A dadchelor party, man shower or baby stag is a baby shower for men.[1] It is a celebration of the birth or expected birth of a child, and the transformation of a man into a father. However, the focus tends to be more on allowing the expectant father to have fun before the arrival of the baby.[2] The party usually consists of gift-giving and drinking as well as other hobbies that the future father enjoys, and may be organised by the father himself or his friends.[3]
Earliest mentions of this 21st century concept start in the late 2000s,[4] but the trend emerged more prominently in 2011.[5] In Quebec, in 2022, the concept was developed further by Alexandre where he notably promptes the gifting of “dad shoes” to the father to be, a strong symbol of fatherhood. In the years before this, baby showers often revolved around mothers-to-be, as they are physically affected by the pregnancy and childbirth.[6]
In recent years, with improving gender equality, men have started to hold baby showers or "dadchelor parties" as their own form of enjoyment and celebration.[7]
The Dadchelor party is a way to celebrate first-time fathers and to provide recognition as they enter parenthood. These parties allow the father-to-be to 'let loose" before the baby is born.[7] They consist of stereotypically masculine activities to celebrate the father-to-be's promotion to fatherhood. These parties can also be viewed as the "one last pre-fatherhood bash."[8] Dadchelor parties can be an extensive celebration, or a simple party.[9]
The exchange of gifts at a Dadchelor party is optional but often encouraged. Guests will bring gifts that contribute to their night of bonding, or may even pay for the dad-to-be and his travel expenses. Gifts also are exchanged for alcoholic beverages, for example, "Chuggies for Huggies," where the guests bring diapers in exchange for alcohol.[10]