Finding Nemo Baby Shower Ideas: 15 Ocean-Themed Ways to Celebrate Baby

Oh my goodness, you’re planning a Finding Nemo themed baby shower? I’m already smiling just thinking about it!

There’s something absolutely perfect about celebrating a new little one with a theme that’s all about adventure, love, and the beautiful journey of parenthood.

Plus, let’s be real—who doesn’t get a little misty-eyed thinking about Marlin crossing the entire ocean for Nemo?

I’ve been to a couple of ocean-themed showers, but the Finding Nemo twist takes it to a whole new level. You get gorgeous ocean blues and oranges, adorable characters everyone loves, and built-in party game possibilities that practically write themselves.

Whether you’re hosting for a first-time mom or celebrating baby number three, this theme works beautifully because it’s playful without being babyish, and it’s got heart.

The best part? You don’t need a Hollywood budget to pull this off. I’ve seen stunning Nemo showers done on a shoestring, and I’ve watched people go all out with custom decorations.

Both were equally wonderful because they captured that spirit of celebrating new life with joy and maybe just a tiny bit of “we’re all swimming in uncharted waters here” humor.

Let me walk you through my favorite Finding Nemo baby shower ideas.

These are tried-and-true suggestions that’ll help you create an underwater celebration your guests will remember long after the last piece of cake disappears.

Ocean-Inspired Color Palette and Decorations

The Finding Nemo color scheme practically hands itself to you on a silver platter—vibrant ocean blues, sunny coral oranges, cheerful yellows, and pops of purple for those sea anemones. I love how this palette feels both calming and energetic at the same time.

Image Prompt: A bright and cheerful Finding Nemo baby shower entrance featuring a balloon arch in ocean blues, oranges, and whites. Include clownfish balloon clusters, seaweed streamers made from green crepe paper, and a “Just Keep Swimming” welcome sign. Show blue tablecloths with orange fish cutouts scattered across tables, fishnet draped along walls, and small plush Nemo toys as table centerpieces. Warm, inviting lighting with an underwater ambiance.

How to Do It

• Start with your base: Cover tables in blue tablecloths (I’ve found plastic ones at dollar stores that look amazing) and layer with fishnet fabric from craft stores
• Create balloon magic: Build a simple balloon arch using blue, orange, and white balloons—no helium needed if you attach them to a PVC pipe frame or fishing line
• Add character touches: Print Finding Nemo character cutouts (Nemo, Dory, Marlin, Crush) and attach them to walls, doors, or even suspend them from the ceiling with clear fishing line
• Budget-friendly seaweed: Cut green crepe paper into long strips and twist them slightly, then hang from doorways and ceiling edges
• Time estimate: About 2-3 hours for full room decoration
• Pro tip: Hit up after-summer sales for beach-themed decor—you can score shells, starfish, and blue decorations for pennies

Looking for more creative team inspiration? Check out these animal team names for fun group activity ideas.

“Just Keep Swimming” Dessert Table

Can we talk about how perfect “Just Keep Swimming” is as a baby shower mantra? I mean, that’s basically parenting in three words, right? Your dessert table is where you can really have fun with this theme.

Image Prompt: An elaborate Finding Nemo dessert table against a shimmering blue backdrop with bubble decorations. Display a two-tier blue ombre cake decorated with fondant clownfish and coral, orange and blue macarons arranged like fish schools, sugar cookies shaped like sea turtles and starfish, blue jello cups with Swedish fish inside, and cupcakes topped with orange frosting and candy eyes. Include a “Just Keep Swimming” banner above the table and small glass bowls filled with orange and blue candies. Warm lighting highlighting the desserts.

