Baby showers have long been the hallmark of celebrating an upcoming arrival—balloons, games, and gift registries galore. But in 2025, there’s a fresh wave of motherhood culture bubbling up that’s making headlines around the world: the rise of the nesting party.

Instead of focusing on cute onesies and guessing games, nesting parties put the spotlight on what really matters—support, preparation, and building a village before baby even arrives. Pinterest searches for “nesting parties” have surged by more than 200% in the past year, proving that this isn’t just a passing idea—it’s a movement.

What Exactly Is a Nesting Party?

Think of it as the baby shower’s practical, down-to-earth cousin. A nesting party isn’t about sitting in a circle watching gifts being unwrapped. Instead, friends and family roll up their sleeves to:

💛 Stock the freezer with nourishing meals for those hazy early weeks.
💛 Assemble baby gear—from prams to bassinets.
💛 Help with nesting chores like laundry, nursery organising, or even setting up feeding stations.
💛 Offer wisdom and reassurance—seasoned parents sharing tips in a relaxed, supportive setting.

At its heart, a nesting party isn’t just about celebration—it’s about practical help now, so the new parents can breathe later.

Why Mums Are Loving This Shift

Modern parenthood is demanding, and families today are craving celebrations with meaning. Here’s why nesting parties are resonating so deeply:

✨ Support over stuff – Rising living costs and a push toward sustainability mean fewer parents want mountains of gifts. Instead, they’re seeking intentional, low-waste ways to prepare.

✨ The power of community – Having your village show up to help can ease the feelings of overwhelm and reduce the risk of isolation (a huge factor in postpartum mental health).

✨ Purpose-driven celebrations – Millennials and Gen Z parents are prioritising experiences that actually make life easier, rather than traditions that don’t translate into long-term support.

✨ It tackles the invisible load – Preparing for postpartum is often left to mums. A nesting party shifts that load into shared hands, showing the mum-to-be she doesn’t have to do it all alone.

The Emotional Impact

Beyond the freezer meals and folded onesies, nesting parties carry something much deeper—a message of solidarity. They remind new parents that they’re surrounded by people who care, ready to stand beside them through the sleepless nights and tender beginnings.

Experts say that this type of hands-on community support can help reduce postpartum depression, increase confidence in early parenting, and strengthen family bonds. It’s the difference between “congratulations, here’s a gift” and “we’ve got your back.”

How to Throw a Nesting Party

Ready to embrace this new tradition? Here are a few ways to make it special:

🌸 Keep it cosy – Forget the big hall or extravagant decorations. Nesting parties shine best at home, where everyone can dive straight into practical help.

🍲 Make it meal-focused – Set up a meal-prep assembly line: chopping, portioning, and labelling freezer meals together. Not only is it useful, but it’s fun and social too.

🛋 Set tasks ahead of time – Think hospital bag packing, nursery set-up, or even prepping a breastfeeding/pumping corner with snacks and supplies.

🎁 Gift with purpose – If guests want to bring something, suggest useful postpartum essentials: meal delivery vouchers, cleaning services, or self-care gifts for mum.

💬 Leave space for connection – Create a moment for guests to share parenting advice, affirmations, or even write letters for the new parents to open during tough days.

A New Chapter in Celebrating Motherhood

Baby showers will always hold a special place, but the rise of nesting parties signals a deeper shift in how we view motherhood. It’s no longer just about the excitement of welcoming a baby—it’s about supporting the parents who are stepping into one of life’s biggest transformations.

And perhaps that’s the real beauty of it: nesting parties reflect the truth that raising a child is never a solo act—it’s a community effort.

So if you’re planning to welcome a little one in 2025, why not trade the bingo cards for chopping boards, and the gift wrap for freezer bags? You might just find that this new way of celebrating leaves you with not only memories, but also a fridge full of love and a heart full of support.