- Amber's Virtual Baby Shower Bingo bingo card with Teddy Bear, Changing Table, Clutch, High Chair, Nursery Rhyme, Baby grow, Bedding, Maternity, Baby Shower and Baby monitor.
- Virtual Bingo Start running your own virtual bingo game in less than two minutes. Our virtual bingo system is the most popular in the world because it's so quick and easy to use. It's totally free to run a game for up to 30 players, and prices start at $10 for more players. Check out a demo.
- How to Choose a Theme for a Virtual Baby Shower. There are a few things to think about before choosing a theme. If you were planning a physical baby shower, you can still go with your original decor. Maybe send guests a little box with games and a favor to incorporate it!
- The Spruce / Kori Livingston Baby shower bingo is a popular baby shower game that guests and the moms-to-be just simply adore. It's a fun, interactive game that's easy to play and can bring a fun, competitive vibe to the shower.
- Baby Shower Virtual Bingo Game
- Free Printable Baby Shower Bingo Cards
- Online Baby Shower Bingo
- Free Virtual Baby Shower Bingo Cards
Welcoming a little one into the world is such an exciting time for parents-to-be and their families. Whether they don’t live close by because of military orders, job change, or even bed rest, you can host a Virtual Baby Shower! This gives mom-to-be the ability to still celebrate with those she loves and not miss out on such a special event.
As I write this, my husband and I are stationed away from both of our families. We needed to figure out a way to makes sure everyone still felt included, regardless of the distance!
I have compiled tips and tricks, along with ideas for how to plan the PERFECT Virtual Baby Shower.
- What is a Virtual Baby Shower?
- How Do You Plan a Long Distance Baby Shower?
- Platforms to Stream On
- How to Choose a Theme for a Virtual Baby Shower
- How To Word Virtual Baby Shower Invitations
- Virtual Baby Shower Games To Play
- Virtual Baby Shower Etiquette
What is a Virtual Baby Shower?
If you need a way to easily get guests engaged, the scavenger hunt is the.
After hearing about Covid-19, my mom and I had to come up with a back up plan for my baby shower. At first, the idea of going virtual seemed a bit scary and honestly we had NO idea what this even meant.
I was amazed to find out that the concept is really simple! Basically, you go live via video and celebrate the party gathered around computers and smart phones. There is still a theme, invitations, decoration, and games…. followed by Oooing and Aahhing over adorable baby clothes.
Differences Between a Physical vs a Virtual Baby Shower:
- Not Physically Present – When you host a baby shower in your home town, all your guests are able to celebrate over brunch or late lunch. For a virtual shower, guests will be connected through video. Depending on the platform you use and the number of attendees, you may or may not be able to see everyone.
- No Food or Drinks – Something positive about a virtual shower is that you won’t need to worry about providing food or drinks for guests!
- Shipping Presents – Guests will need to ship gifts pre-wrapped. Sometimes hosts will have them sent to a friend near by and she will bring the presents over day of…. So there is still an element of surprise!
Is it Tacky?
In most cases, guests are very understanding! If you are unable to host a baby shower because of military orders, a recent move, or even become mom-to-be is on bed rest, then it is totally okay to have an online shower.
How Do You Plan a Long Distance Baby Shower?
There are so many things to plan when throwing a virtual baby shower! With everything from choosing a theme to invitations…. And don’t forget a few decorations. We will walk through platforms to use and even how to word your invitations. So let’s start planning!
Platforms to Stream On
There are a bunch of ways you can stream your party! I’ll give you the pros and cons of each, along with how many people it can accommodate. Most of them are completely free, which will keep your costs down, so you can spend more money on baby things for mom-to-be.
Skype – (Up to 25 People)
If you don’t plan on having more than 25 guests, then Skype is probably your best bet. Especially if you have older relatives, they may be more familiar with how this platform works.
The only downfall is that if you or a guest don’t have great wifi, you may have some hiccups and getting everyone connected!
Google Duo – (Up to 8 People)
Google Duo is newer and is great for those who are technologically challenged! We actually used this for our grandparents, during our gender reveal. It also uses less data than some of the other services.
