Virtual Baby Shower BINGO! Bingo card with Milk, Cry, Patience, Burp Cloth, Sleep, Crib Sheets, Grandchild, Teether, Nipple Cream and Crib. A part from seeing the cute baby gifts that the mommy-to-be receives, the best part of baby showers is always playing fun baby shower games. Let's continue that trend by playing one or more of these virtual baby shower games, to ensure that mommy-to-be, and guests have fun at a virtual baby shower. Similar to baby shower gift Bingo, this game requires guests to listen for baby related words during the shower. Each guest needs to make their own Bingo board. It should be a five-by-five grid. In each grid square, guests should write a baby word they think will be said at least once during the shower. Cut down on the baby shower prep by downloading and printing our games here, but read on for more inspiration. Baby Shower Bingo. What you'll need: Bingo cards (with 3x3 squares) Small stickers or pens. How to play: Before the party, print out our baby bingo sheet and give one to each guest. Hand each guest a card, which should be unique.
Are you interested in hosting a virtual baby shower?
Whether your friends and family live far away, you're limited on travel, or if you just want to be unique, having an online baby shower may be right for you.
In this post, I'll share exactly how you can plan and host your baby shower online.
Let's jump into planning your virtual baby shower!
What is a Virtual Baby Shower?
A virtual baby shower is simply a baby shower that's hosted online via a live stream.
It is a great option for those who have family and friends who live far away, but still want to take part in the celebration of new life.
This doesn't have to be the only reason that you host your baby shower online, though.
In fact, hosting a virtual baby shower was the first thing that I considered when our family began planning our shower.
Because our families live far apart from each other, having a shower in a central location would require travel and just be a chore.
Although our parents decided to host separate showers for each side of our families, hosting a virtual shower was still something that I explored and will consider in the future.
Here's how you can plan your shower.
Grab your FREE Baby Registry Checklist! Triple draw. Click here to access it.
What to do during an online baby shower
The activities of an online baby shower are no different from what you would do in person.
Your shower should include both playing games and opening gifts.
Steps to Planning a Virtual Baby Shower
1. Secure a hosting platform
Before you can host your baby shower, you'll need to secure a suitable hosting platform. This is basically figuring out what website you're going to live stream from.
There are both free and paid options that will enable you to do so.
Let's look at both options.
Facebook is a great option for hosting your shower. Most people are already Facebook users, which means it will be easy for them to join.
To host your shower on Facebook, you would simply create a closed or private group specifically for your event. It's important that the group is not public to ensure that your event can remain private and only for your guests.
Guests will be able to join the group, where they can interact beforehand and after. You'll be able to go live while others view and can comment in real-time.
Pros:
- Free
- Able to build a community around the event
- Option to upload pictures within the group
- You will be able to download a video of the live stream as a keepsake
- It is an easy to use platform that most people are already using
Old coins. Cons:
- Must have a Facebook account
- Guest can only interact through comments
Zoom
Zoom is a platform specifically designed for video conferencing. There are, however, limitations with the free version of this platform so you should plan on using the paid version.
You can sign up for as low as $14.99 and cancel or downgrade after you're done.
All that guests will need to use this application is the specific link to join your event. They will be able to join using a phone or computer.
Unlike Facebook, guests will also be able to join by video and actually talk. There is also a chat that you can use to play games.
If you choose to use Zoom, I strongly recommend having a host who knows how to use the platform so that they can moderate. They will need to be responsible for making sure that everyone is on mute at certain times and responding to questions that may come up in the chat.
Pros:
- Meant for video conferencing
- Guests can join with audio and video
- Ability to download a video of the live stream as a keepsake
- Doesn't require guests to have an account
Cons:
- Will require the paid version
- Only meant for video, no community aspect
Another free option that is similar to Zoom is Skype, although all features may not be the same.
WebBaby Shower
This site is specifically designed to help moms and their families host virtual baby showers. Included is a virtual guest book and games that you can play.
This platform makes it easy to host a virtual baby shower and is more than just a one-time event. With WebBabyShower's simple setup, you can choose your theme, personalized URL, and have a cute baby shower website ready to go in 60 seconds.
Your WebBabyShower package will include a guest book, a gift registry page, photo and video albums, birthday bets and games with scoreboards so your guests can compete when they visit!
You can also use WebBabyShower to send invites to your guests directly from the platform, you can even track the open rates too.
You can easily plan your baby shower video call by using WebBabyShower's video call planner.
Unlike other platforms, WebBabyShower is an ad-free completely private space. Only those who have your unique URL will be able to access your site, and for added security, you can also set up a password for guests if you like
Once your plan is coming to an end (plans range from monthly subscription to a year plan) you can print off a pdf keepsake so everyone's well wishes and photos will be saved forever.
Pros:
- All in one platform
- Not just a one-off event site
- Private space with no ads
Cons:
- Most expensive option ($79)
- Will still need to use other platforms (No video chat integration)
2. Create a guest list
Now that you have a hosting platform secured, it's time to come up with a guest list.
