Opening presents, sweet treats, games — most baby showers feature certain classic elements. But one of the best opportunities to unleash your creativity and add personality to the celebration is with a baby shower theme.

While a baby shower theme certainly isn't mandatory, many hosts find that having a theme helps guide party decisions into place. Whether you go with a specific color scheme, a nod to a popular television show or a favorite vacation destination of the parents-to-be, a theme can serve as an anchor for the party's decor, food and activities.

How to pick a baby shower theme

Picking a baby shower theme can be tough — there are so many fun options! Think about what the parents-to-be are passionate about and let that come through in the theme. For example, if they love to travel, the shower might be inspired by their favorite locale. If they have a favorite show, movie or band, consider it for the party's focus. Or, if the baby-to-be's nursery already has a theme, you might center the shower around the same idea.

Need a little inspiration? We rounded up 35 creative baby shower theme ideas for a day the parents-to-be will remember forever.

Baby shower theme ideas

Elephant-themed baby shower

Embrace this sweet animal for a theme that everyone's sure to love. This classic idea allows for extra-cute invitations and decorations.

"Oh boy"-themed baby shower

Turn a classic expression into a baby boy shower theme. Add "oh boy" to the baby shower invite, and other elements like a photo backdrop or custom sweet treats.

Nautical-themed baby shower

Incorporating sailboats, anchors, whales and various shades of blue, white and gray can make for a classic, chic theme.

Dinosaur-themed baby shower

This prehistoric theme is a perfect fit for Jurassic Park-loving parents who are psyched to start their baby’s fascination with paleontology early.

The Office-themed baby shower

If the parents love watching The Office reruns, go for this hilarious theme inspired by the show. You can recreate the birthday party that Dwight and Jim threw for Kelly by hanging up brown and grey balloons and a hilarious "It is your baby shower" sign, in addition to other iconic moments from the show.

Balloon-themed baby shower

If this sounds far too basic to be a baby shower theme, think again. Plenty of showers revolve around balloons, especially if they incorporate extravagant balloon decor (think archways made from tons of balloons). Balloons are also a simple and sweet element to feature on invitations.

Minimalist baby shower

For the expectant parents who are into clean lines, all white everything and simple details, a modern minimalist theme can be on-point and seriously elegant. Touches of nature and subtle pops of color add charm.

Fall-themed baby shower

Celebrate the little pumpkin with a beautiful fall-themed baby shower. Serve hot chocolate and pasteurized apple cider or go all out with a s'more bar to embrace the autumn season.

Cowboy-themed baby shower

Whether the parents dig Western movies or are big country music fans, there is no shortage of cute cowboy-themed decor for a baby shower. Simple hay, hats, boots and a country soundtrack can set the stage.

Paris-themed baby shower

For the Francophile mom, the City of Lights offers plenty of inspiration — from the Eiffel Tower to Chanel to French cuisine (croissants, macarons, oh my!).

Harry Potter-themed baby shower

Parents who are big fans of The Boy Who Lived might love a shower that pulls inspiration from the iconic book and movie series. Your venue can become Hogwarts as you serve up non-alcoholic butterbeer and Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans.

Woodland-themed baby shower

Welcome the baby with lots of plaid, forest animals and woodsy details.

Bee-themed baby shower

From yellow and black decor to serving up honey-flavored foods, a bee theme offers timeless appeal. (Not to mention, ample opportunities for cute puns, like "parent-to-bee" or "ba-bee.")

Space-themed baby shower

Incorporating astronauts, the solar system and starry details into a baby shower can make for a colorful, fun and ethereal fête.

Vintage-themed baby shower

Pearls, lace and other elements that speak to a parent’s love of thrifting, antiquing or crafting can create a sweet, elegant throwback theme that's especially perfect for a baby girl shower (but works equally well celebrating baby boys).