The biggest con is that you can only have 8 people connected at one time.
FaceTime – (Up to 32 People)
If everyone you are inviting has an Apple device, you can celebrate over FaceTime! This give you the ability to chat with up to 32 people. The only thing that makes this difficult is if your friends have an Android.
Almost, everyone has a Facebook account. There is a couple of ways you can host your baby shower on here:
- Facebook Live in a Group – Create a private FB group and ONLY invite guests to it. Then at the time of the party, go live! The downfall is that mom-to-be won’t be able to see her friends and family.
- Video in Messenger – This allows only up to 6 people at a time. If you only plan on inviting a few guests, then this might be a good option for you!
WebBabyShower
This is a unique website that allows you to host your baby shower online! WebBabyShower is an all-in-one package, that does come at a bit of a cost. You can interact with guests through games, personal messages, and you even receive a PDF Keepsake.
How to Choose a Theme for a Virtual Baby Shower
There are a few things to think about before choosing a theme. If you were planning a physical baby shower, you can still go with your original decor. Maybe send guests a little box with games and a favor to incorporate it!
But, if you are looking for something that compliments long distance, here are some adorable Virtual Baby Shower Theme Ideas:
1. Special Delivery
If you are looking for a theme with a vintage flare, this Special Delivery Air Mail is perfect! It’s also gender neutral, so if mom-to-be isn’t finding out the gender you can choose any color to accent it!
Add a personal touch to the invitations by tying twine around them and securing a tag that says “Special Delivery.”
2. Hot Air Balloon
Up, up, and away! This theme gives a subtle reminder that the baby shower is long distance. There are a few ways you can include hot air balloon into your party:
• Invitations – Etsy Seller, Blue Fence Designs, has these adorable hot air balloon invitations for both boys and girls.
• Printable Games – Baby Shower Bingo, Nursery Rhyme Quiz, word scramble and more!!
• Decorations – With everything from cupcake toppers to banners, you will be able to find TONS of cute hot air balloon decor!
3. Globe
This precious globe theme would be perfect for a baby shower in another country! Whether they are stationed away from home because of military orders or a job change, this would be a cute way to celebrate.
There are a few ways you can include Globes into your party:
• Invitations – Etsy Seller, Invited Design Co, has both blue and pink globe invitations…. with a couple of sweet suitcases to accent it!
• Printable Games – The price is right, baby names, scattergories and more!
• Decorations – You can find map bunting or even a table cloth! This is definitely a theme you could get creative with.
4. Airplane
When you think about traveling long distance to visit friends and family, most people assume they will need to take an airplane! This is a cute way to incorporate the fact that mom-to-be doesn’t live close by.
If this happens to be for a family in the Air Force or maybe dad is a pilot, this could be nice way of honoring them as well!
There are so many cute ways to include airplanes into your party – Whether that’s on invitations, decorations, or even favors for your guests.
5. Sailboat
For another vintage feel, sailboats are such a precious theme. You can include invitations, games, and favors that have nautical features, such as anchors! This would be especially cute for a military family in the Navy.
How To Word Virtual Baby Shower Invitations
While I was planing our virtual baby shower, I struggled to word our invitations. I didn’t want people to think it was tacky, while wanting friends and family to feel included. Most guests haven’t “attended” an online baby shower, so it’s important to explain how the party works too!
Be sure to include:
- Virtual Baby Shower, Online Baby Shower, or Long Distance Baby Shower in big letters on the invite.
- That no RSVP is needed.
- Who to contact with questions.
- How your online baby shower will work.
- Where you are registered.
- How to send gifts.
- Where to send gifts.
Wording For Long Distance Baby Shower:
“Let’s Shower Alexis + Cameron’s Doorstep with Gifts and Cards, to help them celebrate their new little bundle of joy!”
“We wish we could all be together but since we live so far apart, let’s help Alexis + Cameron welcome their new little baby girl due in August.”
