If you’re expecting a brand new baby in the family, planning a baby shower is a must! And whether the parents-to-be are avid globetrotters or dream of exploring the world with their little one, a travel-inspired baby shower adds a fun, adventurous twist.
From miniature globe decorations to ‘pack the baby bag races’ to jungle themes, don’t miss our list of 7 unique travel-themed baby shower ideas that will transport your guests on a journey they’ll never forget.
Get ready to take off with these creative ideas for a travel-themed baby shower that travel-loving parents – and friends and family – will love.
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1. Oh, The Places You’ll Go (Dr. Seuss Theme)
We love this theme, inspired by Dr. Seuss! For decorations, think maps, mini globes and mini landmarks. In terms of travel baby shower games, how about a capital city quiz or a pin the destination challenge? You could even match the baby name to the country it’s most popular in!
Food is simple – include a mix of finger foods inspired by different cuisines. Think cucumber sandwiches from England, pasta salad from Italy, Thai spring rolls and Indian buffet food like bhajis and pakoras!
And for favors, consider something travel-themed, like personalized luggage tags or travel journals.
2. Adventure Awaits (Explorer Theme)
For parents who love off-the-beaten-path destinations, we love this Adventure Awaits theme. For little decorations, how about some compass signs and rustic props like vintage maps and even suitcases! And when it comes to games, see which of your family and friends is really ready for the adventure… Have mini stations with everything you’ll need for a day out with baby (wipes, diapers, bottles, etc.) and see who can pack it all the fastest!
When it comes to food time, you have to be adventurous with this theme, and offer guests food they may not have tried before. We’re thinking sushi, dim sum, poke bowls and plantain chips. All served on this awesome ‘Adventure Awaits’ themed plate set from Amazon, of course. There’s bound to be a treat your guests fall in love with!
And when it’s time to wind it all up, mini backpacks filled with candies for favors are sure to be a hit!
3. Hot Air Balloon Adventure
Hot air balloons make for a super cute baby shower theme. Decorate your venue with these epic hot air balloon decorations and adorable fluffy cloud decorations. It’ll look out of this world!
In terms of activities, we love the idea of filling a jar with balloons (that haven’t been inflated!) – just make sure you know how many are in there! Ask guests to guess how many balloons are in the jar and have a prize ready for the winner, like this amazing travel box, to keep keepsakes safe and store precious memories.
Serve buffet and finger food on this set of hot air balloon plate set and give each guest a hot air balloon cookie when the baby shower has ended!
4. Glamping Baby Shower (Luxury Camping Theme)
For camping and glamping-loving parents, why not bring the experience to your baby shower? Decorate your venue with teepees, especially for any little ones attending, and add plenty of cozy blankets and cushions to keep your friends and family comfortable. We love these vine decorations and plenty of fairy lights are a must!
When it’s time for games, we love the idea of a baby scavenger hunt. Hide baby essentials like diapers, wipes and bottles around the venue and give participants a checklist. This Glamping Queen cosmetics bag makes the perfect gift for the winner.
Serve up plenty of glamping-themed food like stews, hot dogs and s’mores, but in true glamping style, add ‘fancy’ touches like sourdough bread to accompany stews, caramelized onions on hot dogs and add biscuit spread to your s’mores’.
And when it’s favor time, s’mores kits will be a huge hit. Or if you’ve got a little more budget, why not give friends and family a personalized thermos mug for their very own glamping trips!
5. Safari Adventure
A safari adventure theme is a super cute choice for travel lovers. Wherever you’re hosting, decorate the venue with jungle-themed decor, like these animal print tablecloths and leaf decorations. And a ‘What’s in the Safari bag?’ guessing game is sure to be a hit! Simply fill a canvas sack with different baby items and see which guest can guess them all accurately just by feeling!
When it’s time for food, a taco bar is a great idea for a safari theme. Offer options for all diets, as well as plenty of veggies and toppings, like guac and salsa. Serve tacos with breadsticks and dips, exotic fruit skewers and, of course, plenty of animal crackers!
At the end of the shower, give guests jungle-themed cookies (we love these jungle cookie cutters) to take away. And if you have little ones at the party, why not give them a mini jungle plush toy.
6. Baby on Board (Airplane Theme)
For a Baby on Board theme, we love these plane-themed invites. And for decor, this awesome ‘baby on the way’ banner, complete with planes, is a must! You could also decorate your venue with airplane balloons and cloud decorations. Ask guests to make their own paper airplanes and then see which one travels the farthest – this game is a hit with all ages!
And wow your guests with sandwiches cut into airplane shapes, along with snacks you’d find on a plane, like trail mix, chips and mini cans of soda!
When your baby shower journey is coming to a close, give your friends and family personalized luggage tags or even passport holders. They’ll never forget this travel-themed baby shower!
7. Cruisin’ into Parenthood (Nautical Theme)
This ‘Cruisin’ into Parenthood’ theme is perfect for a mom-to-be or parents who love sailing or cruising! Display this ‘welcome aboard’ banner in your venue, along with this cute nautical-themed bunting.
When it comes to activities, we love the idea of putting parenting advice or messages to the brand new baby in mini bottles! And for food, serve ‘swim ring’ bagels filled with flavors of your choice, along with sailboat veg cups: simply fill little cups with hummus or other dips, top with veggie sticks like cucumber, carrot and celery and add a tortilla chip on top so the cup looks like a sailboat! Add ocean-themed cookies, made with these nautical cookie cutters. The set includes a dolphin, anchor, sailboat and rudder! To drink, offer ocean punch, made with tropical flavors like pineapple and mango and made blue with this amazing edible color glitter!
Finally, before your friends and family leave the baby shower, offer favors in the form of ocean-scented candles or wax melts, so they can take the adventure home with them!
Conclusion
A travel-themed baby shower is the perfect way to celebrate the arrival of a new little adventurer, especially for parents-to-be who love to explore or dream of showing their baby the world. With creative travel-inspired decorations like miniature globes, fun games like “pack the baby bag” races, and adventurous themes like jungle safari, a travel baby shower promises offers a world of fun and adventure.
Whether you’re a cruise-lover and choose a nautical theme or determined to travel the globe and choose the explorer theme, these ideas will help you plan an unforgettable baby shower. Inject your love of traveling into your new baby celebration and get ready for a lifetime of adventures with your mini explorer!
And if you’re looking for baby name inspiration for your upcoming little one, check out our roundup of the best ocean-inspired baby names, top baby girl names from around the world and baby names that mean ‘growth’.
From our families to yours.