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Gender Reveal Party Etiquette:
Everything You Need to Know
Congratulations! If you’re expecting a little one in the near future, we’re thrilled for you and your family. Almost everything about having a baby is exciting, especially if it’s your first. But few things are more exhilarating than finding out the gender. If you’re choosing to learn the gender of your baby and celebrate it with a party, we’ve got all the need-to-know details about gender reveal party etiquette.
What is a gender reveal party?
A gender reveal party is exactly what it sounds like: a party to celebrate and reveal the sex of your baby on the way. Because this is a newer type of celebration, it’s not steeped in tradition, which means you can make it whatever kind of party you want. You get to decide what to serve, whether to play games and who to invite. You can also decide if you want to learn the sex of your baby at the same time as your guests, or if you prefer to learn it before the party begins.
Who typically hosts the party?
Typically, the expecting couple hosts the gender reveal party. We know — that’s one more thing on your plate as you prepare for the new baby. But the good news is that, compared to the baby shower, it’s typically a less formal affair. Feel free to host an informal get-together, put up colorful streamers and invite only your closest crew. It’s your day.
When to Host the Party
When to host the gender reveal will, of course, be up to the expecting parents and/or hosts. Obviously, you’ll need to wait until you know the sex of the baby. Many parents choose to wait until the pregnancy is further along to avoid any complications — around 18 to 20 weeks.
Who to Invite to the Party
If you’ve made it this far, you know what we’re going to say: who you invite to your gender reveal is up to you. You can make your party as large as (or larger than) your baby shower. Or you can make it much smaller if you’d like. Many couples choose to make this one a more intimate affair, with only close friends and family on the guest list.
A virtual gender reveal party is also a great idea since you can reach a wider audience without having to plan an in-person event. Send out an e-invite with the video chat details, set a date and time and have everyone log on to celebrate.
What is the Gift Etiquette for a Gender Reveal Party?
Most couples do not expect a gift at their gender reveal party since they already received gifts at the baby shower. If you are a guest at an upcoming gender reveal party and would like to bring a present anyway, we recommend a small keepsake to commemorate the occasion. Ideally, though, this is a great time for you to get together with your closest people and enjoy each other’s company.
Gender Reveal Themes
You’ll only have so many children, which means you only have so many opportunities to do a gender reveal. So, of course, celebrating to the fullest is important, and we want to ensure you do so safely. A gender reveal party should focus on your growing family, not high-wire tricks that can cause injury to you, your guests or your property (like fireworks).
Here are a few of our favorite themes and ideas for a fun, safe and successful event:
Balloons in a Box
Expecting parents or trusted confidants can fill a box with pink or blue balloons. When the time comes to reveal the gender, open the box and let them float to the ceiling. We recommend doing this inside so you can clean up the balloons properly and avoid them getting stuck in trees or on power lines.
Piñata Party
Fill a pinata with pink or blue confetti and candy, and let each guest take a turn at hitting it. Again, this is another idea to do inside so you avoid littering candy wrappers and confetti outside.
Cake Cutting
A cake with pink or blue icing on the inside is a delicious way to find out your baby’s gender. Plus, it feeds your guests.
Colorful Confetti
Whether it goes in a party popper, piñata or just your hands, pink or blue confetti is a festive and photogenic way to learn your little one’s gender.
Gamify the Party
If you and your partner love to host regular game nights, you can easily gamify your gender reveal party. Set up your own scavenger hunt or bingo game, and at the end of the game, the winner gets to open an envelope with the gender of your baby hidden inside.
At the end of the day, you know all that matters is that your baby is healthy and happy. But it can be fun to find out their gender, too. Doubly so if you’re doing it with friends and family. We hope you’ll take this opportunity to celebrate with those you love. And if you’ve been invited to a gender reveal party, let us help you find the perfect token of your appreciation.