“ It’s hard to live so far away, when sweet Baby C is on the way. Let’s shower her family with gifts from afar, and let them know how loved they are.” (Invitation by Invited Design Co)
“ It’s hard to live so far away, when Baby C is on the way! Family and friends spread far and wide, would love to be there by her side. But since we can’t, I say let’s do our best to make Alexis’ day! Send Your Gifts and cards by mail, and she’ll feel our love without a fail.” (Invitation by Mama Moonlights)
Explaining How Your Online Baby Shower Will Work
Video – If you are planning to have your guests connect through video, be sure to include how this will be done. You may want to include a separate card to explain what they will need to do. Be sure to check in with guests the week before, this will ensure that everything runs smoothly day of!
Facebook Page – “You will receive a Facebook event invitation from Alexis by June 1st. If you do not receive the invitation, please contact Alexis to amen sure she has the correct contact info. …. Then we will play games, win prizes and most importantly, celebrate the mom-to-be” (Invitation by Latitude Designs)
Sending Gifts – Maybe mom-to-be, grandma and a few friends in the area will be getting together to celebrate. If you don’t plan on opening presents virtually, explain how and when guests should be sending them.
Virtual Baby Shower Games To Play
Playing games during a baby shower is the fun part of the party! Although you might not be able to play traditional games like “Don’t Say Baby” or “Dirty Diapers,” there are still some ways to have a bit of entertainment!
*Note you make need to send supplies for the games to your guests, but we will talk about creating a care package later!
Measure Momma’s Belly
In your invitation, send gusts a large piece of string or ribbon. Have them send it back with the gift, cut to the size they think mom-to-be’s belly is. Then measure everyone string/ribbon over video… and see who is closest!
Scratch Offs
Who doesn’t like scratch offs? This means guests could win a prize… maybe a gift card?
Guests will scratch their card and hope that their’s says WINNER!!
Baby Wishes
Include a Wishes for Baby printable in the invitation and ask guests to send it back in the card. This will also be a nice keepsake to look back on. You could compile all the cards in a scrapbook or phonebook as a memory of this special day.
Baby Prediction Cards
If you are having a FB Group or Event, share a PDF of baby predictions. Then guests can print them off and take a picture of their guesses.
Bingo
Again you could totally upload this to Facebook and guests could print out their bingo board. The only catch with this game…. Is you need to play it over video!
There are a couple of ways this game can be played….
- Pre-Filled Board – The Bingo Cards will already be filled out and the host will call out baby words from the board. The first person to have 5 in a row wins!
- Possible Gifts Mom will Receive – Have guests write down gifts they think will be received. Then as mom-to-be is opening gifts, they will cross out anything on their board that she opens! First one to 5 – WINS!!
Are Prizes Necessary?
You definitely don’t need to have prizes for an online baby shower. It’s a little more difficult because you will need to ship it.
Baby Shower Virtual Bingo Game
But of course, games are more fun when there are prizes! Even though your guest won’t receive it right away, it’s always fun to go home a winner.
When choosing prizes you want something digital or cheap to mail. This will keep your cost from sky rocketing. Since you will only play a game or two, prizes could cost a bit more.
Some long distance baby shower prize ideas are:
- Gift Cards (Could be an e-card too)
- Gift Set From Etsy
- Magazine Subscription (Magnolia Journal is always a good one!)
- Cookbook (From Amazon, so you can Prime ship it!)
Virtual Baby Shower Etiquette
So now that you know everything about planning an online baby shower, you may still have some questions! Even though this isn’t your typical party, there are a few do’s and don’ts you should follow.
Who Hosts?
Typically, grandma-to-be or a friend would host a traditional baby shower. Of course, they are still more than welcome to plan everything. But in some situations, it’s easier for mom-to-be to coordinate all the moving parts.
For our situation, my mom is still “hosting” the shower. Which means she’s doing all the little details, but I needed to be a bit more involved to help out with the organizing of gifts and getting the Facebook group set up.
Unless mom-to-be doesn’t have any friends or relatives willing to plan it for her, you should have someone other than mom to contact on the invite. Guests could have questions about gifts or a surprise that she doesn’t want her to know about.
