Party Ideas – Adoptive Child’s Baby Shower

baby-shower-ideas

Although adding a special member to your family through adoption may be a nontraditional way to build a family, it still deserves a traditional celebration. Whether you already have your bundle of joy or you’re bringing home a 4-year-old child, a baby shower celebrates the beautiful life-changing occasion and the little one who’s your family miracle.

Since the adoption process can be a demanding and strenuous process, plan a baby shower as an exciting reminder for the happiness this child will bring. Here are ideas for how to welcome the little girl or guy into your home with a party, friends and family.

International Theme

If you’re having an international adoption, decorate the shower with the flag of the country of your child’s origin. Decorate the cake’s frosting with the country’s flag or stick toothpick flags into home-baked cupcakes. Make the home country the theme of your shower. Bake a heart-shaped apple pie with Antonovka apples for a Russian-themed baby shower. Cook up a South Korean spread full of white rice, noodles, kimchi, pickled vegetables, seasoned bulgogi and galbi for a little babe coming from East Asia. Plan a festive affair that honors the homeland of the child traveling so many miles to be yours. You can find a ton of international adoption themed baby shower ideasat Adoption Magazine.

Welcome Home

For an older child, use the baby shower as a welcome home party for introducing the child to friends and family. Focus on making it a warm and loving environment with items that would comfort the child. Decorate with a soft color scheme, stuffed animals and children’s books. Invite your closest friends and family members to make it an intimate gathering that doesn’t overwhelm or scare your new son or daughter.

Personal Gifts

Ask guests to include the name of your child on the gift or monogram the gift to provide a sense of permanence. A monogrammed quilted blanket or initial decorations to hang on the wall show the adoptive son or daughter that this loving home and family is for forever.

Belated Baby Shower

For a newborn baby, plan a traditional baby shower just like you would for a non-adopted child. The only difference is that the party may not be before the baby’s arrival, and the new babe may be the guest of honor of his or her own shower. Create a love theme and tailor the decorations to be for a boy or girl.

You can find blue and pink baby shower decorations online from retailers like PartyPail.com. Complement the baby shower favors, floral centerpieces and balloons with homemade decorations and desserts. Hang 3-D paper hearts with beads and bake confetti-frosted, heart-shaped sugar cookies using the Lofthouse Style Soft Sugar Cookies recipe from TwoPeasAndTheirPod.com. You also can bake a teddy bear cake and set clusters of teddy bear stuffed animals on the food, drink, dessert and gift tables.

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Matariki is such a beautiful time of year here in New Zealand. As a mum of two (plus our chaotic dog Aloo), I’ve really come to love how this season invites us to pause, reflect, and reconnect—both with nature and with each other. The M?ori New Year isn’t just about looking to the stars; it’s about grounding ourselves in gratitude, remembrance, and community.

Over the years, I’ve tried out a few simple Matariki-inspired activities with my kids, and they’ve quickly become part of our winter traditions. Whether you’re new to Matariki or looking for ways to make it more meaningful for little ones, here are some fun, hands-on ideas to help kids engage with the celebration in a way that sticks.

What Is Matariki?

Matariki is the name of the M?ori star cluster that appears in the early winter sky. Its rising marks the start of the M?ori New Year—a time to remember those who’ve passed, celebrate the present, and set intentions for the year ahead.

There are nine stars in the Matariki cluster, and each has its own special meaning. Some are linked to food sources (like water and land), while others connect us to wellbeing, weather, and the spiritual world. It’s a time rich in culture, reflection, and family connection.

Matariki Craft & Activity Ideas for Kids

1. DIY Star Garland

This is such a calming activity for a rainy afternoon. Cut out nine stars from cardboard (cereal boxes work great), then let the kids decorate them with paints, markers, glitter—whatever you’ve got on hand. Each star can represent one of the Matariki stars.

Once decorated, string them together and hang them across a wall or window. It’s a beautiful way to bring the meaning of each star into your home.

2. Make a Matariki Wishing Tree

This one’s always a favourite. Collect a bare branch from the garden and place it in a heavy jar or vase. Cut out paper stars or leaves and let the kids write down their wishes or hopes for the year ahead. Tie the messages onto the branch with twine or ribbon.

It’s simple, personal, and brings so much heart into the space.

3. Prepare a Shared Meal (Kai)

Food is central to Matariki. It’s the perfect time to make a meal together—something seasonal and comforting. Whether it’s rewena (M?ori sourdough), vegetable soup, or even a shared breakfast, the idea is to come together and be thankful for what we have.

Talk about the food’s journey—where it came from, how it grows—and how it nourishes us. These are such great little moments for connection and learning.

4. Star Gazing & Story Time

Bundle up, grab a thermos, and head outside to spot the Matariki stars in the early morning or evening sky. Even if the weather doesn’t cooperate, reading M?ori legends and stories about the stars indoors is just as magical.

Some of our favourite picture books:

They’re gentle, thoughtful, and perfect for all ages.

5. Painted Kindness Rocks

Have your kids ever painted kindness rocks? Matariki is a lovely time to do this. Use paint pens or acrylics to decorate rocks with stars, spirals, or symbols of light and growth. You can write uplifting words or messages on the back.

Then go on a walk and hide them in your neighbourhood—or gift them to friends or teachers.

6. Memory or Gratitude Cards

Cut out simple card shapes and invite kids to write or draw something they’re thankful for or a memory of someone they miss. These can be added to your wishing tree or kept in a memory box that you revisit each Matariki.

This is a gentle way to talk about loss, love, and the people who’ve shaped us.

Matariki is more than just a date on the calendar—it’s a chance to pause and reconnect. These little moments we create with our children through craft, food, stories, and stargazing build memories that will stay with them for life.

If you give any of these ideas a go, I’d love to see what you and your wh?nau create. Tag us or send through your creations—we might even share them on CraftGossip.com!

From our family to yours, wishing you a season of warmth, wonder, and a sky full of stars.