Hosting a Woodland Storybook Baby Shower
A new chapter begins… Ideas for a Woodland + Book Themed mixed niche shower!
There’s something really special about throwing a baby shower that feels personal, not Pinterest-perfect. If you’re drawn to the woodland animals trend, but want to give it a little twist, a storybook-themed shower is a thoughtful way to make it feel cozy, nostalgic, and just different enough.
This collection started from a sketchbook and grew into a full suite of matching products featuring sweet forest animals paired with book-themed details. Mixing the trendy woodland animals theme with a book theme had me so full of ideas, I created a pretty massive collection of illustrations for the theme! These really make this collection stand out with variety. The party supplies are all coordinated, but also all different which really allows you curate your perfect combination to fit your event!
If you’re planning a baby shower and want to keep it both sweet and a little unexpected, this might be just what you’re looking for. Read on for more!
I’ve pulled together a full list of coordinating supplies and ideas over on Benable if you want a one-stop planning shortcut!
Why a Book-Themed Woodland Shower Works So Well
Themes like this have staying power for a reason. Woodland animals are familiar and comforting, and books add another layer of sentiment without turning the event into a gimmick. You can lean into either side: make it more about the forest setting or more about a literary theme. Either way, it creates a warm atmosphere that works well for classic baby showers, gender reveal events, or even something totally untraditional like a Book Shower.
Although I designed my illustrations with a hint of Autumn, the classic nature of this collection makes it work for any season. You can see a bit more about how I developed the artwork and the thought behind it in my Behance portfolio, if you're into that kind of thing.
A Variety of Invitations That Set the Tone
The invitation sets the tone for the whole event, and with a book-themed baby shower, there are so many creative ways to make that first impression. I had a lot of fun designing these invites, drawing inspiration from classic storybook lines like “A new chapter begins” and “This is the beginning of a beautiful story.”
There are several invitation styles to choose from, whether you’re looking for something simple or a little more detailed. You’ll find options for a standard invite that can be personalized for the mom-to-be or for a couples shower. There’s even a gender reveal invite with the timeless “Once upon a time, there was a…” phrase, adding a magical touch to the big reveal. Another fun option is the "Baby Book Shower" invite, which focuses on building the baby’s first library and encourages guests to bring a book for the little one.
For a more streamlined approach, consider the all-in-one folded invite. It folds neatly into thirds, with a tear-off “Books for Baby” card built right in, so you don’t need an envelope. Just fold, address, and send!
Each invite can be fully personalized with the parents’ names, the event details, and anything else that makes the invitation uniquely yours.
Setting the Scene with Subtle Decor
A few thoughtful touches go a long way in decorating, and personally, I think you can skip the overly themed decor. Think fresh greenery, vintage books, wood frames, and a natural sage green, white, and forest green or gold color scheme. Greenery and Baby’s Breath in mason jars work well as elegant centerpieces, and a few personalized balloons mixed into a budget balloon garland help tie things together without screaming “baby shower.”
If you’re using table signs—like a welcome sign, diaper raffle, or favor table—I’ve got coordinating designs that keep the look cohesive but subtle. Rustic wood frames for the signs adds a woodland element that is functional and beautiful. There are larger welcome signs you can purchase as foam boards or banners, which can serve as not only a welcome sign for guests, but also a great photo-op.
One of the most popular places at the shower will be the food table, so be sure and make it as inviting as the theme itself. You can bring the theme together with personalized tableware, like napkins, mixed with sage green party plates. To enhance the woodland feel, you can add natural elements like fresh greenery or small wooden crates for a rustic touch.
And since this is a book themed shower, if you can get your hands on a little bookshelf, not only will it make great decor, but you can also ask guests to bring a baby a book and watch as your guests literally build baby’s library as the event unfolds.
Simple Activities That Actually Work
No awkward games here. Instead, focus on things guests genuinely enjoy:
A “Books for Baby” station, where guests bring a book to help build the baby’s first library. Encourage them to sign the inside cover or use a bookplate sticker to add a little message.
