Baby showers have become increasingly popular in France. Imported from the English-speaking world, this pre-birth celebration honors the expectant mother and the imminent arrival of the baby. However, faced with the sometimes stereotypical image of this celebration (pink or blue decorations, an avalanche of plastic gifts, predictable games, and a mandatory baby registry), more and more families are seeking an approach more aligned with their values.
Organizing an authentic baby shower means putting connection and meaning back at the heart of the event. Rather than a flurry of purchases and frills, simplicity, sincerity, and shared joy are key. It's about honoring the transformation of a woman into a mother, surrounding the expectant mother with care and kindness, and offering sweet wishes for the unborn child. In short, a reimagined baby shower that aligns with her values.
Why organize an ethical and eco-friendly baby shower?
The term baby shower literally means "to shower the expectant mother with gifts." Historically originating in the United States at the beginning of the 20th century, this celebration among women was initially a beautiful expression of solidarity: the new mother was given linens, clothes for the newborn, a few useful accessories, as well as helpful advice for the postpartum period. Over the decades, the baby shower has become increasingly popular and transformed into a veritable commercial phenomenon (endless gift lists, disposable decorations, stereotypical games, etc.).
Today, many expectant mothers want to get back to basics: gathering with loved ones in a warm and welcoming atmosphere, adding depth to the celebration, and sharing a meaningful moment. Organizing a baby shower reflects this desire to slow down consumerism and prioritize human connection. By putting sincerity and responsibility at the heart of the experience, it's possible to create a unique, moving, and truly personalized prenatal party.
Preparation: intentions, format and invitations
Even before thinking about the cake or gifts, a baby shower begins with reflecting on your state of mind. Here are some key steps to prepare an authentic celebration:
- Define the intention of the party: Ask yourself what the purpose of this moment is. Is it to celebrate the mother-to-be, to gather a circle of close friends, or to offer well wishes for the baby? By asking yourself the right questions from the outset (for example: Why organize this baby shower? What does the mother-to-be expect from this event? ), you will lay a sincere foundation for what follows.
- Choosing the right format: A small, intimate gathering (a few close friends and family) or a multi-generational affair (friends, sisters, cousins, or even extended family)? The key is to consider the expectant mother's wishes and physical condition. Does she prefer a quiet afternoon in a cozy, all-female setting, or a lively, mixed-gender celebration?
- Send thoughtful invitations: Forget impersonal cards! Write a short handwritten note, add a personal touch (childhood photo, quote). Even in digital format, a polished and personalized card is possible with simple and eco-friendly virtual card creation tools.
- Choose a welcoming and calming location: the family living room, a shaded garden, a private, cozy tea room… Avoid noisy or overly cold places. Prioritize comfort: seating, cushions, the possibility of resting and fresh air.
- Define a symbolic theme (optional): A poetic thread (spring, stars, tree, cocoon) can inspire some decorations or activities without becoming restrictive. The theme should resonate with the expectant mother's story.
Quick preparation checklist (ethical & no frills)
- Statement of intent + guest list approved by the expectant mother
- Chosen location (comfortable, quiet) + plan B in case of rain if outdoors
- Personalized invitations
- 2–3 activities with high symbolic value (see below)
- Decor: upcycled items, borrowed objects, natural materials, no disposable items
- A simple, seasonal snack
- Useful/sustainable gift ideas + possibility of intangible gifts
- A "pause" moment for the expectant mother (breathing exercises, hand massage)
- A small closing ritual (reading, lullaby, candle, shared herbal tea)
Symbolic and moving activities
In a meaningful baby shower, the activities are not used to "fill space" but to build connections and share emotions.
- The baby wish circle: each guest makes a wish or a blessing. The words can be read aloud or slipped into a notebook for the mother.
- A shared creative workshop: bunting, patchwork, illustrated notebook, mobile, memory box… The final piece, imperfect and tender, becomes a precious memory.
- Readings, letters, songs: poems, texts, childhood memories. Intergenerational sharing gives a unique depth to the moment.
- A relaxing break: mini meditation, guided breathing, hand massage in pairs, simple prenatal yoga postures.
An eco-friendly and poetic decoration
No need to spend a fortune: a warm atmosphere often arises from objects already present, borrowed or found at flea markets, tastefully arranged.
Recycle, reuse, tinker
Embroidered tablecloth, jars as candle holders, pennants sewn from scraps, dried flowers, ribbons, woolen threads… Each found or handmade detail tells a story, limits waste and creates a unique charm.
Soft palette
Ecru, linen, sage, honey, lavender, clay, blue-grey: soothing and timeless natural hues. A wool throw can become a tablecloth, a linen curtain an elegant photo backdrop.
Durable, not disposable tableware
Opt for "hard" materials: porcelain, stoneware, glass, wood. Borrowing, mixing and matching: anything goes.
Flowers with a difference
- Dried flowers
- Small potted plants
- Gathered seasonal branches
- Plant wreaths made together
Useful and responsible gifts
Offering time, care, and presence
- Good for a homemade meal after the birth
- A few hours to take care of the elderly
- Postnatal massage offered
- Occasional help with tidying the room
- Home photoshoot
Choosing objects that carry meaning
- Sustainability: high-quality natural materials
- Real usefulness: in line with the mother's needs
- Timeless aesthetic: soft, unisex colors
- Local or artisanal origin
Examples: a memory book, a bath cape, a merino wool blanket, an illustrated book.
An ethical baby registry…
- Few articles, but well chosen
- Durable and useful products
- Clear message: presence counts more than the gift.
Promoting transmission
A childhood book, a knitted baby vest from a grandmother, a borrowed cradle: offering an object laden with memories builds a bridge between generations.
Memories and closure: giving form to emotion
- collective logbook
- Poetic guestbook
- Photos printed on fine paper
- A symbolic souvenir
- Closing Ritual
Budget & timing: a stress-free organization
When to organize?
Most baby showers take place in the 7th or 8th month.
Controlled budget, wow factor
- Homemade snacks, upcycled decor, dried flowers
- Vintage tableware, small potted plants
- Photography services, private use of a tea room
Another way to celebrate life
Choosing a baby shower that reflects your personality means reinventing tradition in line with your values…
To further inspire you, explore rituals from other cultures. Finally, if you're looking for baby shower gift ideas, some French brands like Mistricotine offer gift sets made from natural merino wool.
Practical summary
- Objective: connection, meaning, gentleness
- Decor: recycled materials, natural materials
- Activities: wishes, crafts, lullabies
- Gifts: time, durable goods
- Memories: collective journal, photos