In the United States, a baby shower is the pre-birth gathering that traditionally celebrates an expectant parent with gifts and games.
A baby shower is usually organized by friends or relatives rather than by the person expecting the baby. Guests may bring practical supplies, offer advice, play prediction or quiz games, and share food. Modern showers can celebrate any parent, adoptive families, and babies of any gender.
The event normally takes place before the birth, although timing varies. A post-birth gathering in which friends meet the baby is commonly called a sip-and-see, so the two terms are not interchangeable.
American baby showers developed from earlier gift-giving and social customs, but the contemporary format became especially prominent in the twentieth century. Practices differ by family, region, religion, and culture, so no single game or menu is required.