When we were expecting our first child over 12 years ago, my friend asked if she could host a co-ed baby shower. Back then, inviting men to a baby shower was a novel idea, and I didn’t think I’d be able to convince my husband to participate in a girly morning of mimosas and brunch. But when my friend told me she wanted to plan a baseball-themed cookout, I knew my husband wouldn’t be able to stay away. We had a fabulous afternoon filled with our closest friends, burgers and dogs, cornhole, and lots of baseball-themed decorations and games. (See theme #7 below for photos of our fun day!)

Over the past decade, the traditional idea of a baby shower has evolved significantly, and co-ed showers have become extremely popular. Modern dads now play a more active role in parenting, so it makes sense that they want to be part of the celebration! Co-ed baby showers are also an excellent way to include siblings, grandparents, uncles, other family members, and special friends that wouldn’t be included in a traditional “ladies only” shower. So, in honor of the guys, we have put together some shower ideas that are less “frill” and a little more “grill.”

1. Burgers and Beer

You can call it a “Baby-Q” or “A Baby is Brewing,” but the essential elements here are the burgers and the beer!

Fire up the grill and set up a self-serve burger bar. Have ice-cold beers readily available  in a standing cooler cart.

Your guests can enjoy a casual (or more competitive) cornhole tournament, a round of croquet, or just mingle under a shaded patio or tent.

2. Tacos and Tequila

Spice up your baby shower menu with some delicious tacos and tequila. Set up a build-your-own taco bar, and have a few varieties of margaritas in pitchers (strawberry, mango, traditional, pomegranate) for guests to sip and sample.

I love the vibrant colors of a Mexican-themed party; it’s completely gender-neutral and totally co-ed friendly. String up some “papel picado” (the traditional colorful Mexican banner) and scatter jewel tone votives with candles and little cacti throughout the decor.

Wrap up this taco-themed party with a favorite Mexican restaurant-inspired dessert: Churro Cupcakes.

3. Music

If the new parents are music lovers of any genre, this theme is a great way to bring everyone together to celebrate the newest member of their “band.”

The possibilities are endless, depending on the couple’s favorite band or genre. A cute way to incorporate everyone’s musical taste? Ask guests to wear a t-shirt featuring their favorite band. Incorporate red roses and guitars throughout the decor for a classic rock ‘n roll feel.

Create a playlist of favorite songs from the parents-to-be as background music. Get the party started with some rock ‘n roll trivia games and work up to open karaoke for the most entertaining baby shower activity that’s sure to be a co-ed crowd-pleaser!

4. Decades Theme

Everyone loves a decades party, so why not have a decades co-ed baby shower? Choose your favorite decade and go all out with the most memorable songs, outfits, phrases, movies, and colors!

The 90s were all about cheesy pizza and sugary candy, making the menu for this co-ed baby shower extra simple. Set up a self-serve candy buffet with all the 90s favorites: Airheads, Ring Pops, Nerd Ropes, and Now ‘n Laters.

Find a nostalgic party favor for your guests, like this cute cup from one of everyone’s favorite 90s TV shows.

5. Woodland/Hunting Theme

I married into a hunting family; they live for deer season. And I know this is the baby shower my camo-clad husband would happily (and most comfortably) attend!

Find a balloon arch with grays, beiges, light orange, brown, and greens to decorate the entryway or a seat of honor for the new parents; then incorporate those colors in the rest of the decor with simple greenery and sliced wood rounds set up on the tables.

Set up an assortment of nuts, candies, and dried fruits for guests to make their own trail mix.

6. Travel

Do the parents-to-be love to travel? Celebrate their next adventure with a travel-themed baby shower.

I love this sweet table display incorporating the theme: a globe with pin flags marking places the new parents have traveled, a vintage suitcase with a passport, onesies, small baby paraphernalia, and some classic children’s books about travel.

Line the kitchen island or dining table with brown butcher paper and create a delicious display of cheese, crackers, meats, fruits, and desserts inspired by the couple’s favorite foods from their travels.

7. Little All-Star Theme

Celebrate the parents and their new recruit by serving ballpark fare such as hot dogs, nachos, wings, popcorn, peanuts and beer. You could center your event around the parent’s favorite team or sport. The photos above are from my own “Lil Slugger” shower that friends hosted when we were expecting our first child.

Still looking for more co-ed baby shower inspiration?

Head to our Pinterest board for lots of great ideas. And be sure to refer your guests to RegistryFinder.com, where they can find all of mom and dad’s baby registries in one place!