What is a Gender Reveal Party?

A gender reveal party is a celebration in which soon-to-be parents reveal the sex of their baby to friends and family, or when the parents find out themselves. This event used to exist as a private tradition parents did together. However, gender reveal parties recently turned into a precursor party to the baby shower. These parties are typically more casual than baby showers and open to both sexes.

What to Bring to a Gender Reveal Party

Because gender reveal parties are so new, the exact rules and expectations for the event are still unsure. However, you should always air on the side of respect and care. For that reason, always bring a congratulations card, anything the couple has specifically requested, and if possible, a gift.

Do You Bring a Gift to a Gender Reveal Party?

In short, yes. You should bring a gift, even if it’s small or just a heartfelt card, to a gender reveal party. Because these parties are held earlier in the pregnancy, the presents will likely differ from that of a baby shower. You can gift maternity clothes, cute parent swag for the expecting couple, or anything that will help during the pregnancy. If the parents request no gifts, you should instead write a handwritten note with your congratulations.

Gender Reveal Gifts

Consider the following ideas when picking gender reveal party gifts. Or, check out our resource for gender reveal gifts.

A cute themed maternity shirt for the mom-to-be
Matching “Mommy” and “Daddy” hats for the expecting parents
Comfy slippers or a robe for the mother (she’ll be glad to have them in the coming months)
A back massager for Mom, or a gift certificate to the spa
Anything they’ve requested from guests or you remember them mentioning that they needed

What to Wear to a Gender Reveal Party

If the gender reveal invitation mentions a dress code, follow that. If it doesn’t, try to wear something colorful, yet respectful. Since the party is so joyful you’ll want to stick to lighter colors (think a summer dress or floral blouse). That being said, don’t wear something that will distract from the pregnant couple in the photos taken at the party. You can also draw inspiration from the party’s theme. Also, make sure to dress for the weather. You want to have fun and stay comfortable at the party, after all.

What to Do at a Gender Reveal Party

There are many different ways that people celebrate their baby’s gender reveal party. Some throw a family and friends event with food, games, and plenty of decorations. Others simply host a small get together focused around the reveal. Here’s some ideas of what to do at a gender reveal party:

Play the Guessing Game: Have guests guess at the beginning of the party what the baby’s gender is. You can do this by collecting written guesses, having guests dress in the color of their guess, or any other creative way. Once the gender is discovered, reveal who guessed right or wrong. You can also use our baby gender predictor.
Open Presents: Let the parents-to-be open presents together in front of the guests. Since most of these presents will be for the couple or mother, instead of the baby, this is different from a baby shower present opening.
Let Them Eat Cake: Allow time for people to eat and drink whatever the hosts provided. Whether it be themed cookies, mocktails, or appetizers, this time allows people to relax and reconnect.
Party Games: Baby reveal parties often feature a number of party games. Check out our list of party game ideas for more inspiration.
The Main Reveal: It’s time for the event that brought everyone here. Whichever method you choose for the reveal, make sure it’s something to remember.

Understanding Gender Reveal Etiquette

Because gender reveal parties are still a relatively new concept, the etiquette isn’t clear to most. Here are some tips to make sure faux pas are avoided.

Keep the guest list small. Gender reveals are more intimate so only invite family and close friends.
Either the parents or a close friend or family member should host. If the parents already know the gender, they should host the party to reveal to their family and friends. However, if the parents don’t know the gender, someone else should host.
If the parents want to be surprised, someone else should know the secret. Arrange ahead of time to have a friend or family member learn the gender and plan the reveal itself.
The gender reveal happens earlier than the baby shower, but don’t host it too early. Many parents don’t want to hold a gender reveal too early, as unexpected pregnancy concerns may still occur. The party should be held when the parents are ready to reveal the gender to everyone, no earlier or later.
Hold off on the social media. Let the parents announce the gender of their baby to the world first.

Gender Reveal Party Themes

A gender reveal theme helps bring the party to life. One popular theme is “What will it bee?” With this theme, the host decorates the party with bee and honey decorations. This is a great theme because it starts off gender neutral and doesn’t give anything away. Sports themes are also common, especially if the parents are big sports fans. Order color exploding golf balls or baseballs for the main event, and watch the parents discover their baby’s gender. Many couples also opt for a simple blue and pink gender reveal theme. One of the best ways to find inspiration for a gender reveal theme is to find something both the parents will enjoy.

Gender Reveal Ideas

The key to pulling off a fun and memorable gender reveal party is the details. Make your gender reveal pop with the ideas listed below.

Cute Gender Reveal Ideas

Cupcake Reveal: Fill the inside of cupcakes with the color of the baby’s gender, and make sure nothing leaks out. Chocolate cupcakes are the best color to make sure the inside colors aren’t given away. Then let Mom and Dad take a bite for a reveal.

Box of Confetti: Have someone fill a box with the corresponding color of confetti. Hoist it high in the air, and use a string to pull it open. Let the surprise rain down on the parents-to-be.

Balloon Box: This is similar to the box of confetti, but for those trying to keep the reveal mess-free. Have a friend or family member fill a box with either blue or pink balloons. Then have the parents open the box and watch the reveal pop out!

Unique Gender Reveal Ideas

Pop Culture Suprise: Are the parents-to-be big Pokemon, Star Wars, or Harry Potter fans? If so, use it in the gender reveal. Color popping pokemon balls, sorting hats (with a gendered item placed inside), and blue or pink light sabers can be bought online. This is a great way to personalize a gender reveal for a couple.

A Work of Art: Buy a plain canvas and a paint gun. Have someone load the paint gun with corresponding colored paintballs. Gather friends and family around the Mom and Dad, and watch them release the paint onto the plain canvas. This way the reveal becomes a save-able work of art.

Sibling Gender Reveal Ideas

Silly String: Give the first born a can of colored silly string (with the outside covered to avoid spoiling the surprise.) Along with them, parents spray the silly string and have someone else take photos. This fun reveal helps parents share the excitement with the soon to be older brother or sister.

Lollipop Reveal: Give the children covered lollipops. Under the wrappers, these lollipops should be either blue or pink. This reveal is a sweet treat that engages the whole family.

For the Furry Children: How do you tell your dog or cat that they’re getting a little sister or brother? Reveal to pets by having them pose next to a gendered piece of clothing. These reveals also make great photos.

Ideas for Gender Reveal Party Decorations

Use confetti, candy, streamers, posters, banners, and whatever else you like to decorate a gender reveal party. There’s no limit to ideas when it comes to decorations for this fun affair. The key to to highlight the theme and incorporate either an equal amount of blue or pink, or use gender neutral decorations. This helps keep the secret under wraps until the big reveal.

Gender Reveal Pictures

Gender reveal photos are a perfect way to celebrate a pregnancy and create something memorable. The key is to capture the moment of surprise. You can use balloons, confetti, paint, and gendered clothing for the photo reveal. For more photo ideas for a gender reveal, check out our resource on gender reveal ideas and pictures. And once you have these photos you can add them to the baby’s future photo book. And remember, whatever you choose to do to celebrate your gender reveal, enjoy these first memories with your baby.