There is something about sanctioning adults to be goofy that is a very powerful thing.

You may be hesitant about incorporating games into your shower. Especially some of the more messy or silly ones. DON'T! I can guarantee you that 9 times out of 10 your guests will be asking for more! What better way to celebrate the impending birth of the child than acting like children?

Still unconvinced? That is okay. I have catalogued a few classic game ideas for you, according to the silliness/messiness factor. Just skip down to the "Very Tame" category. Otherwise, begin here, with the "Clean Up Might Be Required" variety. You may want provide small prizes for the winners (could even be homebaked cookies, bread, etc; need not be elaborate.)

Clean Up Might Be Required

Dirty Diapers. Melt various candy bars (Snickers, Reese's Cups, Butterfingers) etc. in separate disposable diapers. Guests must try to determine the kind by sight, smell, and, for the very brave, taste.

Dirty Diapers II. You'll need several baby dolls for this one, diapers, wipes, and powder. Diaper the baby dolls. Have guests pair up in 2's (not everyone has to play--some could just watch. Watching is the really funny part.) Best with three or four pairs. The object of the game is to remove the "dirty" diaper from the doll, wipe, powder, and re-diaper the fastest. Person 1 in the pair stands behind Person 2. Person 2 puts his/her arms behind his/her back and Person 1 slips his/her arms through. He/she is now the arms while Person 2 is the sight.

Of Medium Silliness

Baby Food 101. There are many variations of this classic game as well. The basic idea is to have ten or so jars of baby food. Remove the labels and mark with numbers. Guests must determine and write down what they think the food is (carrots, peas, pears, etc.) How you ask them to determine is up to you: some suggest by flavor (yuck), others simply by color and scent. You can also combine this game with the diaper one mentioned above by smearing the foods in diapers instead of leaving it in the jars. Double yuck!

Giving Birth. Buy small plastic babies and freeze in ice cubes. To freeze it in the middle you'll need to fill the tray halfway, place the toy inside and freeze. Then top off with water and refreeze. Give guests the cubes and to suck on. The first to completely de-freeze their baby and yell, "My water broke!" wins. No chewing allowed.

Next Page: More Games

© 2000 Heather Tomasello. All rights retained by author. Do not duplicate without permission.