More and more couples today are choosing to find out the sex of their baby before the baby’s arrival. It’s great for name selection, nursery planning even determining the theme for the baby shower. This past week I met with a client about designs for an upcoming baby shower. It was almost refreshing to find the couple wanting a gender neutral theme because they didn’t want to know the sex of their baby until he or she arrives.
For them, coming up with the right theme for their baby shower and nursery posed some challenges because being a bit more unique was also important. I’m super excited about their decision and I have their permission so I’ll be chronicling their journey down the road, but with so many couples planning ahead for the arrival of their boy or girl, I wondered what good gender-neutral options? I say yes!
I’ve rounded up 9 of my favorite baby shower themes that are sure to inspire! Enjoy.
Little Peanut – Elephant
Ok, elephants are kind of the “been-there-done-that” theme but they really do make the perfect gender-neutral option that is not only great for baby’s arrival but well into their toddler years if the shower theme carries into the nursery planning. The key for making this popular theme work for a gender-neutral party is to go for less gender specific colors. Yellow and gray is a classic color palette that works at any age. If the nursery matches, this is a color palette they can keep for many years to come regardless of sex.
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Jungle / Safari Theme
Jungle Safari themes come in many forms but the general idea is another very popular one. Again, I think a lot of it comes down to being a great option for a boy or girl and as inspiration for the nursery, it’s another option that can grow with the child for a while. The key with these super popular themes is to find a way to make it fresh again. Use materials or a style that is different to make it special and unique. I love this more natural, rustic take on the jungle safari theme!
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Woodland Theme
For those that love a more natural or rustic feel, the woodland theme has become pretty popular in recent years. I think it’s also one of my personal favorites from a design standpoint. You seriously have to check out the entire photo shoot from this STUNNING baby shower! With so many neutral colors, it’s also great for a gender-neutral shower because it doesn’t lean one direction for many another.
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Hot Air Balloons / Adventure
In researching for today’s post, I found lots of different directions you can go with the whole adventure and hot air balloon theme. Because we are sticking with gender neutral options, I was drawn to this rustic centerpiece that i just love. I wish I could have found more photos of this shower!
Rustic
Rustic, with the tendency for natural materials, neutral colors and little color, naturally lends itself to a more gender-neutral look. I think that’s one of the reasons why it continues to be a popular style for weddings, showers and other parties. For a baby shower, the key is to keep it from feeling too heavy. Be sure to bring in white or ivory to help lighten and soften the browns. Use accent colors like green or yellow to add a little color that pops.
Rustic is also one of those neutral themes that allow you to add in elements unique to the guest-of-honor. Is Dad a hunter? Throw in little accents of deer or antlers. Do they like to garden? Instead of flowers, decorate with fruit and/or vegetables.
Spring Themed
Spring themes can go super feminine if you use a lot of flowers. We know it’s spring here in PA when we start seeing a lot of green popping so go for a light and airy palette of white with accents of gold, greens and light woods. If you prefer a more whimsical look, maybe focus more on spring showers with simple DIY decorations.
White / Neutral Vintage Lamb
Play off the old nursery rhyme and go for a light and airy lamb theme. Lots of white with accents of soft neutrals make for a great gender-neutral theme without going too rustic. The example has a vintage vibe that I love but you could also go more modern or even more formal by changing out some of the fabrics.
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Children’s Book
I admit this was a new one for me but I love it! Forget worrying about gender neutral colors because this theme is all color! Books for baby accented with simple flowers makes decorating super simple. You really don’t need to add much else. What else can I say other than you really need to check out more of the photos from this adorable party.
Bumble Bees
Another popular theme, I had to include it because it is so perfect for a gender-neutral shower. I love the sophisticated feel to the decor. It has a very elegant look and it feels like good inspiration for a future baby shower invitation.
There are so many other great gender-neutral theme ideas out there; too many for this post! Whether you are planning a baby shower using one of the more popular themes or are looking for a more unique theme, the key is always to find your own unique spin. I hope you’ve found some inspiration today, I know I have been inspired.
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