Planning a baby shower comes with many fun yet challenging decisions. One key consideration that impacts budget, design, and guest experience is your choice of materials for games and activities. Should you print baby shower games on standard paper, cardstock, or even customized game cards?

Paper Offers Affordability For One-Time Use

For hosts on a tight budget, standard 20lb printer paper provides an affordable option at around $0.05 to $0.30 per sheet. This allows you to print an array of disposable games from Baby Bingo to Nursery Rhyme puzzles cost-effectively.

However, paper tends to feel flimsy, tears easily during handling, and may bleed ink if guests write answers with markers. So while the upfront cost is lower, paper games usually don’t make for keepsakes.

When Paper Works Best

• Large groups where buying cardstock for 50+ would be pricey
• Games that are used once during the event only
• Informal showers where longevity isn’t a priority

If you just want a fun activity to entertain guests in the moment without investing in higher quality materials, paper gets the job done.

Cardstock Offers Stylish Durability

On the other end of the spectrum lies cardstock. At 80lb to 100lb weight, cardstock starts around $0.50 to $1 per sheet. While pricier than paper, it brings significant advantages:

Durability: The thicker texture can withstand folding, writing, and frequent handling without damage, especially useful for games passed around groups.

Visual Appeal: Cardstock allows for vivid ink colors and crisp printing of graphics and text compared to standard paper. This alignment of style and functionality makes your games as gorgeous as they are hardy.

Keepsake Quality: Your guests can cherish cardstock games as mementos for years after the baby shower when you craft them into scrapbooks, nursery wall art or birthday memory boxes.

When To Splurge On Cardstock

• Showers with a formal guest list where you want a polished, elegant style
• Planning to reuse decor for a baby sprinkle or first birthday
• Desire for guests to keep mementos from the special day

For celebrations where memories matter just as much as budget, investing in cardstock elevates the baby shower to a lasting occasion filled with joy.

Custom Game Cards Take Experience Further

Now that we’ve covered paper and cardstock, let’s look beyond the basics to fully customized game cards and signage printed on premium cardstock. Services like Gobookprinting allow you to expertly design game cards featuring the parents-to-be’s name, photo and theme elements.

You can also order custom baby shower bingo cards, menus, advice cards, favors and more to achieve a completely cohesive style.

Next Level Personalization: Add inside jokes, wedding photos, parenthood wisdom – details that resonate at a deeper level.

Preserve Precious Memories: Guests cherish these personalized pieces as one-of-a-kind mementos.

Enhanced Visual Appeal: Vibrant, professional designs aligned to your theme wow attendees.

Ease of Planning: Simply upload your vision and let the designers flawlessly execute.

With custom game cards, you don’t just print standard baby shower templates. Instead, you craft an unforgettable experience filled with the parents’ special touches.

Who Custom Game Cards Work Best For

• Couples having their first child who want to commemorate the moment
• Hosts planning high-end showers for celebrity parents
• Design enthusiasts who value cohesive aesthetics
• Parents with a clearly defined theme like woodland forest or Parisian nursery

When budget isn’t a constraint and you envision next level personalization, custom game cards help realize your dream shower.

Key Considerations For Your Final Decision

As you explore printing baby shower games on paper, cardstock or fully custom cards, weigh factors like:

Budget: Custom cards offer the highest quality yet cost over $100 for a set. Cardstock falls mid-range around $20-$40. Paper is most affordable at $4-$12.

Number of Guests: Ordering custom cards for large groups gets pricey fast, so lean toward paper or cardstock if inviting 50+ people.

Desired Lifespan: Custom keepsakes last for years on guest fridges or baby memory boxes. Cardstock holds up for several events. Paper is one-time use.

Printer Capabilities: Avoid frustration by testing thicker cardstock before buying large quantities that could jam your home printer.

Memorable Or Temporary?: Ultimately it comes down to whether you want shower games to end up in the recycling bin or grandparents’ wallets for years to come.

By prioritizing your key needs from budget to legacy, the path becomes clear on materials. Mix and match paper ephemera with custom signage for balance. Or go all out custom if sparing no expense. Either way, choose what fits your celebration best!

Conclusion: Make Your Baby Shower Uniquely You

At the end of the day, baby showers should reflect the happy couple’s style and the warmth this new life brings. Whether you select paper, cardstock or custom materials comes down to the atmosphere and significance you want to create.

If all that matters is bringing beloved friends and family together for a few laugh-filled hours, standard paper keeps costs low. Or if you envision framed photos 20 years from now of guests holding custom advice cards for baby, then customize away regardless of budget.

Ultimately, embrace what makes this milestone special for you. Let your baby shower games become part of the memories, not just paper tossed after. With the right heart behind your choice, whatever you print turns to treasure.