Pregnancy can be such a wonderful time. So much excitement, so much joy — and so much to do! As that due date inches closer, it can feel like a whirlwind trying to get everything ready. 

Nesting parties are becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason. They're a fun new way for parents-to-be to prep for their little one's arrival.

What exactly is a nesting party?

A nesting party is like a baby shower meets a home makeover show, with a dash of Marie Kondo thrown in for good measure — instead of gifts, you get help! Let’s be honest: who can resist newborn onesies? You’ll probably still get plenty of gifts!  

These parties offer a unique twist on the traditional baby shower, focusing on the practical aspects of preparing for a baby while still maintaining that celebratory atmosphere. It's a chance for your friends and family to pitch in, tackle all those to-dos before the baby arrives, and turn what could be a super stressful time into a fun group effort.

The focus is on getting things done — organizing baby clothes, deep cleaning the house, or even meal prepping for those first few hectic weeks after the baby arrives.

Unlike traditional baby showers that often revolve around games and gift-opening, nesting parties are all about rolling up your sleeves and getting to work. Don't worry, though — there's still plenty of room for fun. Who wouldn't want to spend an afternoon sorting teeny-tiny baby clothes with their besties, all while snacking and sharing the excitement (and maybe a few nervous jitters) about becoming parents?

Why throw a nesting party?

Nesting parties are fantastic for so many reasons. First off, they just make sense. That pre-baby to-do list can feel a mile long. From setting up the nursery to washing mountains of tiny clothes, it's easy to get overwhelmed, especially as your due date approaches, and you may not always feel your best.

A nesting party lets you knock out those tasks with your favorite people. It's way less stressful and actually kind of fun to work together, especially when you're all excited to meet the new baby.

Plus, it's a great way to include everyone, even those who might not be into traditional baby showers. Maybe your brother-in-law isn't super into baby gifts, but he's a whiz with power tools and can assemble that crib in a flash. Meanwhile, your tech-savvy friend can totally handle setting up the baby monitor. It gives everyone a chance to help out in meaningful ways.

How to throw a nesting party

Planning a nesting party is pretty simple, but there are a few things to think about. First, figure out what you actually need help with. Is it setting up the baby's room? Putting away all those tiny clothes? Giving the house a good deep clean? Make a list of what's most important, and don’t be shy — your guests are showing up ready to help! 

Timing is key, too. A few weeks before your due date is usually good, giving you time to get everything done, but not so early that things will get dusty before the baby arrives. Just don't wait too long — you definitely don't want to go into labor during the party!

Get creative

For invitations, our favorite destination is Paper Source because they are one of the few stationery destinations with nesting party designs! Their designs help you host a cute party and are perfect for explaining what it’s all about. Make sure to let people know it's a "working" party and that they should be ready to lend a hand.

On the day of, have a plan. Think about who's good at what and assign tasks accordingly. Your crafty friend can help decorate the nursery, and your super-organized cousin can tackle the closet. And whatever you do — don't forget the food! All that work is sure to make everyone hungry. Plus, who doesn’t love snacks!?

Make it fun

Even though nesting parties are about getting stuff done, they should still be fun! Get your guests in the mood and boost their energy with some upbeat music. You could even have little prizes for finishing tasks — like a cute keychain or a mini plant. Turning some things into friendly competitions is always a good idea, too. Who can fold a onesie the fastest? Who can build the changing table in record time?

And don't forget to take breaks! This is a great chance to hang out with your friends and family and talk about all your plans for the baby. It's a special time to connect with the people you love as you all get ready for this new chapter.

Celebrate all families

Nesting parties are usually about getting ready for a baby, but the idea can work for all sorts of big life changes. Adoption showers, for example, could totally borrow some nesting party ideas to help parents get their homes ready. Even someone freezing their eggs might have a "future nesting" party to focus on long-term planning and personal growth.

Paper Source gets this, too. Their new stationery line has invites and announcements for all kinds of celebrations, from egg-freezing parties to adoption announcements. We love how they recognize all the different ways families are made and that every journey to parenthood deserves to be celebrated — and we agree 100%.

Ready for a nesting party?

Nesting parties are more than just a trend — they're a practical, fun way to prepare for one of life's biggest adventures. And they turn what could be a stressful time into an opportunity for connection, celebration, and community support. 

So, whether you're expecting, adopting, or just planning for the future, consider throwing a nesting party. Or pass this along! A nesting party could be just the thing they need to get ready for their new arrival.

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Blair Sharp is a freelance writer who lives in Minnesota with her husband and son. Her words have been published in various publications, including Parents, SheKnows, The Bump, and Insider. You can find her watching reality TV and sharing too many reels with her friends when she's not writing. To connect with Blair, find her on LinkedIn and Instagram, or head to her website www.blairsharp.com.