DIY Fall Baby Shower on a Budget

So you’ve got a little one coming and want to celebrate fall baby shower in a fun, thoughtful way.

Awesome.

I still remember when I did a baby shower for my nephew in the fall. We had pumpkins from the local market, a thrift plaid blanket as a tablecloth, and homemade apple cider that filled the whole house with warmth.

It wasn’t costly or anything. But it made the whole function thoughtful and cozy. Which is what we wanted.

That’s why I am writing this guide for you as well. To help you create the best fall baby shower you can and that too on a budget. 

Inside, I’ve included simple ideas for food, decor and activities that look high budget but actually are not.

Whether this is your first time planning a baby shower or you just want to keep things simple, this article will help you make your baby shower personal and thoughtful.

Choose a Cozy Color Palette

Every baby shower must start with a color theme.

That’s what will keep the whole function consistent and aesthetic.

For example: Start with soft neutrals like cream and taupe, then layer in fall tones like burnt orange, rust, and mustard.

You don’t need to buy new—use blankets, scarves, or fabric scraps as table runners and backdrops.

To add to this, Base Simple suggests, “Use a proven design principle like the 60‑30‑10 rule to structure your palette — 60% base neutrals (like cream/taupe), 30% mid tones (burnt orange, rust), and 10% accent pops (mustard or deep red).”

For a finishing touch, add natural elements that cost nothing, such as mini pumpkins, dried leaves, or branches, to add texture without adding cost.

Use Pumpkins for Decor

You can’t have a baby shower in fall and not have pumpkins, can you?

Mini pumpkins or gourds are affordable and perfect for centerpieces or place settings.

Pick them up at a farmer’s market or dollar store, and even paint some white or gold for variety.

Picking natural textures is one of the low key secrets of designers and event stylists as well. 

For floral centerpieces, Better Homes & Gardens confirms the simple hack: “If you’re using a real pumpkin, [hollow out] enough room to fit a vase inside.”

Tiny pumpkins make for adorable place cards, too. 

DIY a Simple Balloon Garland

I’ll be honest, balloons are one of the most overused items at a party. But rightfully so.

They do so much; such as they can fully work around your color theme, they give off a party vibe and when needed they can work as crackers too. 

So, grab a few packs of fall-colored balloons and string them with fishing line or ribbon.

Hang it behind the snack table or use it as a photo backdrop.

It makes a big impact with little effort and cost.

Serve Fall-Inspired Snacks

Fall snacks are one of the favorites of my family. Think mini apple pies, cinnamon donuts, and pumpkin muffins.

Bake them yourself or grab grocery store versions and dress them up with cute tags or serving trays.

If you’re leaning towards a healthier side EatingWell lists Apple & Peanut Butter Energy Balls and Pumpkin‑Oatmeal Muffins that are both seasonal and satisfying.

Pro Tip: Label each snack and exaggerate the theme—like calling apple fritters “Autumn Blossom Bites”—to add charm without extra effort.

Offer Warm Drinks on a Budget

Chai Ciders or Chai tea are some of my favorite fall drinks. And they’re as cheap as they come. You can make them in a batch. 

Set up a small DIY drink station with mugs, cinnamon sticks, and whipped cream.

It adds a cozy touch and fills the room with fall scents.

Create a Onesie Decorating Station

Get some plain white onesies, put them all together on a table and put some fall color fabric markers alongside it.

Let guests decorate their own for the baby—it’s a fun, interactive keepsake.

You only need a few supplies to make it meaningful.

And it’s one of the best ways to fill the baby shower with positive vibes and blessings for the baby.

Use Mason Jars for Everything

Mason Jars are a decor hack. They look cool, save space and can do so many things at once.

Use them as drink glasses, flower vases, or holders for utensils and treats.

You can decorate them with ribbon, burlap, or fall leaves.

They’re versatile, inexpensive, and easy to find at thrift stores or dollar shops.

Make a Budget-Friendly Diaper Cake

Build a classic diaper cake and decorate it with faux fall flowers, mini pumpkins, and ribbon.

It doubles as decor and a gift. And trust me, speaking from experience a kid needs lots of diapers (lol). So, a very useful gift.

