We all grew up watching Bob Barker on “The Price is Right” and know the game show backwards and forwards. We guess the prices of everyday items like groceries and work our way up to more expensive showcases like cars and vacation packages.
While it would be outrageous to expect a brand new car as a prize at a baby shower, the basics of the TV show make a really great baby shower game, while at the same time giving the mom-to-be some practical items that she'll need for the baby.
To start off, you need to buy a few things at the grocery that a newborn would need. Keep the receipts, of course, so you have a tally of how much everything costs.
The items that you buy could include the following essentials:
• a package of diapers
• a pack of baby wipes
• a bottle of applesauce
• a pack of cotton buds
• a package of cotton balls
• a bottle of baby powder
• a bottle of baby wash
• a pair of baby mittens
• a pair of baby socks
• a onesie
• a pacifier
• a stuffed toy
If the baby shower has a theme, it would really be great – and challenging – to match your purchases to the theme. For example, if the theme of the baby shower is “Baby Blue,” collects everything in blue packaging and present it on a table covered in a blue cloth. Have things on different heights so they can all be seen clearly.
Next, prepare the paperwork for the game. Just like the TV game, you need some blank cards where you'll print the price of each item. The florist's department in the supermarket will have the perfect sized cards with matching envelopes. Print the name of the item on the envelope, stick in the cards, and seal them.
Next, you'll need to print out lists of the baby items, including the brand names, with a blank line opposite it where the estimated price will go. The list should look something like this:
Pampers Newborn Baby Diapers (12's) $ ____________
Johnson's Baby Powder $ ____________
Desitin Rapid Relief Cream $ ____________
Q-Tips Baby Pack (285 count) $ ____________
There are also printable backgrounds you can find on the internet that have “The Price is Right” logo on them. It's not necessary to use those but it will add so much to your game if you do.
During the shower, each guest gets a list and a pen. Show them each item and have them guess how much it costs, not including sales tax, of course. Then, they add up all the amounts to guess how much the entire “showcase” costs.
When everyone's done, pull out the cards from the envelopes one by one. The guest who's closest to the price gets the card. The guest with the most cards wins a prize, which could be a gift certificate to the local supermarket.
The winner of the “showcase” is the mom-to-be, of course!
She'll definitely need them soon and it's a great way for her to
get really usable, every day gifts. Don't forget to do your best
Bob Barker imitation while you're at it.