Safari Baby Shower Ideas That Are Wild & Adorable
Planning a safari baby shower? You're joining a growing trend - Safari baby shower ideas are gaining traction on Pinterest this year, with notable increases in searches for safari nursery and decor inspiration. And it’s no surprise that it’s trending—this theme is absolutely adorable with the right planning and inspiration, and it can work for either gender, in any season, and with a variety of color palettes.
As a mom of 5 who's planned many baby showers (and write about it professionally), I can confirm that these ideas will help create a memorable wild adventure that guests will talk about long after the party ends.
If you're still exploring themes, you might also want to check out spring themes or summer themes for more seasonal inspiration. If you also love character-based themes, a Winnie the Pooh baby shower or bee-themed baby shower could be adorable alternatives. And if you're just getting started with your baby planning journey, don't forget to review baby registry checklist before the big day.
This post may have affiliate links, which means I may receive commissions if you choose to purchase through links I provide (at no extra cost to you). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read more about these links in my disclaimer policy.
GETTING STARTED WITH SAFARI BABY SHOWER IDEAS
Safari-Themed Invitations and Announcements
The invitation sets the tone for your entire safari adventure. I remember spending hours searching for the perfect design for my sister's shower last spring, and it was worth it when guests started texting us about how excited they were.
Here are some options that have been popular this year:
Creative wording using safari terminology - Phrases like "Join us on a wild adventure" or "Our little cub is on the way" effectively set the safari mood. These work better than generic baby shower wording.
DIY invitation options - Try watercolor animals, animal prints, or leafy borders if you're crafty. My attempt at watercolor elephants was challenging, but my friend's giraffe silhouettes turned out beautifully.
Digital templates - Etsy, Zazzle, and Canva have attractive pre-made safari designs that you can customize. I paid about $15 for a template that I could edit myself, which saved considerable time.
Safari passport invitations - These double as keepsakes and offer a unique touch. Guests at my cousin's shower commented on how creative they were.
QR code options - We used this for my neighbor's shower and found it helpful to have paper backups available for guests less familiar with technology.
Stunning Safari Decorations
Decorations significantly impact your safari theme. I learned this when I tried to cut corners for my first safari shower and ended up with decorations that looked more "circus" than "safari."
The ideal color palette for a safari theme includes earthy greens, browns, and tans with pops of gold. These colors create a warm, inviting atmosphere and photograph well for memories.
Popular decoration ideas that have worked well at showers I've planned include:
Statement balloon arches with safari animals and greenery woven throughout
DIY centerpieces using stuffed animals, wooden elements, and tropical plants (I found affordable mini elephants at Dollar Tree)
Photo backdrops with jungle leaves, animal prints, and "Safari Baby" signage
Table settings with animal print runners, bamboo plates, and leaf accents
If you're working with a limited budget like I was with my second shower, try printable safari elements from Etsy. I spent approximately $15 on printables that included food labels, banners, and cupcake toppers, which was more economical than store-bought decorations.
Safari-Inspired Food and Drink Ideas
The food at your safari baby shower can be both visually appealing and delicious. I still remember how guests responded to the elephant-shaped sandwiches at my daughter's shower.
Here are some food ideas that have been well-received:
Tiered animal print cakes - My sister's zebra-striped cake was impressive, but cupcakes with safari animal toppers are simpler if you're not an experienced baker.
Safari grazing tables - Arrange cheeses, fruits, and crackers on animal-shaped boards. A giraffe-shaped cheese board can become a natural conversation starter.
Themed finger foods including:
Elephant sandwiches (using cookie cutters)
Lion-shaped cookies
Zebra-striped chocolate-covered pretzels
Signature mocktails with names like "Jungle Juice" or "Safari Sunset"
Food stations are another effective approach - we created a "watering hole" drink station and "savanna snacks" area at my best friend's shower. Food labels with safari animal motifs add a cohesive touch. Having backup copies of printed materials saved us when there was an accident with the originals shortly before the party.
You could use the cute safari-themed place cards below either to label food stations with on-theme names or as a table place setting for each attendee.
Interactive Safari Games and Activities
Games keep your guests entertained and help bridge social gaps between different friend groups. At my cousin's shower, I underestimated how much time we needed for games, which created some awkward moments toward the end.
Consider these engaging activities:
Safari scavenger hunt with hidden animal toys
"Guess the Baby Animal" matching game with small prizes for winners
Animal sound bingo that appeals to all ages
Baby animal name guessing game (many guests are surprised to learn a baby giraffe is called a calf)
Onesie decorating station with safari stamps and stencils - these become useful gifts for the parents-to-be
A Polaroid photo station with safari props and animal ears has been a reliable activity for recent showers. Guests enjoy taking photos, and they serve as mementos. The mom-to-be can use these pictures in a scrapbook later.
Safari-themed advice cards for the parents-to-be provide both practical wisdom and sometimes humorous insights from experienced parents and friends.
Memorable Safari Favors and Gifts
Party favors are your opportunity to thank guests with something thoughtful. I've found that practical favors receive better responses than decorative items that may not be used.
Some favor ideas that have been successful:
Mini succulent plants in animal-themed pots - available at many garden centers for around $3 each
Safari animal cookies in custom packaging - these can be prepared in advance if you enjoy baking
Small stuffed animals with personalized thank you tags
Customized safari bookmarks or keychains - both practical and thematic
Mini jungle-themed hand sanitizers - especially useful during cold and flu season
At my second safari shower, we distributed mini picture frames with a group photo taken during the party. We used an instant printer to create the pictures during the event, which many guests appreciated.
Frequently Asked Questions
How early should I start planning a safari baby shower?
Plan 2-3 months ahead to order items, send invitations, and book venues without rush fees.
What's the average budget for a safari-themed baby shower?
Budget $200-$1,000 depending on guest count. A 25-person shower costs about $350, with DIY decorations saving money.
Can I combine a safari theme with another theme?
Yes, safari works well with botanical, boho, or "wild one" themes. Mix animal elements with greenery or gold accents for unique looks.
What are the best venues for a safari baby shower?
Consider botanical gardens, backyards, zoo event spaces, or rustic barns. Natural settings reduce decoration needs and enhance the theme.
Final Thoughts
Your safari baby shower will be a memorable adventure with these thoughtful ideas. Remember, the best safari baby showers incorporate personal touches that reflect the parents' personalities. Don't worry about perfection – sometimes unexpected moments become the most memorable parts of the event.
Whether you choose elaborate decorations or prefer subtle animal motifs, these safari ideas will help you create an enjoyable experience for everyone involved. Now it's time to begin planning that perfect safari celebration for your expected little cub.
