Gender reveal parties are a fairly new concept, but they have quickly gained momentum as a fun way for expecting parents to announce their baby’s gender!
The celebration usually involves a fun, surprise “reveal” activity followed by themed treats and maybe some games.
Because these celebrations are relatively new, many people confuse them with a baby shower and are not quite sure of the proper etiquette, especially when it comes to gifts.
Do you bring a gift to a gender-reveal party? If you want to, you can bring a gift to a gender-reveal party, but don’t feel obligated! Gifts are by no means expected or required at a gender reveal party. However, giving a small gift to the parents-to-be is a kind way to show your support and gratitude for being included in their celebration.
Gift Etiquette for Gender-Reveal Party
Let’s look a little deeper into the expectations for a gender reveal party and what proper gift etiquette entails.
Are You Obligated To Bring a Gift?
Guests are certainly not expected to bring a gift to a gender-reveal party.
Small gestures are always appreciated, but unlike at a baby shower, it is not considered rude if you attend a gender-reveal event without bringing a gift.
Is It Rude To Ask?
Not at all! I don’t think there is anything wrong with confirming whether or not gifts are expected. This shows the expecting parents that you want to meet their expectations.
When in Doubt, Bring a Small Gift
While gifts are not usually expected at a gender-reveal party, if you feel uncomfortable showing up empty-handed, you can always bring something small for the expectant parents.
It doesn’t need to be anything big; you can save that for the baby shower! Just a little something small that lets them know you are excited for them and grateful to be part of the celebration.
Gender-Reveal and Baby Shower Combo
Sometimes, expectant parents will combine their baby shower and gender-reveal event into one big celebration. Talk about a party!
If you are invited to this type of gender-reveal/baby shower combination, it is important to be aware that gifts are definitely expected at this type of gathering.
Normally, invitations would be sent out for this type of event with registry information to hint that gifts are expected and give you ideas of what types of gifts the parents are in need of for their little one.
Should the Gift Be for Parents or Baby?
If you are attending a gender-reveal party and want to bring a gift, get something for the parents to enjoy before the baby comes.
Perhaps a gift card for a date night or a self-care gift for the expecting mama. Save the baby gift for the baby shower!
What Do You Bring to a Gender-Reveal Party? 20 Great Ideas
Giving the expectant parents a little something at their gender reveal is a sweet gesture, but what should you get? Below are a few small gift ideas that they will love!
Gender-Reveal Gifts for Mom
- Plush Robe – Give her something comfortable to lounge around in before and after the baby arrives!
- Pregnancy Journal – This is a thoughtful, timeless gift that she will treasure forever.
- Dainty “Mama” Necklace – This necklace is trending all over social media among the young mama population!
- Spa or Nail Salon Gift Card – Give her the gift of treating herself while she still has the time to do so!
- Fuzzy Cross-Band Slippers – You cannot go wrong with a cute pair of comfy slippers!
- Body Oil – Some all-natural skin care is right up an expecting mother’s alley!
- Tumbler Cup – Pregnancy means lots of water! Get the expecting mama a cute new tumbler with a straw to make it easier for her to stay hydrated.
- Acid-free and archival paper
- Ample space for photos
- Lay-flat design created by a beautiful gold spiral binding
Gender-Reveal Gifts for Dad
- Funny Dad Shirt – C’mon. Every dad has at least one!
- Baby and Dad Books – Give dad a special gift that he can read to his little one to strengthen their bond.
- Matching Baby and Dad Socks – Dads love cheesy gifts like this! It will make for an adorable picture as well.
- Dad Coffee Mug – You can’t go wrong with a classic “Dad” mug!
Gender-Reveal Gifts for Both New Parents
- Date Night Dinner Gift Card – Treat them to a nice night out on the town.
- Mom and Dad Coffee Mugs or Tumblers – Matching Mom and Dad cups? Of course!
- Sonogram Countdown Photo Frame – This adorable photo frame will help them count down the weeks until baby as they update it after each ultrasound.
- Parenting Books – If mom and dad are readers, find a parenting book that fits their style. While there is no How-To parenting book, you can help them find some great advice as they prepare for this life-changing event.
- Letters to You Journal – This might ultimately be a gift for the baby, but it is a timeless gift that will be cherished forever.
Gender-Reveal Gifts for Family
- Funny Family Matching T-Shirts
- Grandma/Grandpa Swag for Grandparents
- Big Brother/Big Sister Swag for Siblings
- Personalized Family Christmas Ornaments
Related Questions:
How Much To Spend on Baby Gifts?
Preparing a gift for a baby shower can be a lot of fun. Baby stuff is just too cute, and shopping for all the little things is a blast and can be nostalgic for some parents who no longer have babies.
However, it can also get a bit pricey! How much should you spend on a baby gift?
There are several things to consider when deciding how much to spend on a baby gift:
- Your income and budget
- How close you are to the parents-to-be
- The needs of the baby/parents-to-be
First and foremost, you do not want a gift to become a debt. Keep your gifts reasonable and within your budget.
The expecting parents will be grateful for anything you can give, even if it doesn’t seem like much. If you are able to spend more and want to, by all means, go ahead!
Baby gifts should also be more about meeting the needs of the baby rather than the cost. Take a look at the parents’ registry and see what practical gifts are still needed.
If you can spend more, buy a bigger gift such as a carrier or diaper bag. If you need to spend less, give diapers or swaddle blankets!
The final thing to consider is your relationship with the gift recipient. Is this a high school friend that you really don’t talk to that often, or is this your sister that you talk to every day?
Typically, it is appropriate to spend more money on a gift for someone with whom you have a closer relationship and give smaller gifts to acquaintances.
Who To Invite to a Gender-Reveal Party?
Gender Reveal Parties are typically for family members and a few of your closest friends. It is usually a smaller gathering than a baby shower.
Depending on the size of your family, anywhere between 10 and 20 guests is common.
Conclusion
Expecting a baby is an exciting time that comes with many celebrations. It can be hard to keep track of what is expected and the proper etiquette for each gathering.
Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of gender-reveal parties and can walk into your next one with confidence and ready to celebrate the new parents-to-be!
Charlynn is an educator and mom to fraternal boy/girl twins. She loves learning through the experiences she has with her littles and using her knowledge to help other moms as they embark on the journey of motherhood.