A diaper raffle is one of my favorite baby shower activities to host when throwing a shower or baby sprinkle.
A diaper raffle is a giveaway where baby shower guests bring in a package of diapers in exchange for a raffle ticket. During the event, one lucky person will win a grand prize if their ticket is drawn.
The point of a diaper raffle is to give new parents a supply of diapers in various sizes to start them off on the right foot. It also serves as one of the baby shower games that will help fill up gaps of time at the baby shower, giving the guests a bit of entertainment.
In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn exactly how to host a raffle of diapers and be inspired by various ways to make it your own to go with your baby shower theme. We’ll also cover frequently asked questions about diaper raffles.
How to Host a Diaper Raffle Drawing
We’ll dive into the exact how-to on throwing an epic diaper raffle.
You can throw a raffle at a baby shower, baby sprinkle, diaper party, or even for a co-worker in the lunch room by following these step-by-step instructions.
1) Announce the Raffle in the Baby Shower Invitations
You’ll want to let guests know there will be a diaper raffle before the baby shower or event. The best way to do this is by adding diaper raffle cards to the baby shower invitations.
You’ll want to ensure the diaper raffle cards clearly explains what is expected of the guests and how they can win the grand prize. Here is a list of points to let them know:
- Bring a pack of diapers (different sizes are okay)
- Guests will receive one ticket per pack of diapers
- A winner (or winners) will be announced at the baby shower
- Let guests know they can bring any size
- Mention any wishes from the new parents (specific brands or sizes, etc.)
If you’re planning a raffle for a co-worker at work, and there won’t be baby shower invites, consider emailing everyone the specifics or posting a flyer about the raffle where everyone will see it.
2) Poems and Wording Ideas
There are many creative ways to let guests know about the diaper raffle. On the raffle cards, you’ll want to include a cute poem or statement about what guests should do before the baby shower.
Here are some of my favorite options:
“Bring a pack of diapers in any size, for a chance to win a prize!”
This simple note is straight to the point, and it even rhymes. This is short enough to add to any card in the baby invites, too.
“A small request: keeping baby changed is really hard, so please consider diapers instead of a card. Just bring a pack other than newborn size and you’ll be entered to win a prize!”
This poem is adorable and it also lets guests know not to bring newborn sizes, which may be the parents’ request. Oftentimes, newborns don’t stay in newborn-sized diapers for long!
“The new parents will need a big diaper stock, for changing their little baby around the clock. Please bring diapers, any brand or size, for a chance to win a special prize.”
This is another cute diaper raffle poem that would be simple to add to your baby shower invitations.
3) Put Together the Diaper Raffle Table
The diaper raffle table is where guests will know where to drop off their diapers and receive their raffle tickets. You’ll want to add a few things to this table:
- Bowl or box for tickets
- Diaper raffle sign
- Raffle tickets (if guests forgot theirs)
- Pen for guests to use to fill out tickets
- Decorations for the table
4) Label the Table with Diaper Raffle Sign Ideas
The easiest way to label the diaper raffle table is with a diaper raffle sign. You can easily print one out and add it to an inexpensive frame.
5) Announce the Lucky Winner
You can announce the raffle winner anytime during the shower, but it’s best to wait for a time when most guests have arrived and had a chance to enter their ticket.
You’ll also want to announce the lucky winner before anyone leaves the shower, so don’t wait until the end of the baby shower to draw the prize.
That said, the best time to announce the winner is while guests eat. This is usually in the middle of the event, and it’s also a great way to break the ice during the baby shower.
Related: 50+ Baby Shower Activities (The Ultimate List)
6) Give Out the Grand Prize
Shown above: Hygge gift basket
Now we’re to the fun part – the diaper raffle prize!
You’ll want to choose a great prize most guests would love to win. Also, figure out how many winners there will be. Usually, there will be one winner, but if you have a huge guest list, you could consider choosing 2-3 winners.
The cost of the raffle prize should be at least twice as much as the average cost of diapers (which are around $10), so consider having a price worth at least $25 or more.
Here are some ideas on diaper raffle prizes:
- Gourmet gift basket
- Spa + self-care gift basket
- Gift card for a massage
- Gift card for a facial
- Gift card for a spa
- Gift card to a restaurant
- Nice bottle of wine
- Air Fryer
- Popcorn Machine
- Coffee gift basket
- Gift basket full of candles, fun coffee mugs and maybe a plant.
For more inspiration, read this Ultimate List of 50+ Diaper Raffle Prizes
Diaper Raffle FAQ
How much should a diaper raffle prize be?
Since the average pack of diapers is around $10, you’ll at least want a prize that’s worth double that. You’ll of course need to take into account how many winners there will be at your diaper raffle, but a prize worth $25 to $50 is ideal.
Is a diaper raffle tacky?
A diaper raffle is not considered tacky, because it has become a traditional baby shower activity. It’s also optional for the guests and is considered a fun baby shower activity to help the new mom stock up on packs of diapers.
How many prizes should you have for a diaper raffle?
There usually is one winner, however, consider having more than one winner if you have a large guest list.
How would a virtual diaper raffle work?
A virtual diaper raffle is easy to pull off! Simply announce the raffle before the live party either in your Facebook event or email invitation. Have guests send the new parents a gift card and then announce the winner virtually.
How is a winner selected?
After all the raffle tickets are put in a bowl or box, labeled with each guest’s name, simply draw one ticket out of the box and read the name out loud.
What is a diaper raffle alternative?
There may be a time when a diaper raffle alternative is needed. This may be true if the new parents will be cloth diapering or if they are very selective with the type of diapers they want for the baby (like only wanting organic diapers).
The best diaper raffle alternative is a book raffle, where guests bring a book rather than diapers.
Can I have a raffle at a gender reveal?
A diaper raffle is a great idea for a gender reveal. Oftentimes, guests don’t know whether or not to bring a gift to a gender reveal, so this is a fun way of helping them out with knowing what to do.
Can I have a raffle at a baby sprinkle?
A raffle is a good idea for a baby sprinkle. Typically a baby sprinkle is a “watered down” version of a baby shower and most moms already have what they need for the baby. So having a raffle will be a fun activity to help mom stock up on diapers is a great idea.
What if parents with be using cloth diapers?
You can have guests bring wipes, or you can do something like a book raffle instead.
What size diapers should guests bring?
I wouldn’t bring newborn diapers, because newborns won’t fit in them for long. For a successful diaper raffle, I’d recommend a variety of sizes, so mom has enough diapers for the baby’s first year. I’d also encourage different brands for expectant parents. By trying out a different brand or two, they’ll be able to figure out which they prefer.
Final Thoughts
Any raffle at a baby shower is a great way for guests to have fun and break the ice with each other. They also provide expectant parents with a fun way to stock up on newborn essentials. Have you ever hosted a raffle at a baby shower? Let us know in the comments!
