Published on August 6th, 2021 and Updated on January 15th, 2024
Gender reveal parties have become synonymous with balloon boxes, confetti cannons, smoke bombs, and streamers. The anticipation of finding out a baby’s gender, coupled with unique and creative reveal ideas, make for a thrilling event for expectant parents and their loved ones and friends. Because gender reveal parties are a fairly new trend, you may have questions before attending your first, including:
Do you bring a gift to a gender reveal party?
Although bringing a gift to a child’s gender reveal party is not required, it’s a thoughtful gesture that’s sure to be appreciated by the mom or parents-to-be. What type of gift should you bring to a gender reveal? And is there anything else you should know before attending? To better prepare yourself, check out some of our favorite gender reveal gift ideas, as well as 8 other helpful party etiquette tips.
Gender Reveal Party Gift Ideas
Gender reveal party gifts can be different from baby shower gifts. Traditionally, baby showers are thrown to provide expectant parents with items needed to care for a new baby, such as strollers, carriers, and bouncers. Even if Mom and Dad are expecting their second child and already equipped with durable baby care items, a “baby sprinkle” is thrown to help them stock up on disposable items, such as diapers and wet wipes.
The purpose of gender reveal parties, on the other hand, is to celebrate the exciting news of the arrival of a little boy or little girl with the parents-to-be. Some have even looked into virtual gender reveal ideas to include loved ones from far away. This gives gender reveal parties leeway to be a bit more fun and laid-back, with party gifts specifically meant for Mom and Dad to enjoy. After all, their upcoming bundle may be cute, but the baby isn’t the only star of the show.
If you do bring a party gift that’s specifically for the baby, it’s best to make it gender neutral. Otherwise, take a look below at some of our favorite mom and dad gift ideas for gender reveal parties.
Plush Robe
With all the work her body has to do over the course of 9 months, Mom deserves a little pampering and relaxation. With a plush robe, she can feel as though she’s wrapped in a cloud, even as she deals with those less-than-relaxing pregnancy symptoms, such as back aches and heartburn. Couple this gender reveal gift with equally cozy slippers or a pair of compression socks, and Mom may decide to perform a mid-party outfit swap.
Spa Basket
A spa gift basket is another way to encourage Mom and Dad to indulge in a little R&R before the baby arrives. You can purchase a premade spa basket, or create your own with items such as bath bombs, essential oils, candles, lotions, and even a personal back and neck massager.
Jewelry
A piece of Mom-inspired jewelry can make for a special gender reveal party or baby shower gift, particularly for first-time moms. Consider a delicate “Mom” necklace that will allow her to wear her new title proudly (and stylishly). Or, for a more subtle look, choose this unique Mom-to-be necklace from Dear Ava. It even comes in a thoughtful keepsake box that reminds your expectant mother how loved she is.
Mom & Dad Mug Set
Prepare Mom and Dad for the arrival of their little one with this beautiful marble mug set by Gender Reveal Celebrations. Each mug is handmade with gold and marble ceramic and labeled specifically for Mom and Dad. Plus, they’re large enough to give Mom and Dad the appropriate caffeine boost they’ll need for those first few sleepless nights (as well as those months of sleep training and sleep regression to follow).
Etiquette Tip #1: Avoid Bringing Anything Mom Can’t Enjoy
While it may feel customary to bring a bottle of wine or a special dish to other types of parties, gender reveal parties are all about the Mom and Baby. While other guests may be able to enjoy your homemade cheese platter and cold cuts or a celebratory glass of champagne, your expectant mom cannot. Having these items around her can make her feel restricted or frustrated. After all, giving up your favorite foods and drinks for 9 months is not an easy feat!
If you want to contribute a beverage or dish to a gender reveal party, make sure it’s something everyone can enjoy—particularly the woman of the hour.
Items not recommended for pregnant women include:
- Alcohol
- Soft cheeses
- Raw shellfish
- Pate
- Cold cuts and deli meat
Etiquette Tip #2: RSVP Quickly
Like any type of party, it’s thoughtful to let the host know if you’re attending as soon as you receive the invitation. This can help your host and the expectant parents better prepare for the big event, ensuring there’s enough food, drinks, activities, and space for everyone attending.
Similarly, if you RSVP that you can attend, only to later realize you can’t, it’s polite to let the host know as soon as possible.
Etiquette Tip #3: Don’t Extend the Invitation (Unless You’re Given Permission)
Despite the term party, a child’s gender reveal is often intimate occasions shared with family members and close friends. That means you shouldn’t bring a plus one to your gender reveal party unless your invitation specifically invites you to.
