Diaper raffles and book requests are two of the most popular baby shower traditions. They help the parents-to-be stock up on essentials and add a fun moment to the party. Here's how they work and what to write.
How a diaper raffle works
Guests bring a pack of diapers along with their gift. Each pack earns a raffle ticket. At the end of the shower, the host draws a ticket and the winner takes home a prize.
It's fun for guests and gives the new parents a supply of diapers they'll definitely use.
Diaper raffle card wording
- Bring a pack of diapers (any size) and be entered into our diaper raffle!
- Help keep baby's bottom dry! Bring a pack of diapers for a chance to win a prize.
- Every pack of diapers earns one raffle ticket. The more you bring, the more chances you have to win!
Tip: encourage different sizes. Babies grow out of newborn diapers quickly, so sizes 1 to 3 are often more useful.
Prize ideas
- A spa or coffee gift card
- A candle and chocolates
- A bottle of wine (for guests who drink)
- A plant in a pretty pot
How a book request works
Instead of a card, guests bring a favorite children's book with a note written inside. It builds the baby's first library and becomes a lovely keepsake.
Book request card wording
- Instead of a card, please bring a book for baby's library with a special message inside.
- Help us build baby's library! Please bring your favorite children's book, signed with a note.
Including them with your invitation
Print raffle and book request cards as small inserts that go in the envelope with your invitation. Matching them to your invitation keeps everything looking polished. Our Black & White Orchids Baby Shower collection is designed with coordinating pieces in mind.
On the day
- Set up a basket for diapers and a table for books.
- Keep raffle tickets and a pen by the entrance.
- Draw the winner near the end of the party.
Other baby shower inserts guests enjoy
- Advice for the parents-to-be: a card to write a tip or a wish.
- Predictions: guesses for the birth date, weight and hair color.
- Wishes for baby: notes the parents can keep and read in years to come.
- Registry card: a short, friendly note about where the parents are registered.
Keep inserts small and include only the ones that suit the party, so the invitation doesn't feel crowded.
The bottom line
Diaper raffles and book requests are easy, practical and fun. Add a small matching insert to your invitations, and the parents-to-be will go home with essentials and memories. For more ideas, read our baby shower planning timeline.