Do You Still Decorate?
Decorating for an online baby shower is totally optional. But it does make the party feel a little more special.
You don’t need to go all out and decorate everything in the room, but it would be nice to add a few decorations, to the space you will be celebrating in.
Do You Send Favors?
Once again, you don’t need to send favors to guests. This isn’t expected since you live so far away. A handwritten Thank You card will still be the perfect gesture.
But if you want to send guests a little favor with a Thank You Card, make sure you find something light. It’s easy to forget about the weight of something prior to shipping it!
How to Open Gifts Via Video
Although it may seem simple, there are a few things you can do to make sure that opening gifts over video runs smoothly.
You will want to keep these things in mind:
- Go Slow – There could be a lag in connection or maybe they can’t figure out what the gift is. Taking your time will also help guests to feel like their present was appreciated.
- Announce Who It’s From
- Announce What It Is – Some guests may have trouble seeing the gift due to it being small or maybe their connection is blurry. Be sure to keep them in the loop as to what you received.
4 Tips For Hosting The Perfect Online Baby Shower
There aren’t any set “rules” for a virtual baby shower. But there are a few things you can do to make the day extra special, for guests and mom-to-be!
- Send Guests a “Care Package” – This could include a table cloth, napkins, plates, games, and a favor. This will help them to feel like they are celebrating with you versus just watching you open gifts.
- Make Guests Feel Included – Although in most circumstance a virtual baby shower is not tacky, you will want to make friends and family feel like they are a part of the celebration. This could simply be by sharing the moment over video or sending them a care package.
- Plan Ahead – About a week before, check in with guests and make sure they are all ready for the big day. This is when you can help them to download apps and such to video during the baby shower. You don’t want to be figuring this stuff out five minutes before the party starts!
- Grandma-To-Be or Friend Present with Mom – If possible, plan for someone to physically celebrate with mom-to-be. This helps her to feel like her baby shower is still extra special.
Wrap Up…
There are so many ways to make an online baby shower feel like the real deal. Whether that’s decorating the room or playing games with guests, everybody is sure to feel included. I hope that these tips and tricks helped you to plan the PERFECT Virtual baby shower… and that it still feels extra special.
Other Posts you might enjoy……
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- The BEST Long Distance Pregnancy Announcements>> Click Here
Looking for a fun and engaging game to play online? Here’s a super easy virtual bingo game that you can make yourself with Google Slides. No time to make your own? No worries! After the simple instructions, I also give you an opportunity to access a free virtual bingo game template. You can customize and reuse the template as many times as you like. How do you make a homemade virtual bingo game? Read on to find out!
What is Virtual Bingo?
Some businesses use virtual bingo for marketing, but this virtual bingo is meant for classrooms or parties. It may be adapted to fit many subjects and age levels. It is basically bingo played online and can be an engaging way to review concepts. It’s ideal for playing in a virtual setting, such as a Google meet or Zoom meeting. The beauty of this bingo game is that the players can choose where each word, number or picture go on their board. There is no need for the teacher or bingo host to create multiple boards. Once you have made a virtual bingo master template, you can create multiple variations.
Creating the Virtual Bingo Board
First, you need to open up Google Slides. Insert a table to use as your Bingo board. For this example and the template I created, I chose a 5 by 5 grid. Size the grid to fit your needs, and insert a symbol in the middle spot for a free space. Choose a font and type the word “BINGO” at the top of the board.
Saving the Bingo Board as a Background Image
You don’t want bingo players to be able to edit the bingo board, so you need to save the board as a background image. To do that, you will need to go to File, then Download, and download the slide you created as a JPEG image or a PNG image. The PNG image is a larger file size but the image is a bit sharper. Once the image is downloaded, create a new blank slide and upload the bingo board image as a background by going to Insert, then Image, then Upload from computer.
