus the postage.
What to include in a virtual baby shower invite:
- Date and time (with time zone!)
- Platform link or access info (Zoom, Google Meet, etc.)
- RSVP instructions
- Theme or dress code (if any)
- Baby registry link
- Gift mailing address
💌 Where to make digital invites:
- Canva – Customizable, cute templates and free to use
- Paperless Post – Fancy and elegant designs with RSVP tracking
- Evite – User-friendly and straightforward with reminder emails
🎁 Don’t forget to give guests ample time to send gifts if they’d like to — at least 2 weeks ahead is best.
👉 Need help picking thoughtful gift ideas? Check out these 21 baby shower gift picks from a mom of three.
3. Plan the Virtual Baby Shower Agenda
A virtual shower might be remote, but it should still feel connected and fun. The key is to keep things flowing with a simple, well-paced agenda that mixes conversation, games, and a little celebration.
🕒 Sample 60–90 Minute Virtual Baby Shower Agenda:
- 0–10 mins: Welcome guests + introductions
- 10–30 mins: Icebreaker game or casual chat (great time to show off decorations!)
- 30–45 mins: Baby shower games (2–3 quick, easy ones)
- 45–60 mins: Open gifts (if mailed in advance) or do a virtual gift reveal
- 60–75 mins: Share messages for baby or advice for the mom-to-be
- 75–90 mins: Final toast, well wishes, closing thank-yous
🎮 Fun virtual baby shower games:
- “Guess the Baby Photo” – Have guests send in a baby photo ahead of time
- “Emoji Baby Pictionary” – Share screen with clues and let guests guess
- “Price Is Right: Baby Edition” – Guests guess baby item prices from Amazon
🎤 Hosting tip: Ask a friend or family member to co-host and help manage tech (muting, screen sharing, chat messages, etc.) so you can relax and enjoy the celebration.
👉 Try these 25 baby shower games that are actually fun for even more ideas.
4. Decor & Setup Tips for a Virtual Shower
Even though you’re online, visual vibes still matter! Creating a festive background and a few themed touches can make a huge difference in how special the event feels — both for the guest of honor and everyone watching on screen.
📸 Set the Scene:
- Decorate your backdrop – Use a balloon garland, a baby shower banner, or themed streamers behind the camera. This balloon arch tutorial is a great place to start: Baby Shower Balloon Arch.
- Dress the part – Encourage guests to wear soft pastels, dress up slightly, or follow a color theme (hello, baby blue or pink).
- Send virtual backgrounds – Offer downloadable baby-themed Zoom backgrounds for guests who can’t decorate.
🎂 Don’t forget the cake! Have a mini cake, cupcake, or even a slice of pie on hand so everyone can share a sweet treat “together.” These adorable baby shower cake ideas work great for inspiration.
🎵 Cue the vibes: Stream a curated baby shower playlist in the background — just keep the volume low enough for chatting.
💡 Pro Tip: Want guests to feel even more involved? Mail out small decor items (like party hats or confetti) ahead of time in the invitation box.
5. Gift-Giving in a Virtual Baby Shower
Just because the party’s online doesn’t mean the gifts are! Virtual baby showers still include thoughtful gift-giving — you’ll just need to plan a bit ahead to make it seamless.
📦 How It Works:
- Guests ship gifts directly to the mom-to-be before the shower, using the address listed on the invitation or registry.
- During the event, the guest of honor opens them on camera and thanks each guest personally — just like in a traditional shower!
🎁 Smart Gift Tips:
- Include the baby registry link on the invite or in a group email.
- Remind guests to order early so everything arrives in time.
- Encourage group gifting for larger items like high chairs or strollers.
Need some easy ideas? These 21 thoughtful baby shower gifts are perfect picks that ship well and are sure to be appreciated.
Not sure if gifts should even be opened during the event? Here’s what to know about opening gifts at baby showers.
6. Food & Favors for a Virtual Baby Shower
Food and party favors might seem tricky with everyone at home — but there are still fun, creative ways to include them in your virtual celebration!
🍽 Food Ideas:
- Send themed snack boxes or treat bags ahead of time — think cookies, popcorn, or tea kits.
- Coordinate a drink or mocktail recipe for everyone to make and enjoy together on-screen.
- Ask guests to BYO brunch or snacks and show off their plates — it’s casual and still creates a communal vibe.
🎁 Virtual Favor Ideas:
- Email digital thank-you cards or printable art
- Send small gifts via Amazon (candles, mugs, bath bombs)
- Offer access to an exclusive playlist like this baby shower music mix
Want more food inspo? These 65 baby shower food ideas include treats you can easily recreate or send to guests in advance — and don’t forget the cake! These adorable baby shower cake ideas might just inspire a virtual dessert moment.
7. How to Make the Shower Feel Special On-Screen
Just because you’re not all in the same room doesn’t mean the experience has to feel distant. With a little creativity, your virtual baby shower can still feel warm, connected, and full of joy.
💻 Engage Everyone with Interactive Moments:
- Plan a few simple games that are easy to play on Zoom, like “Guess the Baby Item” or virtual bingo. (Try these 25 baby shower games that actually work online.)
- Play a slideshow of maternity photos or ultrasound pics as guests join the call.
- Create a shared playlist (like this one!) and play it softly in the background during downtime.
🎥 Make It Visual:
- Encourage guests to decorate their space — even a virtual background counts!
- Ask everyone to wear the same color theme or dress according to a prompt. Need ideas? This baby shower outfit guide has seasonal inspo for guests and the guest of honor.
💌 Show Gratitude:
- Thank guests in real-time, and follow up with a sweet message or a mailed thank-you card.
- Share a group screenshot from the event as a keepsake.
📦 Bonus Tip: Still want to send or receive gifts? Learn how to share your baby registry tastefully — especially helpful for virtual celebrations!
Frequently Asked Questions About Virtual Baby Showers
How long should a virtual baby shower last?
Keep it between 60 to 90 minutes. That’s long enough for games, chatting, and opening gifts — without causing screen fatigue.
Should you still send invitations for a virtual shower?
Yes! Whether digital or printed, formal invitations make the event feel special. Include clear instructions for joining the video call and RSVP details.
Can guests still send gifts?
Absolutely. Share the registry link in your invite or email. This guide on how to share your baby registry without a shower makes it feel effortless, not awkward.
Do you still play baby shower games at a virtual event?
Yes, and many games translate well to Zoom! Try easy ones like baby trivia, emoji baby songs, or bingo. Here are 25 baby shower games to get you started.
What platform is best for a virtual shower?
Zoom is the most popular for ease of use, but Google Meet and Skype are also great options. Choose based on guest familiarity and tech comfort level.
Should there be a dress code?
It’s optional but fun! Ask guests to wear pastels, florals, or coordinate with the theme — and check out what to wear to a baby shower for ideas.
Can multiple hosts run a virtual baby shower?
Yes — in fact, it helps! One person can manage tech, another can lead games, and another can handle chat and guest engagement.
Final Thoughts on Hosting a Virtual Baby Shower
A virtual baby shower might not follow tradition to a tee, but it absolutely can be just as meaningful, fun, and heartfelt. With a little tech setup and thoughtful planning, you can bring loved ones together to celebrate — no matter where they are in the world.
Focus on the moments that matter most: connection, laughter, and showing the guest of honor how loved and supported they are.
✨ Want to stay super organized as you plan? Download the baby shower checklist printable — it works beautifully for both virtual and in-person showers.
