Being a working mom, I’ve learned that balancing a career, taking care of my son, and finding time for my own well-being can sometimes feel like juggling too many balls at once. When I found out I was expecting, I was beyond excited, but I was also stressed about how to plan the perfect baby shower while staying sane and keeping things practical. One of the most important decisions for me was choosing the baby shower favors for my guests. I wanted them to be cute, thoughtful, and practical—but also something I could manage without adding more stress to my plate.
So, as a working mom, I want to share my journey with you. I’m going to talk about some cute and practical baby shower favors I found that won’t break the bank, won’t take up too much of your precious time, and will be appreciated by your guests. But I’m also going to touch on something that’s just as important—how I managed my time, took care of myself, and overcame the guilt that sometimes creeps in when you’re trying to balance work, family, and life’s big milestones.
The Struggles of Planning as a Working Mom
First, let me tell you, there’s no way I could have pulled off a baby shower without learning how to manage my time effectively. I’m a working mom, and there’s always something demanding my attention—whether it’s a project deadline, a school run, or just the usual household responsibilities. Throw in planning a baby shower, and I quickly realized I needed a game plan.
When I first started thinking about favors for the baby shower, my mind immediately went to cute little trinkets, but the reality of my time constraints kicked in. I didn’t have the luxury of browsing Pinterest for hours, nor did I want to spend my weekends making tiny favors. And let’s be real—I didn’t have a ton of extra cash to splurge on fancy gifts either. So, I knew I had to find a balance.
Time Management: How to Keep It All Together
If you’re planning a baby shower while balancing work, here’s one lesson I learned early on: You need a strategy. Planning doesn’t have to be overwhelming if you break it down into manageable tasks. I started by setting a timeline—what needed to be done by when—and stuck to it.
I also made use of every little pocket of time. During my lunch breaks at work, I’d research baby shower favor ideas, jot down a list of what I needed, and even order supplies online. On the weekends, I dedicated a couple of hours to assembling things—nothing too stressful, just enough to make progress.
Here are some ideas I came up with for practical, yet cute, baby shower favors:
1. Mini Plant Pots
One of the best favors I found was mini potted plants. They’re super cute, eco-friendly, and practical. You can buy tiny succulents online or at a local nursery. Not only are they inexpensive, but they also add a natural, fresh touch to your event. You can personalize them by adding cute tags or ribbons in your shower’s theme colors.
Pro Tip: Buy the plants in bulk and then let your guests choose the one they want to take home. It’s a thoughtful favor that’s easy to assemble in batches.
2. Personalized Hand Sanitizers
Another idea I loved was personalized hand sanitizers. As a mom who knows how messy life can get, I figured this was a practical and much-appreciated gift. You can buy small travel-size bottles and customize them with labels that match your baby shower theme. Whether you’re going for a floral design, a nautical vibe, or something more playful, these hand sanitizers are practical and affordable.
Pro Tip: Don’t have time to make labels? Head to a website like Etsy, where you can find pre-made customizable labels that match a variety of themes.
3. DIY Bath Bombs or Sugar Scrubs
DIY bath bombs or sugar scrubs are another practical favor I loved. These can be put together ahead of time, and they make for a lovely, pampering gift that your guests will actually use. There are many simple recipes for bath bombs and sugar scrubs that only require a few ingredients, most of which you probably already have around the house.
Pro Tip: Get your kids involved in making these favors. It can be a fun, stress-free activity for the whole family.
4. Custom Cookies
Food always wins, doesn’t it? Personalized cookies shaped like baby bottles, onesies, or pacifiers are not only adorable, but they also add a personal touch to your celebration. You can find bakeries that will do the heavy lifting for you, or if you’re feeling crafty, you can make them yourself.
Pro Tip: Consider placing cookies in cute boxes with a thank-you note attached. It’s a simple, delicious, and practical favor that will leave a lasting impression.
5. Mini Candles
Mini candles in cute jars are another great option. They’re useful, beautifully scented, and can be customized with a label or ribbon that matches your shower’s theme. Candles are always a hit with guests because they make any space feel cozy and inviting.
https://gotthismom.com/self-care-for-working-moms/Self-Care: Don’t Forget to Take Care of Yourself
Planning a baby shower is a fun but exhausting task. As working moms, we often feel like we need to do everything ourselves and do it perfectly. But here’s something I had to remind myself: Self-care is just as important as the baby shower itself.
During this time, I made sure to carve out moments for myself. Whether it was a quick walk in the park or taking a bubble bath after a long day of organizing, these moments helped me recharge. It’s important to listen to your body and take breaks when needed. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to ask for help. If family members or friends offered to pitch in, I was sure to take them up on it.
Overcoming Guilt: You’re Doing Your Best
As a mom, guilt can creep in when we feel like we’re not doing enough for our families or ourselves. During this time, I definitely felt that pressure. I wanted to give my guests the best baby shower possible, but I also wanted to give my son all of my attention. It’s hard to juggle, and I felt the pull from both sides.
One thing that helped me overcome the guilt was recognizing that there’s no such thing as perfect. I realized I didn’t have to make everything myself or go overboard with decorations. My guests were there to celebrate my pregnancy and me as a mom, not to judge the party favors or decor. The love and effort I put into the event mattered more than perfection.
Work-Life Balance: Finding Harmony
Finding a healthy work-life balance is an ongoing struggle for many working moms. Here’s a tip I learned the hard way: You don’t have to do it all at once. It’s okay to delegate, to prioritize, and even to let go of some things that aren’t essential. I focused on what mattered most—creating a special, stress-free day for my guests and spending quality time with my family.
When you’re planning a big event like a baby shower, remember to celebrate yourself. You’re doing the best you can, and that’s enough.
Conclusion: You’ve Got This, Mom
Looking back, I’m so proud of how my baby shower turned out. It was everything I wanted it to be: cute, practical, and full of love. And through the whole process, I learned a valuable lesson—being a working mom doesn’t mean sacrificing everything for perfection. It means finding balance, asking for help when needed, and showing up as your authentic, amazing self.
So, to all the moms out there planning baby showers or juggling work, family, and life, remember this: You are doing your best, and that’s more than enough.