How to Do It

• Centerpiece cake: Order or bake a blue ombre cake (light blue at top fading to deep blue) and top with a Nemo toy figurine or fondant clownfish
• Easy crowd-pleasers: Make blue jello cups and drop Swedish fish candies inside—kids and adults both love these
• Sugar cookies: Use fish, turtle, and starfish cookie cutters, then decorate with orange and blue royal icing
• Cupcake hack: Top vanilla cupcakes with orange frosting, add two candy eyes, and pipe white stripes with frosting—instant Nemo!
• Candy station: Fill clear jars with orange jellybeans, blue M&Ms, and gummy fish
• Budget: Expect $50-80 for a full dessert spread serving 30 guests
• Time needed: 4-5 hours for baking and decorating, or 1 hour if you’re buying most items
• Money-saving tip: Buy a simple sheet cake from a grocery store and decorate it yourself with ocean-themed toys and candies

Finding Nemo Baby Predictions and Advice Cards

Instead of boring standard advice cards, why not theme them around the movie? I’ve seen these get way more engagement because they’re more fun to fill out.

Image Prompt: Close-up of beautifully designed Finding Nemo baby prediction cards on a table. Show cards with ocean wave borders and clownfish graphics, featuring fields for guests to predict baby’s birth date, weight, and length. Include a separate advice card with Dory saying “I wish I could remember what I wanted to tell you…” and lines below for parenting advice. Display with orange pens and a decorative box labeled “Words of Wisdom” decorated with sea creatures.

How to Do It

• Design or download: Find free printable templates online or create simple cards in Canva with ocean borders
• Include prediction categories: Baby’s birth date, time, weight, length, hair color, and first word
• Add a Dory twist: Create advice cards with Dory’s quote “I wish I could remember…” and let guests fill in parenting wisdom
• Display station: Set up a small table with the cards, colorful pens, and a decorated box for collecting them
• Make it interactive: Have guests read their predictions aloud for extra laughs
• Cost: Under $10 if you print at home
• Pro tip: Save these cards in a scrapbook for the parents—they’re priceless years later

“Turtle-y Awesome” Game Station

Crush the sea turtle is everyone’s favorite character for a reason—he’s laid-back, wise, and totally righteous, dude. Theme your game station around him and you’ll have instant smiles.

Image Prompt: A fun game station area decorated with sea turtle theme. Show a posterboard with “Pin the Fin on Nemo” game setup, a table with “Guess How Many Fish” clear jar filled with goldfish crackers, and baby photo matching game cards laid out with ocean-themed borders. Include plush sea turtle prizes, a “Turtle-y Awesome Games” sign, and comfortable seating area with blue cushions. Bright, playful atmosphere.

How to Do It

• Pin the Fin on Nemo: Create a large Nemo poster (print and enlarge at a copy shop) and use orange paper cutouts for fins with double-sided tape
• Guess the Goldfish: Fill a clear jar with goldfish crackers and have guests estimate the count—closest guess wins
• Baby Photo Match: Ask guests to bring baby photos beforehand and display them with numbered cards, letting everyone guess who’s who
• Diaper Raffle: Offer entries for every pack of diapers guests bring, with ocean-themed prize baskets
• Finding Nemo Trivia: Create 10-15 questions about the movie (What’s the address Dory remembers? P. Sherman, 42 Wallaby Way, Sydney!)
• Time to prep: About 1 hour for all games
• Prize ideas: Ocean-scented candles, bath bombs, movie theater gift cards
• Keep it moving: Limit each game to 10-15 minutes max

Want more game inspiration? Browse these escape room team names for creative competition ideas.

Underwater Photo Booth Corner

Every shower needs a photo booth these days, and a Finding Nemo theme gives you so many fun prop possibilities. I was at a shower last summer where the photo booth got more action than the food table!

Image Prompt: A whimsical Finding Nemo photo booth setup with blue streamers creating a water effect backdrop. Display props hanging on a decorative stand including Dory and Nemo face masks, cardboard speech bubbles with movie quotes, snorkel masks, flippers, coral cutouts, and “Finding [Baby’s Name]” signs. Show example photos pinned nearby and a small table with an instant camera and guest book. Fun, energetic vibe with perfect lighting.

