Co-Ed Baby Shower Ideas (aka Jack & Jill Baby Showers)
Planning a baby shower that includes both parents and all their favorite people? You’re in the right place.
Co-ed baby showers — also called Jack and Jill showers — are growing in popularity, and for good reason. They’re fun, relaxed, and let everyone celebrate the parents-to-be together, not just the mom and her friends. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, a casual brunch, or a themed bash, a co-ed shower opens the door to more creative ideas and fewer outdated rules.
In this post, you’ll find everything you need to plan a modern, inclusive baby shower both parents will love — from food and decor to games, music, and gift etiquette. Plus, you’ll get access to handy printables and smart party planning tips along the way.
Let’s dive into some unforgettable co-ed baby shower ideas that’ll keep everyone — moms, dads, friends, and family — smiling.
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What Is a Co-Ed Baby Shower?
A co-ed baby shower, often called a Jack and Jill shower, is a celebration that includes both parents and a mix of guests — men, women, kids, couples, and anyone else the parents-to-be want to invite. Unlike traditional showers, which tend to focus on mom and her circle, co-ed showers are more about gathering everyone who will play a role in the baby’s life.
They can be as formal or relaxed as you like — think backyard cookout, brunch with friends, or even a sports-themed event. The vibe is often more casual, with food and games that appeal to a wider crowd.
💡 Hosting tip: A checklist makes co-ed planning easy! Grab this baby shower checklist printable to make sure you don’t forget anything — especially if you’re balancing guest lists from both sides.
👉 Related reading:
Co-Ed Baby Shower Themes That Work Well for Everyone
Choosing a theme that appeals to all your guests — not just the moms — is key to a successful co-ed baby shower. You want something fun, welcoming, and easy to build decor and games around. Skip the ultra-frilly vibes and go with something that feels inclusive and festive.
Here are a few crowd-pleasing co-ed baby shower themes:
- Backyard BBQ or Baby-Q – Burgers, lawn games, and checkered tablecloths never miss.
- Taco ‘Bout a Baby – Tacos, margarita mocktails, and a spicy color palette? Yes please.
- Adventure Awaits – Think mountains, maps, and rustic decor for outdoorsy couples.
- Sports-Themed Shower – Perfect for the dad-to-be and sports-loving friends.
- Books & Brews – Combine baby books with coffee or craft sodas for a cozy vibe.
- Game Night Baby Shower – Board games, trivia, or even a Mario Kart tournament.
🎈Pro tip: Decor can still be adorable — just skip anything too pink-and-lacy. A great starting point is this baby shower balloon arch tutorial to give your theme a visual pop without going overboard.
👉 You can also match your menu to the theme! Check out:
- 17 Delicious Winter Baby Shower Food Ideas
- 65 Baby Shower Food Ideas Everyone Will Love
- 50 Baby Shower Cake Ideas
Games and Activities That Aren’t Cringe for Co-Ed Crowds
Let’s be real — not everyone loves diaper sniff tests or belly-measuring games. For a co-ed baby shower, go for activities that are light, fun, and don’t put guests on the spot (unless they’re into it!).
Here are co-ed-friendly baby shower games and activities:
- The Price Is Right (Baby Edition) – Guests guess the price of common baby items. Super easy and interactive.
- Baby Gear Relay – Teams race to assemble a stroller, fold a onesie, or diaper a doll. Gets everyone laughing.
- Trivia Games – Baby-related trivia or personalized questions about the parents-to-be. Printables make it easy.
- Decorate a Onesie Station – Give guests fabric markers or iron-on patches and let them get creative.
- Advice Cards or Wishes for Baby – Sentimental and great for memory books.
- DIY Mocktail Bar – Let guests mix their own drinks — include baby-themed name cards for fun.
🎉 Want more ideas that actually work? Don’t miss this full list of 25 baby shower games that are really fun. You’ll find a mix of silly, sentimental, and everything in between.
And don’t forget: background music keeps the vibe relaxed. This baby shower playlist has perfect picks for every crowd.
Food & Drink Ideas That Guys and Gals Will Both Love
Forget the dainty cucumber sandwiches — co-ed baby showers call for a more crowd-pleasing menu that satisfies everyone, from beer-and-burger dads to mocktail-loving moms-to-be.
