When it came time to plan my baby shower, I knew one thing for certain—I didn’t want it to feel like every other shower. While the Ralph Lauren Polo Bear theme has become a go-to for baby boys, I wanted something more personal, nostalgic, and unique. That’s when it clicked: BABAR and family.

Growing up, BABAR was such a meaningful and whimsical part of childhood, and bringing that storybook charm into this moment felt incredibly special. It gave the entire shower a sense of warmth, elegance, and individuality that felt true to me.

Instead of the traditional sea of baby blue, I leaned into a sage green and yellow palette—a combination that felt soft, elevated, and refreshingly different. These colors were woven throughout every detail, from florals to stationery to decor, creating a cohesive and inviting atmosphere.

One of my favorite parts of planning was designing the visual identity of the shower. I created a custom “logo” using a BABAR illustration featuring him, Celeste, and their son in a bassinet, and carried that motif throughout the event.

Using Canva (with a little help from ChatGPT), I designed everything from the invitation suite to the games, signage, and keepsake cards. Having that consistency made the entire event feel elevated and thoughtfully curated.

To keep things cost-effective, I DIY’d the florals using bulk roses and greenery from Costco and accent blooms from Trader Joe’s. I reused bud vases, candle holders, and serving pieces from my wedding shower—pieces I plan to continue using for future events. It was the perfect mix of sentimental and practical.

I wanted the shower to feel like an experience, not just a traditional gathering. From an aura photographer (which guests absolutely loved) to a flower wall, DJ, and professional photographer, every element added energy and excitement. It truly felt like a celebration.

Let’s be honest—most baby shower games are forgettable. I wanted ours to feel interactive, high-energy, and genuinely fun. We kicked things off with the diaper raffle (prize: espresso maker + Le Creuset espresso cups), followed by the “Mom or Dad” game with multiple winners per table. Then came the crowd-favorite: “Bring Me, Musical Chairs”—a chaotic, hilarious mix of scavenger hunt and musical chairs that had everyone fully engaged. We didn’t stop there. Then we played Chug the Bottle. This one was simple but competitive—each participant had a baby bottle filled with water, and the first to finish wins. Prize: Eye and back massager set. The last game was Simon Says x Grab the Bottle
This was our grand finale game—and it brought the energy all the way up. We started with 12 participants (must be an even number)

Everyone paired up and stood in a line with a bottle placed in the center. The leader called out commands: “Simon says touch your head… shoulders… toes…” Then suddenly: “Grab the bottle!” Whoever didn’t grab it was eliminated. This continued until one winner remained. Prize: Beats headphones

Now I know what you’re thinking—these prizes are nice. And they are. But here’s the trick: start early. I began buying prizes months in advance, especially during holiday sales. Stores like Macy’s, Macy’s Backstage, and TJ Maxx became my best friends. If you’re patient and strategic, you can get amazing gifts without overspending.

For desserts, I worked with the same baker from my wedding shower—and she completely delivered. We had:

A two-tier vanilla cake with dulce de leche filling (honestly the best cake I’ve ever had)
BABAR-themed cupcakes and macarons in our color palette
Dipped desserts for variety

Everything tied beautifully into the theme and elevated the entire setup.

Instead of cards, we asked guests to bring a book for the baby. I can’t recommend this enough. We ended up with such a thoughtful and diverse collection—and surprisingly, very few duplicates. It felt so much more meaningful knowing each book came with a personal touch from our guests.

I’ll be honest—I usually think party favors are a waste. Most end up thrown away. So instead, we sent guests home with something they’d actually enjoy:
cookies from Levain Bakery and Milk Bar. It was our way of sharing a little taste of NYC with guests who traveled in—and something everyone was genuinely excited to take home.

This baby shower was everything I hoped it would be—intentional, unique, and full of joy. From the nostalgic BABAR theme to the elevated design details, experiential moments, and high-energy games, every element reflected what I love most: creating meaningful, memorable celebrations. If there’s one thing I learned, it’s this: You don’t have to follow tradition. The best events are the ones that feel personal—and a little unexpected.