How to Do It

• Backdrop basics: Hang blue streamers or fabric vertically to create a flowing water effect, add some fishnet and plastic sea creatures
• DIY props: Print character faces on cardstock and attach to wooden dowels or straws
• Quote bubbles: Create speech bubble cutouts with classic lines: “Just keep swimming,” “Fish are friends, not food,” “Mine! Mine! Mine!”
• Physical props: Include snorkel gear, inflatable fish, sailor hats, and fun sunglasses
• Camera setup: Use an instant camera (guests love taking home physical photos) or designate someone as photographer
• Guest book alternative: Have guests take a photo and tape it in a scrapbook with a message to baby
• Cost: $25-40 for props and backdrop materials
• Space needed: About 6×6 feet minimum

Ocean-Themed Food and Drink Labels

Here’s where you can get really creative and punny without spending much money. Renaming regular party foods with Finding Nemo themes makes everything more fun and Instagram-worthy.

Image Prompt: Close-up of a food table with clever Finding Nemo themed labels. Show tent cards displaying names like “Dory’s Blue Punch,” “Crush’s Sea Turtle Sandwiches,” “Pearl’s Pink Shrimp,” “Nemo’s Orange Slices,” and “Bruce’s Shark Bait.” Display the actual foods—blue punch bowl, finger sandwiches, shrimp cocktail, orange fruit slices, and fish-shaped crackers. Include small decorative touches like paper fish scattered around plates. Clean, organized, appetizing presentation.

How to Do It

• Get punny with drinks: “Dory’s Blue Raspberry Punch,” “Marlin’s Coral Reef Lemonade,” “Nemo’s Orange Fizz”
• Creative food names: “Shark Bait Ooh Ha Ha Crackers,” “Crush’s Chill Cucumber Bites,” “Pearl’s Pretty Pasta Salad”
• Simple labels: Create 2×3 inch tent cards on cardstock with ocean borders and character graphics
• Color coordination: Try to match foods to the color scheme—orange cheese cubes, blue tortilla chips with dip, white and blue candies
• Dietary considerations: Always include a few vegetarian and gluten-free options, labeled clearly
• Setup time: 30 minutes to arrange and label everything
• Pro tip: Print labels on waterproof paper or laminate them in case of spills

“Sea”-ing Is Believing Centerpieces

Table centerpieces can make or break your theme, but they don’t have to be complicated. I’ve seen gorgeous Nemo centerpieces made for under $5 per table.

Image Prompt: Three different Finding Nemo table centerpieces displayed together. First centerpiece: clear glass fishbowl with blue water beads, plastic fish toys, and orange flowers. Second centerpiece: mason jars wrapped in blue ribbon filled with orange and white carnations with Nemo toy attached. Third centerpiece: small aquarium with live goldfish, blue gravel, and plastic coral. All sitting on blue table runners with scattered seashells and tea lights around bases. Elegant but playful look.

How to Do It

• Fishbowl style: Fill clear bowls with blue water beads, add plastic sea creatures, and stick in a few orange flowers
• Mason jar version: Paint jars blue or wrap with blue ribbon, fill with orange and white flowers, attach small Nemo toys to the outside
• Mini aquarium: Rent or borrow small aquariums, add live goldfish (guests can take these home!), blue gravel, and plastic coral
• Budget alternative: Use blue-tinted glass vases filled with orange and white tissue paper flowers and shell accents
• Height variation: Alternate tall and short centerpieces for visual interest
• Cost per table: $3-15 depending on your approach
• Setup tip: Prepare these 1-2 days ahead and store them safely

Explore summer party names for more seasonal celebration ideas.

Nemo-Themed Invitation Design

Your invitation sets the tone for everything, so make it count! A well-designed Finding Nemo invite gets guests excited before they even walk through the door.

Image Prompt: A collection of Finding Nemo baby shower invitations displayed on a wooden surface. Show digital and printed versions featuring ocean backgrounds with clownfish swimming, coral decorations, and baby-themed text. Include examples with different styles—one formal with elegant script, one playful with cartoon graphics, one modern with watercolor ocean effects. Display coordinating envelopes addressed in blue ink with fish stickers as seals. Natural lighting, professional presentation.

