Old Wives’ Tales Baby Shower Game

If you want a baby shower activity that’s playful, nostalgic, and guaranteed to spark conversation, the Old Wives’ Tales baby shower game is a perfect choice. Guests try to guess whether classic pregnancy myths predict a boy or a girl — and the mix of silly, surprising, and oddly convincing “signs” always leads to laughter.
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What Is the Old Wives’ Tales Game?
Old Wives’ Tales is a baby‑shower guessing game based on traditional pregnancy myths. Each clue describes a supposed “sign” of carrying a boy or a girl — like cravings, belly shape, or morning sickness. Guests guess boy or girl for each one, then tally their score at the end.
It’s simple, funny, and perfect for groups of all ages.
Why Guests Love This Game
Guests enjoy this game because it’s:
- Lighthearted and nostalgic
- Easy to play — no explanation needed
- Funny — especially when myths contradict each other
- Perfect for all ages
- Great for mixed groups where not everyone knows each other
It’s also a great warm‑up or filler game between bigger activities.
How to Play
- Give each guest a game card (or read the clues aloud).
- Guests guess whether each myth predicts a boy or a girl.
- Reveal the “answers” at the end — just for fun, of course.
- The guest with the most correct guesses wins.
- You can also award a prize for the funniest explanation.
This game works beautifully as a printable or a table‑friendly activity.
Old Wives’ Tales Idea List
If you’re creating your own Old Wives’ Tales game, you’ll want a mix of classic, recognizable myths and a few fun, unexpected ones. Below is a complete idea list you can use for your printable or blog post.
Classic Pregnancy Myths
- Carrying high → Girl
- Carrying low → Boy
- Sweet cravings → Girl
- Salty or savory cravings → Boy
- Glowing skin → Boy
- Breakouts or dull skin → Girl
- Morning sickness early and strong → Girl
- Little or no morning sickness → Boy
Body & Movement Myths
- Baby’s heart rate over 140 bpm → Girl
- Baby’s heart rate under 140 bpm → Boy
- Cold feet → Boy
- Clumsy or off‑balance → Boy
- Graceful or steady → Girl
Hair, Nails & Appearance
- Thick, shiny hair → Boy
- Dull or thinning hair → Girl
- Strong, fast‑growing nails → Boy
- Weak or brittle nails → Girl
Fun & Random Myths
- Craving citrus → Girl
- Sleeping on your left side → Boy
- Sleeping on your right side → Girl
- Partner gaining sympathy weight → Girl
- Carrying weight in the hips/thighs → Girl
- Carrying weight in the belly only → Boy
You can shorten this list for a simple printable or keep the full version for a more detailed game.
Final Thoughts
The Old Wives’ Tales baby shower game is a fun, nostalgic baby shower game that gets guests laughing, guessing, and sharing stories. It’s easy to play, perfect for all ages, and always a hit.
For more fun, modern ideas your guests actually enjoy, head over to my full guide on baby shower games guests actually enjoy.

