Nesting Parties are the New Baby Showers

Baby shower trends come and go, but the nesting party is one we hope sticks around. This new take on baby showers is practical. It brings family and friends together to help soon-to-be parents prepare for their baby.

Instead of sipping "momosas" and playing shower games, guests dive into hands-on tasks at the expectant parents' home.  They might build baby furniture, organize baby clothes or even prep meals. before the baby arrives turning their parents' lives upside down.

Ready to learn more about this baby shower trend? We'll explore everything you need to know about nesting parties, including easy hosting tips and gift ideas for guests.

What is a nesting party?

Suzanne Mungalez, PsyD, PMH-C, a licensed perinatal psychologist, says that a nesting party can be an excellent alternative to a traditional baby shower or a follow-up event as your due date approaches.

"A nesting party is a laid-back get-together that focuses on the expectant parent's needs and postpartum readiness. It's different from a traditional baby shower, which typically involves a more formal atmosphere, baby-focused gifts and hosting responsibilities," Mungalez clarifies. "It's common for expectant parents to begin 'nesting'—organizing and cleaning the house to prepare for the baby's arrival—during the third trimester of pregnancy."

What are the origins of the nesting party?

While the exact origins of nesting parties are unclear, Mungalez says that many Indigenous, African and non-Western cultures have long-standing traditions of supporting expectant parents.

"For centuries, these communities have practiced caring for pregnant individuals in the weeks and months before and after birth," she says. "The West is just now catching up, as we increasingly recognize the vital role of community support during the perinatal period."

How has social media influenced this trend?

According to a 2025 Pinterest trend report, nesting parties are most popular among millennial and Gen Z parents. The numbers back this up, with searches for "nesting party" jumping 205 percent. Related terms are also on the rise. "Nesting party ideas" searches rose 150 percent and "nappy bouquet" searches increased by 220 percent.

Why is this trend popular with younger parents? "Millennial and Gen Z parents are more aware of mental health's importance, especially during pregnancy and after childbirth. This shift is a reaction to the boomer generation, who often suffered silently or denied the challenges of new parenthood," Mungalez explains.

"Younger parents have witnessed this suffering, leading them to be more vocal about the realities of new parenthood and the need for community support. This openness is a stark contrast to the previous generation's approach."

How does a nesting party differ from a traditional baby shower? 

Nesting parties differ significantly from traditional baby showers. While baby showers typically focus on the upcoming arrival, nesting parties centre on the parents-to-be. As Mungalez explains, "Baby showers often revolve around gifts for baby, such as diaper bags, clothing and baby blankets with baby-themed games.

In contrast, nesting parties prioritize supporting expectant parents. "Although nesting parties may involve setting up baby gear like cribs and car seats, their primary purpose is to assist the parents," says Mungalez. The key distinction lies in the role reversal: "At a baby shower, the host—often the parent-to-be—takes care of the guests. A nesting party flips this dynamic. Friends and family members come together to cook, clean and care for the pregnant person."

What the nesting party says about our parenting culture

Nesting parties offer insights into our current parenting culture. Katie Montell is the founder and owner of The Baby Planner, a maternity consulting and parent coaching service. She says, "These gatherings reflect a shift towards more intentional and practical parenting. Rather than solely focusing on baby items, parents seek ways to feel prepared, calm and supported. It's about creating a solid foundation for their family, beyond just compiling a registry."

Montell further notes that nesting parties highlight the growing need for parental support. "Many expecting parents are in dual-income households, have aging parents themselves or have relocated away from their families. As a result, they're creating their own 'village' of support networks," she elaborates.

The nesting party aesthetic: Cozy, practical, and personalized

Montell says that nesting parties usually have a cozy, calm vibe. "While baby shower themes often revolve around teddy bears, baby boys or baby girls, nesting parties are typically more subdued," she explains. "Occasionally there's a theme related to the holidays, spa days or babies, but it's usually unthemed with simple decor, and gifts that actually make life easier—like organizing tools or freezer meal kits."

What happens at a nesting party?

Montell describes a nesting party as a unique blend of a baby shower and a productivity session.

“It’s all about helping expectant parents get their home ready for their new arrival while enjoying quality time with family and friends,” she shares. “Activities might include setting up the nursery, preparing meals, and organizing baby gear. These tasks can feel overwhelming when tackled alone, but they become much more enjoyable when done with a group. This approach is especially beneficial for parents who feel anxious about being the centre of attention during traditional gift-opening ceremonies.”

How to host a nesting party that new parents will love

If you’re thinking about throwing a nesting party, Kristin Revere, MM, CED, NCS, owner and founder of Gold Coast Doulas, suggests starting with your guest list.

"The number of guests can change based on your space and what you need help with," Revere explains. For meal prep gatherings, she recommends keeping it intimate—around six to eight people. "But if you’re tackling bigger tasks like assembling baby furniture, doing laundry, baby-proofing and whipping up meals, you might want to invite up to ten friends to lend a hand. You should also have a list of tasks made beforehand to make sure everyone participates," she adds.

Next up is choosing the perfect location for your event. While it might be tempting to host at one of your guests' homes, Revere advises that it’s often simpler to hold the party at the home of the expecting family. "This way, you can avoid the hassle of transporting all those supplies and goodies," she says. Tasks

Once you’ve nailed down the tasks for your nesting party, it’s time to think about what to serve and how to keep the fun rolling. Montell suggests going for easy-to-eat finger foods or a themed buffet that complements your activities. And don’t forget to sprinkle in some lighthearted games. Baby trivia or a guessing game about parenting hacks can be great icebreakers that get everyone laughing.

You can also host a virtual nesting party. Montell recommends planning fun online activities to engage guests. These could include writing advice cards, creating scrapbook pages or putting together gift boxes to send later.

"You could also share a cooking session by providing a freezer meal recipe in advance so everyone can cook together," she adds. "The host can also set up a shared playlist where guests can add their favourite 'parenting survival' songs during the event."

FAQ:

1. Should a nesting party be combined with a baby shower, or can they be separate events?

You can definitely combine a nesting party with a baby shower if you want to. However,  Revere says that it's also completely okay to have them as separate events.

“You don’t have to pick one over the other,” she says. "For seasoned mothers, opting for a nesting party tends to be more practical. After all, they probably already own everything they need and just want to enjoy some intimate moments with close friends and family."

2. Is a nesting party more practical or cost-effective than a baby shower?

Revere points out that hosting a nesting party can be a wallet-friendly alternative to a traditional baby shower. “You save on decorations since they’re not necessary,” she notes. “Guests often just need to bring along some organizing supplies or ingredients for their favourite dish. Plus, you won’t have to chase down RSVPs, and all you really need for your guests are some snacks.”

3. What should guests bring to a nesting party?

Heading to a nesting party and stumped on what to bring? Revere suggests that guests should consider a gift that aligns with the theme of the event. "Think along the lines of baby station supplies—perfect for prepping that nursery," she recommends.

In addition to baby supplies, Montell suggests other thoughtful gifts like meal delivery subscriptions—an absolute lifesaver for busy new parents—and cleaning services for those deep cleans we all know they’ll appreciate.

"Consider customized storage solutions for organizing baby gear. Think bins or labels. Also, don't forget comfort items like cozy robes, nursing pillows, or blackout curtains. These can help new parents survive those sleepless nights," she adds.

Experts:

• Suzanne Mungalez, PsyD, PMH-C, is a licensed perinatal psychologist.
• Kristin Revere, MM, CED, NCS, is the owner and founder of Gold Coast Doulas.
• Katie Montell is the founder and owner of The Baby Planner, a business that provides maternity consulting and parent coaching services.