Rubber ducky-themed baby shower

Photo via @prettybonitodesign and @the_pops_party

This childhood bathtime staple lends itself to a cute baby shower theme. Parents in the What to Expect community who have had rubber ducky showers share that they had rubber ducks floating in punch bowls and cupcakes with little duckies on top.

Wonder Woman-themed baby shower

The DC Comics superhero makes for a colorful, empowering motif — and thanks to the film’s popularity, it’s not hard to find Wonder Woman party supplies in stores. Not to mention, it makes for a fun baby shower theme for girls or boys.

Butterfly-themed baby shower

This adorable theme makes decorations easy (fill the room with paper butterflies!) and allows for cute expressions like "You give me butterflies."

Bunny-themed baby shower

Who doesn't love adorable bunnies? This timeless baby shower theme is sure to be a crowd pleaser, and pairs well with everything from invitations to balloons.

Garden-themed baby shower

This classy theme works especially well during the spring or summer when the shower can be held outside. This is a popular baby shower theme for girls, but is great for celebrating a baby boy on the way, too. Not to mention, it's perfect for any parents-to-be who are big "Bridgerton" fans!

Mermaid-themed baby shower

This theme lets you incorporate shimmery, oceanic hues and various other “under the sea” details.

Ladybug-themed baby shower

Many baby shower hosts draw inspiration from the sweet little insect and create a two-toned, charming theme that is perfect for welcoming a little ladybug.

High tea-themed baby shower

Photo via @robynkaurz and @rupzz

Pay tribute to the English tradition of high tea with pastel decor and treats like crumpets, scones and tiny sandwiches. You could even invite guests to don their own Duchess-like fascinators.

Mustache-themed baby shower

Who doesn’t get a kick out of mustaches on everyone? This simple but giggle-worthy baby boy shower theme can make for a bevy of funny photo opps.

Safari-themed baby shower

Animals like giraffes, elephants, monkeys and tigers, as well as jungle-esque plants and lots of green or gold decor set the stage for a memorably wild shower.

Sunflower-themed baby shower

Is there a happier flower than sunflowers? Opt for a yellow and black color scheme and fill the space with sunflowers (real or fake) to set the stage for this cute baby shower theme.

Halloween-themed baby shower

For expectant parents due in October, throw a Halloween-themed baby shower. Even more fun? Your host can encourage guests to arrive in costume to make it extra-joyful.

Disney-themed baby shower

Whether you want to highlight one specific movie or the entire cinematic universe, this theme is perfect for Disney-loving parents, whether you're looking for girl or boy baby shower ideas.

Friends-themed baby shower

Could this baby shower theme be any cuter? For parents who are passionate fans of the classic TV show, this theme offers tons of opportunities for desserts (Central Perk and couch-shaped cookies) and punny taglines ("The One Where [parent-to-be's name] Has a Baby" on the invites).

Winter-themed baby shower

If the baby-to-be will be due in the colder months or if the shower will be held in the winter, embrace the season with this beautiful theme.

This classy winter theme is beautiful and gender-neutral, making it a perfect baby shower theme for boys or girls.

"Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star"-themed baby shower

This timeless lullaby lends itself to simple, heartwarming and adorable details — often done in soft whites, blues, silver and gold.

Unicorn-themed baby shower

Another whimsical, mythical creature that's trending these days, a baby shower is sure to feel downright magical if it’s peppered with all things unicorn-themed — from the cake to rainbow-hued decor. This theme is especially popular for baby girl showers, but works equally well to celebrate a baby boy on the way.

Winnie-the-Pooh-themed baby shower

Parents love incorporating elements from classic children’s books into their baby showers. Winnie-the-Pooh is particularly cute, with plenty of adorable illustrations to embrace.

Princess-themed baby shower

This traditional baby shower theme for girls is a great way to celebrate your little princess on the way. Adorn the room with tiny crowns and sparkly elements for extra glam.

Teddy bear-themed baby shower

Just like rubber duckies and balloons, teddy bears are simple, sweet and childhood classics — and make for a timeless baby shower theme, perfect for a baby boy shower theme or baby girls.