How to Do It

• Digital design: Use Canva templates specifically for Finding Nemo baby showers, or start from scratch with ocean backgrounds
• Essential information: Date, time, location, RSVP details, registry information, and dress code if applicable
• Clever wording: “We’re expecting a little fish!” or “Something’s brewing in the big blue sea!”
• Include a photo: If parents are doing a gender reveal, you could tease with “Will baby be Nemo or…Nemo’s sister?”
• Printing options: Order through online services ($1-2 per invite) or print at home on cardstock
• Envelope extras: Use ocean-themed stickers or stamps, address in blue or orange ink
• Send timeline: Mail invitations 4-6 weeks before the shower
• Budget: $30-60 for 30 invitations including postage

“Totally Tubular” Party Favors

Party favors are tricky—you want something people actually want, not something that’ll end up in the trash. Nemo-themed favors can be both adorable and useful.

Image Prompt: An array of Finding Nemo party favors arranged on a table. Show small mesh bags in orange and blue filled with goldfish crackers and tied with “Thanks for swimming by” tags. Display mini bottles of bubbles with custom Nemo labels, orange and blue bath bombs in clear bags, small succulent plants in pots decorated with ocean stickers, and custom cookies individually wrapped. Include a favor table sign reading “Take a little piece of the ocean home.” Bright, generous presentation.

How to Do It

• Budget-friendly: Fill organza bags with goldfish crackers, add a tag saying “Thanks for swimming by!”
• Bubble bottles: Buy mini bubble bottles and create custom labels with Nemo graphics
• Bath time treats: Orange and blue bath bombs or ocean-scented soaps wrapped in clear cellophane
• Plant party: Small succulents in tiny pots decorated with ocean-themed stickers
• Sweet treats: Custom-decorated sugar cookies individually wrapped
• Practical option: Travel-size hand sanitizers with custom labels featuring baby’s due date
• Cost per favor: $1-4 depending on your choice
• Pro tip: Set up a favor table near the exit so guests remember to grab one

DIY “Under the Sea” Banner

A statement banner pulls your whole decoration scheme together, and making one yourself saves serious money while looking totally custom.

Image Prompt: A long handmade “Welcome Baby” banner hanging above a main table. Show alternating triangular pennants in ocean blues, oranges, and whites with individual letters. Include decorative elements like small felt clownfish, paper coral cutouts, and glitter bubbles attached between letters. Display against a wall with matching balloon clusters on either side and hanging paper lanterns above. Cohesive, professional-looking finish despite being DIY.

How to Do It

• Materials needed: Cardstock in ocean colors, ribbon or twine, scissors, glue, letter stickers or markers, decorative elements
• Create pennants: Cut triangular flags about 6-8 inches wide, punch holes in top corners
• Letter it: Use alphabet stickers, print letters and glue them, or hand-letter with markers
• Add embellishments: Attach small cutout fish, coral, or bubbles between letters
• String it together: Thread ribbon through holes, spacing pennants evenly
• Hang strategically: Place above the main table, dessert table, or entrance
• Time investment: 2-3 hours for a 10-foot banner
• Cost: Under $15 for all materials

Check out creative team names for more DIY inspiration.

Finding Nemo Diaper Cake Display

Diaper cakes are a baby shower staple, but a Finding Nemo version? Chef’s kiss! These make stunning centerpieces and practical gifts.

Image Prompt: An impressive three-tier diaper cake decorated in Finding Nemo theme as a table centerpiece. Show diapers arranged in circular tiers, wrapped with orange and blue ribbons, topped with a plush Nemo toy. Include decorative elements like small sea creature toys tucked between diaper rolls, coral ribbon accents, bubble stickers on individual diapers, and a base decorated with blue tissue paper resembling water. Display on a round table with coordinating decorations around it. Professional bakery quality appearance.