Adding the Markers to the Virtual Bingo Board
Amaze the bingo players with some endlessly (seemingly) regenerating bingo markers. They are very easy to make. Just create one circle or another shape of a desired size and color. Make identical copies and place them directly on top of the first one. Keep making copies and stacking them on top of each other until you have the amount you want. For the example template, I made 100 markers. When a player drags a marker over to the board, there is another underneath. No need to have a pile of markers spread all over the place with this easy method. To make sure that the markers are in front of the images or words on the bingo board when they are used, select multiple markers, then go to Arrange>Order>Bring to front. You can make your markers any color you like.
Adding the Images or Words to the Bingo Board
This versatile gameboard may be filled with words, images, or both. Images would be simplest for younger students to work with on their virtual bingo board. Images are easy to add by searching in Google from within the Google Slides platform. For older students, vocabulary words or spelling words could be used. Words from a social studies unit or science unit would be fun to use as well. The possibilities are many. Simply add text boxes and type in the words you need. I find it easiest to copy a text box from a previously-used word and change the letters inside the box rather than creating a new text from the Insert menu each time. You may also choose to have your students use a combination of words and images, as in the free template I offer.
Making a Copy for Each Player
If you are using Google Classroom, it’s easy to make a copy of the virtual bingo board for each student. Go into the Classwork section of your Google Classroom and create a new assignment. When you are inserting the link to the bingo board, make sure you select Add from Google Drive. If you try to just copy and paste the link to the virtual bingo board slideshow, you will not get the option to make a copy for each student. Here’s a quick tutorial to show you how it works.
Letting Players Set Up Their Bingo Board
Once students have opened their individual copy of the virtual bingo board, they can customize it by dragging the words or images into the boxes. In this way, each student will have a unique bingo board to use. No need for the teacher to make multiple bingo boards!
Give students a time limit, and when you are about ready to start playing, give students a bit of a warning that the game will begin soon. Between bingo rounds, students may rearrange the words or images on their boards if they wish.
How do you Play Bingo with Words?
To play virtual bingo with words, the teacher could call out the word in the virtual meeting. The teacher could also show the word on a screen and share it with students. For spelling practice, the class could spell the word together after it had been called.
How Many Words do you Need for Bingo?
The number of words you use depends upon the number of blanks you have on your board. For the example bingo board I offer, there are 24 blank spaces. You would want to have at least 24 words for students to move into the bingo spaces. You could certainly have more words for the students to choose from than the number of spaces.
How do you Play Virtual Bingo?
After students have been given time to set up their boards, the teacher calls out random images or words from the bank of choices. I’ve included a bank of choices in the example template I offer. When the teacher calls out a choice, the teacher drags the word or image over to the other side of the slide that contains the word bank.
The students drag a marker over to cover the choice that was called. The teacher keeps calling out choices until at least one student gets a completed row across, down, or diagonally and calls out “Bingo!” Another variation is “four corners” where a student has to fill all four corners in order to call “Bingo”.
How can I Make Virtual Bingo More Fun?
Free Printable Baby Shower Bingo Cards
Best mobile slot sites. To make virtual bingo more fun, you could offer prizes of some sort. The winner could have a special privilege, such as getting to use a special virtual background or getting an electronic gift card, if the stakes were high. The student could choose to have the teacher do something silly, like sing a song. If you have creative ideas for virtual prizes, I’d love to know about them. The best ones are inexpensive (or free) and fun.
Free Template
Going to give virtual bingo a try? I hope you have found this post to be informative and useful. I have a lot of fun with Google slides. It’s an excellent way for students to share information with each other. Do you have any fabulous Google slides projects? I’d enjoy learning about them. I’m always on the lookout for more project ideas. If you are short on time and would like a free, premade virtual bingo template, I have one ready!
It’s fully customizable when you make your own copy, includes a teacher page, and is free to subscribers, along with many other resources for teachers.
Even More Templates
If you love this idea but don’t have any time to create the boards, I’ve designed templates for many special occasions:
Online Baby Shower Bingo
I hope you find something you can use. If you have any ideas for other templates I could make, feel free to let me know.
You Might Also Enjoy These Related Posts about Google Slides:
Free Virtual Baby Shower Bingo Cards
Have a wonderful week, and have fun playing virtual bingo using Google Slides!