Likewise, if your invitation doesn’t mention including your own children in the celebration, it’s best to leave them at home. If, for some reason, leaving your children at home isn’t an option, talk to the host or the Mom-to-be—special exceptions can likely be made for extenuating circumstances.
Etiquette Tip #4: Dress to Impress (But Not Over-Impress)
Most baby gender reveal parties typically don’t have a particular dress code. If they do, the host will likely include the information on the invitation. With certain themed celebrations, guests may be asked to dress formally, or to dress in colors based on what they believe the gender will be (for instance, wearing pink if you’re expecting a girl or blue if you think Mom’s having a boy).
Dress code or not, it’s always thoughtful to choose an outfit that doesn’t overshadow the Mom-to-be or, on the other hand, make it appear as though you’ve just rolled out of bed. That means leaving your extravagant sun hat at home (no matter how cute it looks) and saving your joggers for, well, jogging.
Etiquette Tip #5: Wait to Share on Social Media
While you might have the special title of auntie, uncle, or future BBF, the news of the baby’s gender is nevertheless Mom’s to share—when, how, and with whom she feels comfortable. You don’t want to beat mom to the social media trigger!
This means it’s best to wait to make your own announcement or share your own photos of the party on social media. Speaking of photos, make sure that when you’re snapping your own, you’re not blocking the designated photographer or videographer of the big reveal. In fact, Mom and Dad have likely assigned someone the task of capturing the moment at the perfect angle, so ask if they can share copies of their photos with you, rather than trying to take your own.
Etiquette Tip #6: Keep Conversation Light and Appropriate
Unless Mom and Dad are polling the crowd, it’s best not to make a fuss asking other guests what their preferred gender is for the baby. Getting pregnant and having a baby is an overwhelming experience, filled with strong emotions and often, sensitive subjects. During the party, conversations should focus on all the exciting, joyful aspects of pregnancy and raising a baby.
When it comes to complimenting the Mom-to-be on her growing baby bump, avoid talking about how big she’s gotten or asking about her symptoms. Instead, we suggest reminding her how amazing her body is and gushing over her Beyonce-esque pregnancy glow.
Etiquette Tip #7: Ask How You Can Help
Once you’ve received your baby gender reveal party invitation, consider contacting the host or the expectant parents to see if there’s anything you can do to help on the big day. From putting up party decorations to catering to creating a memorable surprise, planning and hosting a gender reveal party can be a handful, so the host will likely appreciate the help.
Offer to assist with aspects such as:
- Decorating
- Catering or preparing items for the party menu
- Welcoming guests (i.e. collecting coats or gifts)
- Setting up the reveal (but only if you can keep a secret!)
- Filming the reveal
- Cleaning up after the party
Etiquette Tip #8: Read the Invitation Carefully
When you receive your invitation, make sure to read it carefully to not confuse the date or time of the party. It’s also considerate to arrive at the party on time or shortly thereafter. If you’re late, you may miss the reveal altogether, or worse, cause everyone else to wait for your arrival.
If you have any other questions regarding the party, be sure to check the invitation before contacting the host or parents. Often, you’ll be able to find the answers there.
Prepare for Your Gender Reveal Even Sooner Thanks to SneakPeek
Understanding proper gender party etiquette will ensure the Mom-to-be in your life feels supported, loved, and cherished during one of the most unforgettable moments of her pregnancy journey—the discovery of her baby’s gender. And with SneakPeek, she can experience this moment sooner than ever before.
If you’re looking for more information about gender reveals, read our linked blogs on how to make a gender reveal box and gender reveal ideas for husband or partner.
That’s because SneakPeek’s At-Home Early Gender Prediction Test can reveal a baby’s gender as early as 7 weeks into pregnancy, with clinically-proven over 99% accuracy1. All it takes is a simple at-home blood test, and you can know if you’re having a boy or girl within days.
Start the celebrations sooner with SneakPeek.
Sources:
Bump Reveal. Gender Reveal Party Etiquette. https://bumpreveal.com/blogs/content/gender-reveal-party-etiquette#:~:text=Who%20Should%20Host%20a%20Gender,for%20a%20backyard%20BBQ%20gathering.
Country Living. 7 Unspoken Baby Shower Etiquette Rules Everyone Should Follow. https://www.countryliving.com/life/g15884751/baby-shower-etiquette/
Pregnancy, Birth, & Baby. Foods to avoid when pregnant. https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/foods-to-avoid-when-pregnant
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SneakPeek aims to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information to help our readers make informed decisions regarding their health before, during, and after pregnancy. This article was written based upon trusted scientific research studies and/or articles. Credible information sources for this article are cited and hyperlinked.
