How To Throw a Baby Shower Raffle

Preparing for a baby shower is a lot of fun. Registering for gifts, planning games and coming up with cute food ideas are all part of the process, and now there is a new trend for baby showers – the guest raffle. Holding a raffle during your shower is a great way to involve guests right from the start, and a nice way to put some attention on your guests in the midst of baby madness!

Planning a raffle begins with asking for an entry item right on the invite. One of the most popular items to use for the raffle is one pack of diapers or wipes, which guests can bring in exchange for their raffle “ticket.” You will be stocked up on diapers and wipes in no time!

Prepare a bowl beforehand from which you will draw names during the party. Create paper tickets that are given to each guest as they arrive and hand in their diapers or wipes. You can customize the tickets to fit your shower theme and have each guest write their name on the ticket. Or, you can buy a roll of preprinted raffle tickets at an office supply or party supply store.

You may choose to have one big raffle or a few smaller ones that lead up to the grand prize, but you don’t want to do too many or the shower will become all about the raffles.

Once you’ve decided on how many raffles you will hold, you need to create your raffle prizes. Gift baskets are a creative way to put together prizes that look impressive and come from the heart.

Here are some gift basket ideas:

Local Pride basket:

Do you live in a town or city with a lot of local bragging rights? Fill a basket with local food specialties, branded city swag, and tickets to a local venue or a gift card for a local restaurant if you have attendees from nearby.

Spa basket:

A wonderful way to reward a lucky guest is a relaxation themed basket. Fill with bath salts, soaps, lotions and an aromatherapy candle.

Sweet Treats basket:

If you’re a baker you can fill a basket with homemade treats. If cooking from scratch is more than you want to take on, fill the basket with high quality chocolate, small jars of candy, cookies and other sweets.

For smaller prizes:

Gift cards to online stores, coffee shops or bookshops are nice ways to reward your guests.There are also gift cards that can be used like credit cards, which people appreciate since they can be used almost anywhere. Throwing a guest raffle is a definite crowd pleaser and a really creative way to thank your guests for being a part of your exciting time, while making sure you get fully stocked up on the diapers and wipes you will certainly need very soon! Image: Getty