How to Do It

• Base layer: Roll 50-60 diapers individually and secure with small rubber bands, arrange in a large circle on a cake board
• Build tiers: Create progressively smaller circles (30-40 diapers for middle, 15-20 for top)
• Wrap and secure: Use wide ribbon in orange and blue to wrap around each tier, securing with double-sided tape
• Top it off: Place a plush Nemo or ocean-themed toy on the very top
• Embellish: Tuck small toys, washcloths, or baby items between diaper rolls
• Add bubbles: Attach clear or blue bubble stickers randomly for extra ocean effect
• Time needed: 1-2 hours depending on size
• Diaper count: 80-120 diapers for a three-tier cake

“Dory’s Memory Lane” Baby Photo Timeline

This decoration doubles as entertainment and creates the sweetest nostalgia moment. Guests love seeing baby pictures of the parents-to-be!

Image Prompt: A creative photo timeline display along a wall showing parents-to-be from infancy to present. String blue and orange twine horizontally with clothespins holding photos at intervals. Label each section with ages “Birth,” “1 Year,” “5 Years,” “10 Years,” “Today.” Include small decorative fish cutouts between photos and Dory quote cards saying “When I look at you, I can feel it.” Warm, sentimental setup with soft lighting highlighting the photos.

How to Do It

• Gather photos: Ask parents for baby and childhood pictures, aim for 6-8 photos of each parent
• Create timeline: String fishing line or twine along a wall at eye level
• Attach photos: Use mini clothespins in coordinating colors to clip photos in chronological order
• Add labels: Create small cards marking age milestones
• Include quotes: Sprinkle in Dory quotes about family and memory
• Side-by-side option: Arrange mother’s photos on top line, father’s on bottom line
• Time to set up: About 30 minutes
• Pro tip: This often becomes a conversation starter and gets guests mingling

Coral Reef Balloon Sculptures

Balloons are budget magic—they create huge visual impact for very little money. Coral reef balloon sculptures take your decor from basic to Instagram-worthy.

Image Prompt: Floor-to-ceiling balloon sculptures resembling coral reefs positioned in room corners. Show clusters of orange, pink, and purple balloons in various sizes arranged organically to look like coral branches. Include some long balloon twists forming seaweed shapes in green. Add LED string lights woven through balloons for a glowing effect. Show balloons rising from weighted bases decorated as ocean floor with blue fabric and shells. Magical, immersive underwater atmosphere.

How to Do It

• Balloon selection: Buy balloons in coral colors (orange, pink, purple, red) plus greens for seaweed
• Size variety: Use different balloon sizes for realistic coral texture (5-inch, 9-inch, and 12-inch)
• Assembly method: Blow up balloons to varying sizes, tie in clusters of 3-4, attach clusters together to build upward
• Weigh it down: Use balloon weights wrapped in blue fabric, decorated with shells or sand
• Add lighting: Weave battery-operated fairy lights through the structures
• Placement: Position in corners, beside dessert table, or flanking the entrance
• Time investment: 2-3 hours for two large coral structures
• Cost: $25-35 per structure

For more themed party inspiration, visit beach party names for coastal celebration ideas.

“School of Fish” Guest Book Alternative

Traditional guest books often go unsigned or get filled with generic messages. A Finding Nemo-themed alternative encourages creativity and gives you something meaningful to keep.

Image Prompt: A unique guest book station featuring a large canvas print of an ocean scene with space for fish. Display wooden fish cutouts in orange and blue scattered on a table with markers in various colors. Show example fish with guest messages already written and attached to the canvas with adhesive dots. Include a sign reading “Add your fish to our school” with instructions. Show completed section with fish creating a colorful school. Inviting, interactive setup.

