A co-ed baby shower, often called a Jack and Jill shower, is a celebration where both parents-to-be are the guests of honor and the guest list includes friends and family of all genders. Compared with a traditional women-only shower, it is more of a relaxed party: heartier food, often drinks, casual mingling, and usually fewer (or no) classic shower games.
Who comes to a co-ed shower
Everyone close to the couple is welcome: partners, brothers, fathers, male friends, and coworkers alongside the usual guests. Because both parents are celebrated, the event tends to feel like a joint party rather than a focus on the pregnant person alone. That makes it a popular choice for couples who want their whole social circle involved.
What a co-ed shower is like
The vibe is closer to a backyard get-together or evening party than a formal afternoon tea. Common features include:
- A barbecue, taco bar, or buffet rather than dainty finger food.
- Beer, wine, or cocktails for guests (with non-alcoholic options for the parent-to-be).
- Optional low-key games, or none at all, in favor of conversation.
- A timing that often skews to a weekend evening.
Do you bring a gift?
Yes. Gift expectations are the same as a regular shower: bring something from the registry or a practical item for the baby. Group gifts from several friends toward a larger item are common at co-ed showers because the wider guest list makes pooling easy. For amounts, see how much to spend on a baby shower gift.
Co-ed vs other formats
| Format | Guests of honor | Atmosphere |
|---|---|---|
| Classic shower | Pregnant parent | Daytime, games, gifts |
| Co-ed / Jack and Jill | Both parents | Party, food and drinks |
| Diaper party | Dad-to-be | Casual, diapers as entry |
Planning a co-ed shower
The planning steps are the same as any shower, just scaled to a party format: pick a date in the early third trimester, set a guest list and budget, and choose food and drinks that suit a mixed crowd. Our step-by-step planning checklist works well here, and you can compare it with the full range of options in types of baby showers. On hosting and who pays, the etiquette guide applies the same way it does to a traditional shower.
The bottom line
A co-ed (Jack and Jill) shower celebrates both parents with a relaxed, party-style gathering open to all genders. Expect real food, optional drinks, and the same gift etiquette as a classic shower, just with a wider, more casual guest list.