Goodbye Weird, Hello Whimsical
Babies are a cause for celebration! What better way to ring in their arrival than with an adorable gender reveal for you and all your loved ones? We’re so glad you asked because we rounded up 10 of the worst ideas and 10 of the best.
1. Confetti Cannons
Confetti cannons are popular at most gender reveals, but they’re also one of the messiest ways to deliver the news. It’s one thing if you plan to pick up the pieces, but leaving plastic confetti in parks or in the snow isn’t very considerate. Not only that but a lot of these cannons malfunction and lead to injury.
2. Inflatable Baby Suits
Some people find it funny, other people find it weird—either way, running around as a giant inflatable baby probably isn’t the best reveal. That said, it’s pretty funny to watch two people fight in those suits.
3. Anything With Fireworks
There’s no scenario where amateur fireworks are safe. While we don’t need to rehash the damage done by this type of gender reveal, let’s all just agree to keep pyrotechnics out of it. Your guests and the planet will thank you.
Chansereypich Seng on Unsplash
4. Inappropriate Themes
Inappropriate items are best reserved for adult parties (and they’re still cringy there). There’s nothing stranger than announcing a baby’s gender with nauseating cake designs or inflatable anatomy you then take pictures with.
5. Piñatas
Another popular choice among gender reveal parties, piñatas only sound good in theory. It’s not the best idea to blindfold expectant mothers and place a giant stick in their hands. The same goes for their partner—one wrong move and it’s a catastrophe!
6. Public Settings
There’s nothing inherently wrong with public parties, but it all depends on courtesy. Too often, restaurant staff and public workers are left to clean up giant messes made by confetti, smoke powder, or silly string.
7. Anything too Extravagant
It’s great to be excited! But expectant parents don’t need skywriting or extravagant gender reveal parties. Stuff like that is way too expensive and most people think it’s way too over the top.
8. Gender Reveal Baseball
Many couples use baseballs to announce their baby’s gender—and many couples injure themselves. At the end of the day, with a pregnant mother and people’s parents in tow, it’s easier to leave this behind for something less dangerous.
9. Colored Powder
It’s not that we hate colored powder, it’s that people leave a huge mess! Sweep up any debris if you’re announcing the gender in public. The last thing that poor waitstaff needs is an entire booth covered in pink powder.
10. Wheel Burnouts
Burnouts are dangerous, messy, and can result in flames. Not only that, they also damage your tires’ tread and put undue stress on the engine. Smoke tires are also expensive! All in all, it’s a bad idea.
Don’t worry! You can still reveal your baby’s gender in style, all without a huge mess or fire hazard.
1. Cupcakes
There’s a reason so many couples opt for tasty cupcakes. Whether you’re at home or in a restaurant, this simple treat is an adorable way to share the news. The best part? The only cleanup is on your face!
2. Balloons
Balloons are a cute, affordable choice with several options available. Couples can use an archway, they can announce the gender on the balloons themselves, or they can pull drop-down banners. You can also grab those big black balloons with confetti, but we find they’re a little hard to pop!
3. Lightsaber
Is one of you a nerd at heart? It’s lightsabers to the rescue! They’re a fun, no-mess option that lets you feel like a kid again. It’s an affordable prop too, so you don’t have to worry about splurging.
4. Word Search Reveal
Everyone loves a good-natured game. Get the party started with a gender reveal word search—it’s a simple way to share the love, all with the added excitement of people finishing first and holding in the answer.
5. Handprint Art
All you need for this is a touch of paint and a basic white tee. The blindfolded mama-to-be puts on the shirt and her blindfolded partner dips their hands in colored paint. They then leave a handprint on mommy’s belly and both remove their blindfolds to see what’s in store!
6. Breakable Chocolate
If cupcakes aren’t your thing, satisfy your sugar craving with a chocolate heart. Some chocolatiers sell white hearts filled with pink or blue candy, and it’s literally the sweetest way to find out the gender.
7. Scavenger Hunt
Celebrating in a big way? A scavenger hunt recruits everyone into the fun. Whether it’s for the adults in your life or a baby’s older siblings, scatter clues around the party for them to find. The anticipation only builds as the game goes on!
8. Reveal Box
Reveal boxes are yet another way our handy balloons come in. However, couples can fill reveal boxes with anything from outfits, knit booties, stuffed animals, or confetti. They’re truly whatever you choose to make them.
9. Christmas Crackers
Plenty of parties take place around the holidays, so why not introduce a fun Christmas tradition? Grab crackers for either you and your partner or everyone in attendance; you can then count down and pop open the surprise together!
10. Umbrella
Why pop a confetti cannon when rose petals and umbrellas exist? You don’t need more than pink or blue petals and a simple umbrella for this amazing reveal—you and your partner stand beneath it, open it, and get showered in the surprise!
