Where Moms Are Sending Baby Shower Invites for Free Stuff: The Viral TikTok Trend Explained

Young woman isolated on pink background pregnant and holding a gift with surprised expression

Expecting a little one? Congratulations! I had my first baby before I turned 21 so I know the reality of needing all the baby things on a small budget. And let’s be honest, babies can be expensive!

In today’s age of viral social media videos on TikTok and Instagram moms-to-be are savage in always being on the lookout for ways to save money and score freebies.

Wait a second… before you move on check out my ULTIMATE list of Free Baby Stuff that I always keep updated.

Have you heard about the latest trend taking over TikTok and mom groups online? It involves sending baby shower invitations to big companies in the hopes of receiving free baby samples, coupons, or even full-sized products. Is it worth the effort?

Read on for all the details and my take on the whole trend!

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The TikTok Baby Shower Invite Trend: How Does It Work?

The concept is simple: Expectant parents create and send out baby shower invitations not just to friends and family, but also to baby-related companies, sometimes even favorite brands like Chik-Fil-A.

These companies could range from diaper brands and formula companies to baby food companies and retailers that sell baby products. I’ve even seen women mailing their invites to their favorite restaurants and brands.

The hope is that these companies, upon receiving the invitation, will send back a congratulatory gift, sample pack, or coupon as a form of marketing or getting in on the fun.

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

Create Baby Shower Invitations: Design and print your baby shower invitations as you normally would. You can use online tools like Canva or order them from a print shop.
Compile a List of Companies: Research baby product companies you’d like to contact. Think about brands you’re interested in trying or that align with your values. Search online for their corporate addresses (often found in the “Contact Us” or “About Us” section of their website).
Address and Send Invitations: Address the invitations to the company’s marketing or customer service department. Include your return address on the envelope or within the invitation itself, so they know where to send any potential goodies.
Wait and See: This is the hardest part! There’s no guarantee that every company will respond, but you might be surprised by what you receive.

Why Are Moms Doing This?

To Save Money: Baby products can be expensive, and every little bit helps. Free samples allow parents to try different brands before committing to a purchase.
To Discover New Products: This is a great way to explore brands and products you might not have considered otherwise. You might find a new favorite diaper brand or a baby lotion that works wonders for your little one’s skin.
Because Why Not? As many moms in the Reddit thread pointed out, if big companies are sending samples why not reach out to them and ask.

What Kind of Companies Should You Target?

Here are some ideas for the types of companies you could send your baby shower invitations to:

Diaper Brands: Pampers, Huggies, Luvs, Honest Company, Hello Bello
Formula Manufacturers: Similac, Enfamil, Gerber
Baby Food Companies: Gerber, Beech-Nut, Happy Baby Organics
Baby Gear Retailers: Buy Buy Baby, Target, Walmart, Amazon
Baby Skincare Brands: Cetaphil, Aquaphor, Babyganics
Other Baby-Related Companies: Bottle brands, pacifier brands, swaddle companies, etc.

Will It Actually Work? Potential Pros and Cons

Pros:

Potential for Freebies: You might receive free samples, coupons, or even full-sized products.
Discovery of New Brands: You could find new products that you and your baby love.
It’s Fun! Some moms enjoy the process of sending out invitations and anticipating the responses.

Cons:

No Guarantee: Not all companies will respond, and you might not receive anything.
Cost of Invitations and Postage: You’ll need to factor in the cost of printing invitations and paying for postage.
Privacy Concerns: Some parents may be uncomfortable sharing their personal information (address, baby’s due date) with companies. Be mindful of what information you include on the invitations.
Potential for Judgment: As seen in this Reddit thread, some people may view this trend negatively.

Is It Ethical?

Although opinions differed in the Reddit thread mentioned above. My opinion as a mom of three who’s worked with several baby brands as a blogger/influencer I think it’s harmless.

Brands love interacting with the public and their consumers and often gift free samples at warehouse stores like Costco, at baby conventions, and through baby showers. If they have a sample to send you, that’s amazing. If they don’t, then they won’t.

Either way them recieving your baby shower invitation isn’t hurting anyone… and if you have an extra invite and stamp, why not send it?

Alternatives to Sending Baby Shower Invitations

If you’re not comfortable with the baby shower invite trend, here are some other ways to score free baby stuff:

Sign Up for Baby Registries: Many stores offer free welcome boxes or gift bags when you create a baby registry.
Join Mailing Lists: Sign up for newsletters from baby product companies to receive coupons and special offers.
Follow Brands on Social Media: Many companies run contests and giveaways on their social media channels.
Check with Your Doctor: Your pediatrician or OB-GYN may have samples of formula, diapers, or other baby products.
Enter Contests and Sweepstakes: Look for online contests and sweepstakes offering baby product prizes.

The Verdict: Should You Try It?

The decision is yours! If you’re comfortable with the potential that you may or may not get anything in return, sending baby shower invitations to companies could be a fun and rewarding experience. Just remember to manage your expectations and be prepared for the possibility of not receiving anything in return. And don’t forget the other great ways to get free or discounted baby items.

Have you tried sending baby shower invitations to companies? What was your experience? Share your thoughts and tips in the comments below!