When you get to throw a baby shower for someone you love, it's the perfect time to be creative and have some fun with it. You can brainstorm cool baby shower themes, cute baby shower food, memorable baby shower favors, sweet baby shower drinks and maybe best of all … delicious desserts! 

There’s plenty of great inspiration out there for baby shower cakes, but what about giving cupcakes a shot? They’re an adorable treat for an equally adorable mom-to-be, and there are so many ways to decorate them (or have them decorated by a professional — no judgment here). 

Whether you plan to make them yourself or outsource, get inspired by these gorgeous baby shower cupcake ideas. There are pretty flowers, mermaid tails, succulents — truly something sweet for every kind of party. 

Baby shower cupcake ideas

Floral baby shower cupcakes

These buttercream rose cupcakes are simple but effective. Two-tone icing is topped with white sprinkles for a classic celebratory look that works well in pink or blue. To get the rose shape, use an open star piping nozzle, and start at the center of the cupcake, working outwards. 

Celestial baby shower cupcakes

For expectant parents who are over-the-moon excited about meeting their little one, these treats are out of this world. The star sprinkles can nod to an outer space theme, or the saturated ombré icing makes them well-suited for a blue color scheme.

Little deer baby shower cupcakes 

With white icing faces and jelly bean noses, these cupcakes are almost too dear (or is it deer?) to eat. They would pair well with a woodland-themed shower, especially for those due in the fall or winter. 

Baby shower cupcakes with succulents

Delicate succulent cupcakes work well for baby showers and first birthdays, if you want to think ahead. The botanical motif is a nice way to celebrate a growing baby and the birth of new life. 

Rainbow baby shower cupcakes 

Rainbows are a sign of hope and beauty, so they're a wonderful emblem of love and excitement for a new baby. These treats are coated in simple blue icing and embellished with rainbow candy to make the colorful arch. 

Mermaid baby shower cupcakes   

Even sea-soned party goers will fall for adorable mermaid-themed cupcakes. They're coated in pink, purple, blue and gold sprinkles then topped with additional colorful buttercream. Special tail toppers (available online) make a big splash.

Unicorn baby shower cupcakes

If you'd rather go for another mythical creature, unicorns make for a super colorful baby shower theme. Professional or well-seasoned home bakers can shape horns and ears out of fondant, but you wouldn't be remiss to buy unicorn toppers for a simpler method.

Ocean baby shower cupcakes

Ocean-centric cupcakes with fins, "bubbles" and gold seashells are a cool way to celebrate a baby whose parents love their beach time. 

Honey bee baby shower cupcakes

What could be sweeter than these cupcakes? Cheery yellow hives (made with swirled icing), honeycomb (made of molded sugar) and tiny marzipan bees decorate these treats. 

Jungle baby shower cupcakes

Welcome to the jungle! If you're going for a wild party theme, try these cupcakes topped with teal and gold icing and molded sugar safari animals. (Look for silicone molds online or at craft stores.)

Pumpkin baby shower cupcakes 

A fall baby shower calls for lots of pumpkin decor, cupcakes included. Pastel pink pumpkins add a whimsical touch to the typical autumnal icon. Another great takeaway: Mix up thematic and more simple cupcake designs. When paired with pink pumpkins, the simple chocolate-frosted ones here look just as lovely. 

Butterfly baby shower cupcakes 

Butterflies are a classic design motif for babies and adults alike. Place pretty paper ones on top for a special, whimsical look that's especially nice in spring (and doesn't take a steady hand or piping expertise). 

How to display baby shower cupcakes

Try a simple stand

Sometimes simple is best. When you have cupcakes this beautiful, the best way to display them is by doing something minimal like placing them on a marble cake stand (or two, or three). This especially works well for a low-key celebration like a baby sprinkle

Make a monogram 

Say it with cupcakes. Use craft letters to spell out the baby's name or initials, and simply place the decorated treats inside. 

Level up 

A tiered stand is an adorable way to show off a variety of flavors and icing styles. The display makes it easy for guests to serve themselves, and it creates a particularly nice Instagram moment.