New Trend ALERT: Grandma Showers
Written by Zach Miller on June 10, 2025
Just when you thought you’d mastered the art of juggling baby showers, gender reveals, sip-and-sees, AND those couples’ showers… here comes another party invitation headed your way. Meet the newest trend taking over social media: Grandma Showers.
Yep, you read that right. We’re now throwing baby showers for the grandparents. Because apparently, becoming a grandma isn’t just a beautiful life milestone anymore—it’s a full-blown celebration complete with gift registries and coordinated decorations.
What Exactly Is a Grandma Shower?
Picture your typical baby shower, but instead of celebrating the mom-to-be, everyone’s fawning over Grandma. A grandma shower is similar to a regular baby shower, except instead of celebrating the mom-to-be, the guest of honor is grandma-to-be who’s anticipating the arrival of their very first grandchild.
The idea is that modern grandmas are way more hands-on than previous generations. “Grandparents are much more involved in grandchildren’s lives than ever before,” explains Ellen Breslau, editor-in-chief of Grandparents.com. Think about it—today’s grandmas are the ones doing daycare pickup, weekend babysitting, and basically serving as the backup childcare system we all desperately need.
So the logic goes: if grandma needs her own stroller, high chair, and changing table setup, why not shower her with gifts to make that happen?
The Case FOR Grandma Showers
Let’s be real for a hot minute. The U.S. Department of Labor Blog reported in 2023 that the median annual price of childcare for an infant ranged from $7,461 to $15,417. If grandma’s going to be watching the baby regularly, having duplicate gear at her house isn’t just convenient—it’s a sanity saver.
No more dragging the Pack ‘n Play, bouncy seat, and fourteen different baby contraptions back and forth every time you drop off the kiddo. Plus, “It must be kind of fun to buy and receive some newer baby gear items 30 years after you were showered with the gear of yesteryear,” points out Julia Poulter from The Everymom.
And honestly? Some grandmas have been waiting YEARS for this moment. One TikTok user shared, “My mum waited a long time to be a Nana and I was delighted her friends acknowledged that!”
The Case AGAINST (And Why People Are Side-Eyeing Hard)
But here’s where things get messy. “I don’t understand the ‘new role’ comment. There is no ‘role.’ We’re the parents. They get to observe and show love,” commented one mom on TikTok.
The biggest complaint? Gift fatigue. Many families are already hosting multiple baby showers to accommodate different friend groups and family members. Now we’re adding grandma showers to the mix? “I’m totally fine with celebrating the milestone by getting together with friends for some quality time. However, a full-on shower requesting two gifts? Big side eye,” wrote one mom on TheBump.com’s message boards.
Then there’s the timing issue. TikTok user @Gabwell noted in a comment, “My MIL had one 2 weeks before mine and didn’t tell us. Not sure anything she has done has hurt me worse.” Yikes. Talk about starting the grandparent journey on the wrong foot.
The Bottom Line (With a Side of Margaritas)
Look, becoming a grandparent IS a big deal. It’s a beautiful, life-changing moment that deserves recognition. But maybe—just maybe—we don’t need to turn every milestone into a full-blown event with registries and gift expectations?
DeeDee Moore, a TikToker and grandmother of three, says baby showers for grandparents are risky. “I can totally see how this would get out of hand.”
Her suggestion? “Get everyone in the kitchen to make meals for the new family,” says Moore. “You can enjoy a glass of champagne and talk about how wonderful it is to become a new grandparent while providing something useful to the parents.”
The Froggy Take
We’re all for celebrating life’s big moments, but let’s keep it real. Between work, kids, and trying to keep our own heads above water, the last thing busy moms need is another party to plan, attend, and buy gifts for.
If you want to celebrate your mom or mother-in-law’s new grandma status? Take them out for brunch. Organize a girls’ night. Send a beautiful card. But please, for the love of all that’s holy, let the actual parents have their moment first.
And if someone DOES throw you a grandma shower invitation? It’s totally okay to RSVP with “Congratulations! Can’t make it, but so excited for this new chapter!” Your wallet—and your sanity—will thank you.
What do you think, Froggy listeners? Are grandma showers a sweet way to celebrate, or just another way to drain our time and money? Let us know on our Facebook page!
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