Baby shower game prizes work when you ask the host what guests should win and buy that. Skip a prize list chosen by price, and skip treating prizes as a gift for the parents.
Prizes are for the guests playing games, not a second present for the parents. If the host named simple tokens, that is enough. If they asked for no prizes, skip them.
Some guides on this site include retailer links that may earn a commission. See our affiliate disclosure. These are ideas to help you choose, not claims that we tested particular products or checked current prices or stock.
Ask the host what guests should win
| Situation | A better direction | What to watch |
|---|---|---|
| The host named a prize | That item, ordered with time to spare | A fancier token you prefer can miss |
| They asked for a small thank-you for winners | Simple tokens guests can take home easily | A large prize they have to carry is extra |
| You do not know what they want | Ask the host before you buy | Guessing without asking does not tell you |
| They asked for no prizes | Skip them, and thank winners in person | Ordering tokens after that answer creates extra work |
| You are a guest bringing a present for the parents | Use the baby shower gift pages | A game prize and a gift for the parents are different jobs |
Examples you can actually look for
Start with the types below — they come from the table on this page — and look up a current example from a seller you trust. Check the seller's details, returns and delivery estimate on the day you buy. Prices and stock change, so confirm them the same day you purchase.
- The prize the host pointed out, bought with time to arrive.
- A small token winners can take home, if that is what they asked for.
- A shop card for a place guests already use, if the host requested that.
- A spoken thank-you and no object, if they asked for no prizes.
- A note with each prize so winners know who to thank, if the host wants that.
If you want a named pick, open the seller's page the same day, confirm the item matches what they will actually use, and keep the receipt. A simpler homemade or no-purchase option from the sections above is still a complete gift.
How to choose prizes
Start with the host, not with a row of priced lists.
- Ask the host what guests should win, and how many prizes they want.
- Buy that item, with enough time to replace a mistake.
- Keep prizes small enough to take home, unless they asked for something larger.
- Skip treating prizes as a present for the parents.
Prizes are not the parents’ gift
If you are a guest bringing something for the parents, see practical baby shower gifts or baby shower gifts for the mom-to-be. If they asked for a handmade or personal object, try handmade baby shower gifts.
There is no set number
Buy as many prizes as the host asked for. There is no figure here, because we have not checked a standard count. If you are planning a naming day instead, see gifts for a baby naming.
More guides sit under baby naming gifts.
If prizes have to ship, leave time to replace a mistake. Keep a receipt so the host can exchange anything that does not match what they asked for.
What to skip
- A prize list chosen only by a price heading.
- A large token winners cannot easily take home.
- Treating game prizes as a gift for the parents.
- Ordering prizes after the host said they did not want them.
- Inventing a required number of prizes.
Give yourself enough time
Ask the host as soon as the date is set, so there is time to order and to change course. If something has to ship, leave room to replace a mistake. Write down the count they asked for with the order.
Common questions
- What prizes should I give for baby shower games?
- Whatever the host asked guests to win. If they named a simple token, that is enough.
- How many prizes do I need?
- As many as the host asked for. There is no set number we can verify here.
- Are game prizes the same as a gift for the parents?
- No. Prizes are for guests playing games. Use the baby shower gift pages if you are buying a present for the parents.
- What if the host said they do not want prizes?
- Skip them. A spoken thank-you is enough.
More gift ideas
If you are a guest bringing something for the parents, see practical baby shower gifts or baby shower gifts for the mom-to-be. For a handmade object they asked for, try handmade baby shower gifts. More guides sit under baby naming gifts.