Here are some easy, universally loved food ideas:
- Slider Station – Mini burgers or pulled pork sliders with a variety of toppings.
- Taco Bar – Set up a DIY taco or nacho station with all the fixings.
- Charcuterie Boards – Mix meats, cheeses, fruits, and crackers for easy snacking.
- BBQ or Backyard Grill Setup – If you’re hosting outdoors, fire up the grill!
- Comfort Food Bites – Think mac & cheese cups, mini hot dogs, or loaded potato skins.
Sweet treats? Yes please:
- Cupcake Tower – Easier to serve than a traditional cake.
- DIY Sundae Bar – Great for kids and grownups.
- Themed Cookies – Onesie-shaped, letter blocks, or personalized with baby’s name.
Drinks for every guest:
- Mocktails & Punch – Include a signature baby-themed drink.
- Coolers with Beer & Soda – Keep it casual and easy to access.
- Coffee & Tea Station – Especially appreciated at brunch showers.
🍼 Hungry for more? Check out these 65 baby shower food ideas everyone will love and these winter baby shower food ideas if you’re hosting during the colder months.
Decor That Doesn’t Scream “Just for Her”
When you’re planning a co-ed baby shower, skip the over-the-top pink ruffles or all-blue everything. Instead, aim for stylish, gender-neutral decor that still feels festive and fun for everyone in the room.
Here are some foolproof co-ed baby shower decor ideas:
- Neutral Color Palettes – Think sage green, terracotta, soft yellows, or classic white and gold.
- Rustic or Modern Themes – Use wood accents, minimal signage, or greenery for a more balanced vibe.
- Balloon Arches in Mixed Colors – Skip the pink-and-blue battle and go for fun combos like mint + mustard or navy + blush. Try this balloon arch tutorial for an easy setup.
- Light-Up Letters or Baby Name Signs – Make the parents-to-be the stars of the decor.
- Photo Booth or Backdrop Wall – Use a fun backdrop with props for guests to snap pics together.
🎈 Planning a budget-friendly event? These baby shower on a budget tips can help you decorate affordably without sacrificing style.
And yes — balloon arches work just as well for co-ed parties when you swap in fresh, modern color palettes.
🎶 Co-Ed Baby Shower Music Playlist
The right music sets the tone for your co-ed baby shower — upbeat, chill, and something that appeals to everyone (yes, even the dads!). Whether you’re hosting at home or at a rented venue, a carefully curated playlist can make the difference between awkward silence and easy, lively conversation.
Here’s how to nail the playlist:
- Keep it light and nostalgic. Mix in feel-good hits from the early 2000s, a few dad-approved throwbacks, and sweet acoustic tracks that won’t overpower the vibe.
- Avoid anything too sappy or slow. Unless you’re planning a special moment or slideshow, stick to songs that keep the mood fun and flowing.
- Make it long enough. Aim for at least 2–3 hours of music so you don’t have to worry about looping.
- Use Spotify or Apple Music. Both platforms let you create and share playlists with ease. You can even invite your partner or co-host to help add their favorites.
🎧 Sample Playlist Starters:
- “Better Together” – Jack Johnson
- “Home” – Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
- “Sugar” – Maroon 5
- “Can’t Stop the Feeling” – Justin Timberlake
- “Walking on Sunshine” – Katrina and the Waves
- “I Got You (I Feel Good)” – James Brown
- “ABC” – The Jackson 5
💡 Bonus Tip: If you’re planning baby shower games, create a second short playlist just for game time — something slightly more energetic to keep guests engaged and laughing.
👉 Need even more playlist inspiration? Check out my full baby shower playlist ideas post for ready-to-stream songs that hit just the right note.
🎁 Baby Shower Gift Ideas for Co-Ed Showers
Gifts are still very much a part of co-ed baby showers — but the vibe is often more practical, laid-back, and shared. Whether you’re buying solo or as a group, the goal is to choose something thoughtful, useful, and not overly frilly (unless the couple’s into that).
