Your friend is having a baby in a few months, and she and her husband are very happy about it. Since she’s one of the most important people in your life, you have decided to hold a baby shower party in her honor. It’s a great idea, since she can have fun with her close family and friends as well as receive gifts for her newborn. You start to prepare for the party, but suddenly, you have another brilliant idea: why not make it a surprise? She’ll love it!

You might think that planning a surprise baby shower is easy, but think again—there are tons of things you have to be careful about. You must be able to go through with the party preparations quickly, without alerting the mom-to-be. Everything, from the invitations to the party favors, must be kept away a secret from her, while still trying to cooperate and work with the people she’s close to.

To help you with your baby shower surprise party planning, here are several helpful suggestions you should remember.

Letting The Guests Know: Party Invitations

Once you’ve decided on a theme, you can scout for the perfect party invitations to use for the event. Just get some at a party supply store, and you’re all set. Those with the words “It’s a SURPRISE baby shower for mommy!” are very practical because the guests will get the message loud and clear. Then, when you fill out the invites with the party details, don’t forget to include important information, such as your name as the party host and contact number for RSVP, the place where you had the mom registered and what additional items the guests should bring. (Tips on how to make a baby shower kit)

Simple and Secret Surprise Party Decorations

Your surprise baby shower party decorations should not only be eye-pleasing, but also easy to put up. That way, when you need to rush around, you won’t have to worry too much. Streamers, balloons and confetti are good choices. Just make sure they all fit the theme, or at least be color-coordinated.

Surprise Baby Shower Food: Delicious and Easy Choices

There are tons of great ideas for party food, but what’s important is to pick one those that’ll go with the time of the party. For example, if you’re holding a brunch baby shower, breakfast food would be ideal. Afternoon surprise baby showers would be perfect with tea and sweet pastries. A dinner surprise baby shower could have finger foods and wine to satisfy the guests.

It’s a good idea to get a caterer to help you fix the food, but if you want to save money and do the cooking, just choose simple party food items. Instead of getting heavy meals, make sandwiches, salad and appetizers. They’re filling and easy to prepare.

Party Fun: Surprise Baby Shower Games

You can play fun games at the surprise baby shower party! How about the “Dirty Diaper Surprise” game? Everyone is handed a diaper and whoever gets the one with a “poop” (use melted chocolate) gets a prize. Another fun idea is “Baby Song List” where the guests can name (or sing!) all the songs they know with the word “baby” in the lyrics or title. You can also play Baby Pictionary or Baby charades. Games like these are simple, fun and don’t require much material, so they’ll be easy to prepare.

Memorable Party Favors: “Surprise” Gifts for Your Guests

Since the baby shower is a surprise, you should give party favors that give the guest a wonderful surprise! Why not make cookies or brownies and put them in small tin boxes? Wrap them and tie a ribbon around them. The guests will feel as if they have a surprise gift to open when they go home.

A surprise baby shower party would certainly be appreciated by the mom-to-be, and with these suggestions, planning one would be a cinch. Go ahead and start preparing, and watch your pregnant friend have the time of her life! For more information regarding this article, read how to organize a surprise party.