A guessing game with a jar of acorns or candies. Allow guests to guess at their leisure and reveal the winner at the end of the event.
An advice station where guests can leave a note for the parents-to-be or baby-to-be. Or a “Wishes for Baby” guest book that can be saved as a keepsake to look back on as baby grows.
If you want to go big: Use classic baby books as decor around your event and hide a name or gender reveal inside a book for a guest to find! A fun twist on a scavenger hunt!
One of my personal favorite ideas is to let guests create ABC flashcards for baby. I created a beautiful set of postcard sized flashcards in a woodland-book theme that contain line art drawings for every letter of the alphabet. Set up a coloring station and let guests get creative! They can sign their card so baby will think of them as they learn!
These keep things engaging but relaxed, and enjoy gathering rather than hosting!
A Menu That’s Low-Key but Thoughtful
No need to go overboard—just a mix of sweet and savory with a themed touch.
Swiss Rolls, when stacked in a group, look like little forest logs, and they are sure to get eaten.
Rice Krispie treats are easy to make, fun to customize, and look good on the table.
You can use bear or mushroom-shaped cookie cutters to shape cheese slices, fruits, or sandwiches.
Fruit and veggie platters are a classic, and can be arranged to look like various forest animals.
Adorable acorns can be made simply by melting a hershey kiss to a mini vanilla wafer cookie!
If you’re wanting something more custom, you can buy edible cupcake toppers or personalized cookies!
Thoughtful Favors Guests Will Actually Keep
Forget impersonal favors that are throwaways and opt for something more meaningful and memorable. For a Woodland Storybook Baby Shower, consider giving guests a favor that ties into the theme while offering lasting value. Here are some ideas to thank your guests in style:
Personalized Seedling Kits
Give guests seeds or a mini plant to grow at home. You can include instructions for caring for it and add a tag with a sweet message like “Watch this little one grow” or “A gift for your own forest.” It's a beautiful and thoughtful favor that guests can cherish and nurture.
Handmade Woodland-Themed Candles
Opt for candles in earthy, natural scents like cedarwood, pine, or sandalwood. Personalized with a thank-you tag, they will remind guests of the cozy woodland atmosphere long after the shower.
Personalized Bookmarks
As this is a book-themed baby shower, why not offer guests personalized bookmarks? These thoughtful keepsakes can be used to mark special stories in the future.
Custom-Printed Storybook or Journal
How about giving guests a small, personalized journal or sketchbook? The woodland theme pairs perfectly with something guests can use to write down their thoughts, memories, or stories. Package it with a hot chocolate mix for a sweet touch.
Trail Mix Favor
For a woodland treat, consider giving your guests a custom trail mix favor. Choose a mix of nuts, dried fruits, chocolate bits, and maybe even some crispy cereal to reflect the rustic, natural elements of the woodland theme. To make it more personalized, package the trail mix in small, clear bags with a coordinating thank you sticker!
By focusing on meaningful, functional gifts that tie into the nature and book theme, you’re ensuring your guests leave with something special that they’ll remember for years to come.
Another easy option? Personalized favor boxes or bags, filled with treats. They're simple to set up, easy to personalize, and they look great when arranged on the table. Plus, everyone likes snacks!
A Baby Shower That Feels a Little More You
The best showers feel like an extension of the people they're for and not a checklist of Pinterest trends. This woodland storybook collection is soft, thoughtful, and leaves room for personality to shine through.
Whether you're planning one for yourself, a friend, or you're just gathering ideas, I hope this gives you something useful to take away.
Check out the full Woodland Storybook Collection here, or head over to Benable to see the party planning link list, which includes many items from my collection along with easy to purchase options for tableware, decor (the most adorable owl lamp that would look amazing on your activity table), games, and more! Lots of items can be repurposed in the baby's nursery after the event!