Here’s what works well for a co-ed guest list:
- Big-ticket group gifts – Think stroller systems, baby monitors, or a convertible crib. Pooling together with friends or family is a great way to gift something substantial.
- Dad-friendly gear – Backpack-style diaper bags, matching onesies for dad + baby, or cool baby carriers (like this structured one from Amazon [tmsp29-20]).
- Practical parenting tools – Bottle sterilizers, wipe warmers, baby sound machines, or even a meal delivery gift card for those first few sleep-deprived weeks.
💡 Tip: Skip the overly cutesy or niche gifts unless you know the couple’s style. Stick to versatile items they’ll actually use daily.
🛍️ Not sure what to bring? Check the couple’s registry (or tactfully ask the host) to avoid doubles. If they haven’t created a registry yet, share this guide on how to tastefully share your baby registry without a shower.
🎁 Need inspiration fast? Don’t miss this roundup of 21 thoughtful baby shower gift ideas from a mom of three.
🎤 Gift-opening etiquette at co-ed showers: Totally optional! If it feels awkward or like it’ll slow the party down, skip it or open gifts later. Read more on do you open gifts at a baby shower for different approaches that work.
What to Wear to a Co-Ed Baby Shower
Dressing for a co-ed baby shower is all about balance — casual but polished, comfortable but photo-ready. Since these events often include mixed-age, mixed-gender guests and sometimes even kids, the overall vibe tends to be more relaxed than traditional baby showers.
Here are outfit tips for everyone involved:
👩 For Women:
- Go for easy elegance – Think flowy midi dresses, soft jumpsuits, or a blouse and wide-leg pants combo.
- Shoes that can move – You might be chasing toddlers or setting up games. Skip the stilettos.
- Colors that pop (but not too loud) – Soft pastels, florals, or jewel tones depending on the season.
👨 For Men:
- Smart-casual wins – A button-down with chinos, or a polo shirt with clean sneakers.
- Layers help – Bring a lightweight jacket or cardigan in case the event moves outdoors or indoors.
- No tux required – It’s a baby shower, not a wedding.
💡 Hosting or attending? Consider the venue — backyard BBQs call for different outfits than a restaurant brunch. A simple check of the invite (or a quick text to the host) can help you gauge the formality.
🎯 Hosting and want to coordinate with your decor? Pick colors that match the balloon arch or table setup for cohesive photos!
📚 More tips here: What to Wear to a Baby Shower (Guest & Mom)
❓ FAQ: Co-Ed Baby Showers
Can you have a co-ed baby shower?
Absolutely! Co-ed (or Jack & Jill) baby showers are growing in popularity. They allow both parents to celebrate together and invite a wider range of guests — including dads, brothers, uncles, and friends of all genders.
What do dads do at a co-ed baby shower?
Anything the moms do! They help host, participate in games, mingle, and enjoy the celebration. Dads-to-be are often more involved these days and love being part of the big moment.
Do men bring gifts to baby showers?
Yes! Gifts at a co-ed baby shower work the same way as traditional ones. Guys can choose something off the registry, or team up with friends for a group gift like a diaper subscription, gear, or techy baby monitor.
Should the couple open gifts in front of everyone?
That’s totally optional — especially for co-ed showers. Some hosts skip this step to keep things casual, while others enjoy the tradition. You can also open gifts privately and share thank-you notes later.
What are some fun games guys will actually enjoy?
Skip the guess-the-poopy-diaper stuff and go for laugh-out-loud games like “Baby Bottle Chug,” “Parenting Trivia,” or “Who Said It: Mom or Dad?” You’ll find 25 great options right here.
📌 Final Thoughts: Co-Ed Baby Showers Are the Future
Planning a co-ed baby shower is a smart, modern way to bring everyone together — and it’s often more fun and relaxed than the traditional style. With the right food, playlist, and co-hosting crew, these showers feel like a real party and help both parents feel celebrated.
✅ Ready to plan yours? Start with the baby shower checklist printable to stay organized from invites to favors.
💬 Still deciding? Browse our full baby shower planning FAQs and venue ideas to help you get inspired.
🎉 Don’t forget to pin this post for later, and share it with your shower crew — it’s the ultimate cheat sheet for a fun, inclusive celebration.