You don’t have to be crafty—YouTube tutorials make it super simple.

Just watch the video below, step by step, and you’ll be done within minutes.

Create Your Own Fall Favors

Fill little bags with caramel popcorn, candy corn, or cinnamon pretzels.

Use kraft paper tags and twine for packaging.

It’s thoughtful, seasonal, and easy to make in batches.

Set the Mood with Fall Scents

Nothing can welcome guests better than the scents of fall. All you need to do?

Just simmer a stovetop potpourri of orange slices, cloves, and cinnamon before guests arrive.

Better Homes & Gardens also adds, “A simmer pot… offers a natural way to infuse your home with seasonal scents using fresh ingredients like apple peels, citrus rinds, and herbs.”

Or use a fall-scented candle if you want something easier. Think cinnamon, apple or woodsy aromas.

Design a Printable Fall-Themed Game

You don’t need to spend a penny to do this. I spent some time and found you free online templates to print baby shower games. 

Bright Color Mom shares free printables for classics such as Baby Bingo, Guess Who (Mommy or Daddy), Word Scramble, Guess the Dirty Diaper (“Guess the Poop”), and How Many Pumpkins? These easy-to-download templates are fall-ready and crowd-pleasing.

Pro Tip: Pick two or three games and match them with your decor—pumpkin graphics, warm tones, and rustic fonts tie them right into your seasonal theme. A small prize (like a candle or fall-scented soap) ups the fun without breaking the budget.

Use Nature as Decor

Fall leaves, foliage are free to use and you can use them all over your party as a theme. 

And why just stop at leaves. Gather pinecones and bracnehs too. They will all add a natural element to your baby shower. 

Keep the Menu Simple

Don’t go for a full-course meal. Finger meals and snacks are enough.

As Parents magazine perfectly points out, “go for foods that are easy to prepare, require no utensils, and facilitate mingling,” helping your guests feel relaxed and connected rather than stuck at a table.

Such as meatballs, antipasto kebabs, egg rolls, sushi, chicken nuggets, avocado and salsa chips, just to name a few.

Plan Ahead for Thrift Store Finds

Thrift stores are your best friends for such functions.

So be on the look out for them well ahead of time.

Look for baskets, serving trays, or fall-themed dishes.

Mix and match pieces for a charming, collected feel.

It’s more budget-friendly than buying anything brand-new.

Print Your Own Invitations

Use free design platforms like canva to create fall-themed invites.

Just watch the video below and you’ll have your invite ready within minutes:

Print at home or send them digitally to save on postage.

They still feel personal, and you stay within budget.

FAQ: DIY Fall Baby Shower on a Budget

What’s the cheapest way to decorate for a fall baby shower?
Stick to seasonal items like pumpkins, gourds, and leaves — they double as décor and can often be found at farmers markets or even your own yard. Add fairy lights or candles for warmth without overspending.

Do I need to buy expensive balloons for a garland?
Not at all. A mix of small and large balloons in fall colors (orange, gold, cream, green) looks impressive without a high price tag. The trick is layering different sizes.

What food works best for a fall-themed shower?
Snack boards with cheese, nuts, grapes, and mini pumpkins are both festive and affordable. Add simple fall desserts like apple cider donuts or pumpkin bread to tie in the theme.

Can I make my own games instead of buying them?
Yes! Printable games or DIY boards (like “Feed the Baby”) are fun, budget-friendly, and memorable. You can find free templates online or make your own with poster board.

How do I choose a fall baby shower color palette?
Keep it cozy and seasonal. Think warm oranges, golds, creams, and greens. Start with what you already have (like table linens or mason jars) and build from there.

Conclusion

Throwing a fall baby shower doesn’t have to drain your wallet — in fact, it’s the little DIY touches that make it unforgettable.

From cozy color palettes to balloon garlands and festive snack boards, each detail feels personal without being pricey.

What I love most about planning on a budget is that it forces creativity, and guests always notice the heart behind the setup more than the cost.

With a few smart choices, you can design a celebration that’s warm, memorable, and full of autumn charm.

Now I would like to ask you, which of these baby shower ideas will you apply for yourself?

Please comment below and let us know as well.