How to Do It

• Canvas background: Print or paint an ocean scene on a 16×20 canvas, leaving plenty of open space
• Fish cutouts: Pre-cut 50-60 small fish shapes from orange and blue cardstock (about 3 inches each)
• Marker selection: Provide metallic markers, gel pens, and fine-point markers in various colors
• Instructions: Create a sign asking guests to write wishes, advice, or favorite memories on a fish and attach it to the canvas
• Attachment method: Use glue dots, double-sided tape, or small adhesive squares
• Display later: This becomes nursery art parents will treasure forever
• Setup time: 1 hour including cutting fish and preparing canvas
• Budget: $15-20 total

Seagull Snack Attack Station

Remember those hilarious seagulls from Finding Nemo? “Mine! Mine! Mine!” That scene is pure comedy gold and makes for a fun snack station theme.

Image Prompt: A playful snack station table with seagull theme. Show white popcorn boxes labeled “Mine!” filled with caramel popcorn, pretzels in bags with seagull stickers, chips in nautical-striped paper cones, and mixed nuts in small buckets. Display a sign reading “Seagull Snack Attack – Grab yours before someone says MINE!” Include plush seagull toys positioned around snacks, and scattered feathers as decoration. Fun, lighthearted presentation.

How to Do It

• Container choices: Use white popcorn boxes, striped paper cones, or small metal buckets for individual portions
• Snack selection: Popcorn (caramel or regular), pretzels, chips, mixed nuts, Goldfish crackers, trail mix
• Label everything: Create “Mine!” labels or stickers to attach to each container
• Seagull accents: Position toy seagulls around the table, add feather decorations
• Signage: Make a humorous sign referencing the seagull scene
• Portion control: Pre-portion snacks so guests can grab and go
• Cost: $30-40 for snacks serving 30 guests
• Allergy note: Clearly label any items containing common allergens

Aquarium Party Favor Alternative

Want to do something totally unique that guests will actually remember? Instead of traditional favors, let them “adopt” a goldfish to take home. I’ve seen this done and it’s adorable!

Image Prompt: A goldfish adoption station setup on a side table. Show small fishbowls or clear plastic containers with lids arranged in rows, each containing one goldfish, blue gravel, and a small plant. Display adoption certificate cards personalized with baby’s name and shower date. Include fish food packets tied with ribbon, care instruction sheets, and a sign reading “Adopt a Friend – Take [Baby Name]’s First Friend Home!” Cheerful, well-organized presentation with all supplies visible.

How to Do It

• Purchase supplies: Buy goldfish from a pet store (usually under $1 each), small plastic containers with lids, fish food, blue aquarium gravel
• Setup containers: Add gravel and water to each container the morning of the shower, acclimate fish carefully
• Create certificates: Design “adoption certificates” with baby’s name, shower date, and fish care tips
• Food packets: Attach small baggies of fish food to each container with ribbon
• Clear instructions: Provide care sheets so fish actually survive!
• Guest choice: Let each guest choose their fish as they leave
• Cost per favor: $3-5 including container, fish, gravel, and food
• Important note: Check with venue about live animals first, and only do this if you’re confident guests want fish

There you have it—fifteen Finding Nemo baby shower ideas that’ll help you create an underwater celebration filled with heart, humor, and lots of happy memories. The beauty of this theme is how flexible it is. You can go all-out with every single idea I’ve shared, or pick your favorite five and keep things simple. Both approaches work perfectly.

What I love most about Finding Nemo as a baby shower theme is how it captures the journey of parenthood so perfectly. Just like Marlin searching for Nemo, every parent is about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime—sometimes scary, often unpredictable, but ultimately filled with more love than they ever imagined possible. And just like Dory reminds us, when things get tough, you just keep swimming.

So take a deep breath, pick the ideas that speak to you, and remember that the best baby showers aren’t about perfection—they’re about celebrating new life with the people you love. Your guests won’t remember if the centerpieces were Pinterest-perfect or if you forgot to label one of the food items. They’ll remember the laughter, the love, and maybe how competitive everyone got during Finding Nemo trivia 🙂

Now go create something wonderful. You’ve totally got this!