By admin 
It starts with something sweet: a friend or coworker becomes a first-time grandmother. Maybe someone brings cupcakes to the office. Maybe there’s a card and a small gift. But somewhere along the way, a new trend was born—one that’s got parents talking.
They’re called grandmother showers, or “grandma baby showers”, and they’re exactly what they sound like: a celebration for the soon-to-be grandma in honor of the baby on the way.
But depending on who you ask, they’re either a lovely show of support—or a line that shouldn’t be crossed.
“A lovely welcome” or “a tacky gift grab”?
DeeDee Moore, who shares grandparenting insights on her TikTok and website More Than Grand, recently sparked conversation with her take on this growing trend.
“There are definitely two opinions about grandmother showers,” says Moore, “Opinion one: grandmother showers are a lovely way to welcome a friend or coworker into their new role. Opinion two: granny showers are inappropriate and tacky gift grabs.”
So, which is it?
“Well, like anything, so much of it depends on the circumstances,” Moore explains. “If a group of coworkers gets together and has a lunch where they celebrate someone becoming a new grandmother—giving her a card and a cake and a book about grandparenting or some things to keep at her house for the baby—it’s a lovely way to welcome somebody to this new stage of life.”
“But,” she continues, “when the grandmother’s shower rivals the shower for the actual parents, that’s where it crosses a line.”
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What new moms need comes first
Moore reminds us that baby showers were traditionally created to help young families with the essentials. “It’s harder to justify a shower for a grandmother who can likely afford most of the things she needs and probably won’t need that many things to begin with,” she says.
“Keep in mind too, to make sure that the parents have all the things they need before you start outfitting grandmother’s house,” she adds.
Her take? Consider context. Small celebrations? Lovely. Full-blown registry events? Probably not.
Related: Moms are divided over a new party trend called ‘grandma showers’
What the internet has to say
TikTok commenters were deeply divided:
- @Jennifer Soderstrom: “I think I would ask the new mothers how they feel about them. I’m a grandma of three, and I would rather my friends celebrate my daughters/DIL.”
- @Caitlin: “My MIL’s friends threw her a small one & she was very happy, sent pics, got gifts for the baby. All good with me. It’s weird to plan ur own in my opinion.”
- @Lucy Seay: “My MIL MADE her coworkers throw a baby shower for her…a full-on shower for HER. Not my baby or me.”
- @channing’swife: “Nah, granny showers are tacky. The granny already had her showers when she was pregnant with her kids, and this is just taking away from the new parents’ spotlight.”
Just like any modern parenting moment, people have thoughts—and lots of them.
Celebrate the role—without stealing the spotlight
So, what’s the middle ground?
If you’re looking to honor an excited new grandmother, Moore suggests a casual gathering with friends or coworkers—emphasis on light and low-pressure. Or consider a practical twist: a meal-prep party to support the new parents.
You can toast grandma’s new chapter while stocking the freezer for postpartum meals. It’s heartfelt, helpful, and still centered on the growing family.
The bottom line? Celebration is great. Perspective is better.
Becoming a grandmother is a milestone—and it’s OK to honor that. But let’s keep the focus where it’s most needed: the new parents who are entering uncharted territory, often with fewer resources and more pressure than ever.
A card, a lunch, even a heartfelt book on grandparenting? Beautiful. A gift registry and Pinterest-worthy event? Maybe skip it.
As Moore puts it, “So what do you think: Are grandmother showers a good trend or one that we should say goodbye to?”
Related: 13 useful baby products to leave at grandma’s house