If you're looking for a way to organize your guest list, I've included a printable in the Baby Bump Binder.
It's important to remember that attending a baby shower online may be unfamiliar to some people, so they'll need to have some basic technical skills to join.
3. Create a registry
You'll want to create your registry before you send out your invitations so that guests have the opportunity to purchase and mail gifts.
I recommend creating your baby registry on multiple sites to give your guests options.
I've written an entire article on where you can register and what to put on your registry—The Ultimate Baby Registry Checklist.
Grab your FREE Baby Registry Checklist! Click here to access it.
4. Create and send out invitations
In keeping with the theme of being virtual, you can send out electronic invites as well.
If you're hosting on Facebook, you can simply create an event that is connected to your closed or private group.
However, even if you are using Facebook as your hosting platform, there are sites where you can create virtual invitations customized to your theme.
Virtual Baby Shower Invitations
Since you're hosting a virtual baby shower, why not have virtual baby shower invitations?
Here are two place where you can customize your virtual baby shower invites for free!
Canva
Canva is one of the most popular sites to use for graphic design. In fact, I do all of my designing on this platform.
They've made it super easy for you to create your unique baby shower invites with their premade baby shower templates.
Just update the information and you can download these templates to print or send via email. It's really that simple.
Evite
One popular site is Evite. This site has tons of free options that you can choose from for your invitations—including video options.
If you choose to use the premium version of this site, be sure to Rakuten so that you can get cashback on your purchase.
I've downloaded the Rakuten browser extension so that it can notify me of when I can earn cashback.
While writing this article, I could earn 17.5% back for any purchase that I made on Evite.
Evite
One popular site is Evite. This site has tons of free options that you can choose from for your invitations—including video options.
If you choose to use the premium version of this site, be sure to Rakuten so that you can get cashback on your purchase.
I've downloaded the Rakuten browser extension so that it can notify me of when I can earn cashback.
While writing this article, I could earn 17.5% back for any purchase that I made on Evite.
When you sign up for Rakuten and make an eligible purchase of $25 using the site, you'll get $10 free!
What to include in your virtual baby shower invitation
- Details on the date and time of your live event
- A link to join the group or meeting
- A link to your registry with a ship-to address
5. Plan your games
Because you'll be hosting this online, you will have to be a little bit more strategic about the games you play.
Your games will have to be something that everyone can play online and still feel engaged. 777 pokies casino.
The great thing about doing this virtually is that the prizes can also be virtual. Consider giving away virtual gift cards as prizes to winners.
Virtual Baby Shower Game Ideas
Here are a few virtual baby shower games that you can play with your guests. You can read my article on virtual baby shower games to play on Zoom for more ideas.
Guessing Games
Create a list of facts that the guests may not know about mom, dad, or baby. Have them guess the answer to these questions by entering them into the chat or showing their written answers on camera.
The winner can be the person who gets the most right.
You'll want to ensure that the host or a designated person is keeping track of answers to determine the winner.
Scavenger Hunts/Trivia
Another engaging game is an online scavenger hunt or trivia.
Have guests look for the answer to questions online. The first person to find the most right answers wins.
6. Decorate your live stream room
Just because this shower is virtual doesn't mean that it has to be void of decorations.
Take some time to decorate the room that you'll be joining the live stream from.
A quick and easy decoration is a simple backdrop. Amazon has tons of inexpensive options specific to baby showers that you can choose from.
Simply put a backdrop behind you to add some decor to your video!
7. Go live!
Before going live, you may want to do a test run on the platform you'll be using. That way everything can go off without a hitch.
Be sure to send guests a reminder of what time the stream will start so that they can join on time.
If you're using Zoom, you can set up your call to have people wait in a virtual waiting room until your host starts the live stream.
I suggest having a schedule or agenda written out beforehand so that you know exactly what should happen when. Here is an example:
5:55 PM – Start live stream
6:00 PM – Welcome guests
6:05 PM – Guest introductions (Name, relationship to mom, where they're joining from)
6:20 PM – First game
Online Baby Shower Games
6:35 PM – Second game
6:50 PM – Have mom open gifts
7:10 PM – Thank you to guests
7:15 PM – End call
8. Send out thank you notes
Alas, don't forget to send out thank you notes to guests who joined the shower and those who sent gifts. These can be done virtually or sent via mail.
Final Thoughts on Hosting a Baby Shower Online
Hosting a virtual baby shower is a great way to still celebrate your new addition, even if your family is afar.
Don't let distance or restrictions prevent you from having your celebration. As you can see from this post, technology has made it possible for you to have your baby shower virtually.
If you need more help organizing and planning your pregnancy, don't forget to check out the Baby Bump Binder for checklists and other templates.
Posts Related to Web Baby Showers:
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?
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.
Virtual Baby Shower Bingo
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:
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:
Have a wonderful week, and have fun playing virtual bingo using Google Slides!
