Fun Ways To Reveal Your Baby’s Gender

Aside from announcing you’re expecting, telling friends and family you’re having a boy or a girl is the next big piece of news. Some parents still wait for the big day while others prefer to know ahead of time. Phone calls, email, and social media are options to let people know, but for those who want to add some excitement, throw a party or get some balloons. Choose clever and creative ways to announce to your social circle — or even to your spouse — whether you are having a boy or a girl.

Who doesn’t love cake? A delicious way to surprise parents-to-be and friends is a gender-themed cake. Have your local bakery bake pink or blue cake disguised with frosting. Reveal the baby’s gender once you slice into it. “Cake is great because it creates an instant party atmosphere,” says Jessica Gottlieb, a Los Angeles-based parenting expert and blogger.

A little friendly competition never hurt anyone. Invite your friends and family to a guessing party. As they arrive, have guests pin either mustaches or bows to themselves. Give the winning team a gender-themed prize, such as pink or blue macaroons, candles, or flowers. Guests are not the only winners. “What’s great about guessing parties is people bring gender-neutral gifts,” said Gottlieb, who has been featured on Dr. Phil, CNN, and in the New York Times. “You won’t end up swimming in a sea of pink or blue.”

T-shirts are a great way to announce a baby’s gender. Have a tee made saying “Daddy’s Little Girl” to gift a first-time dad. You can also get the whole family involved. “It’s really important to get the older sibling ready for baby,” said Gottlieb. A “Best Big Bother” or “Best Big Sister” tee is a great way to include your older children in the fun.

Tie a big, red bow around a box and what do you get? A fabulous gift! When your spouse or kids open the box, a bunch of helium-filled pink or blue balloons will be released to reveal the baby’s gender. “Balloons are fun,” said Gottlieb. “Adults love them and if it’s announcing your second child, balloons keep toddlers busy and happy for hours.” If space is an issue, a single balloon in a box is just as effective.

Need to be stealth? Add to the enjoyment with an element of surprise. Pick out two gender-specific onesies. Hand both to the cashier, along with an envelope from your doctor that contains the word “boy” or “girl.” The store clerk will read the gender and wrap up the correct onesie. Open with friends or family at a dinner or special occasion like Christmas. “Can you imagine being the store clerk?” asked Gottlieb. “I’d about die from excitement if someone let me be part of the best baby reveal ever.”

Leave the duck and baby bottle motifs behind. Throw a Mexican-themed fiesta to announce your baby’s gender. Bright colors, mock margaritas, tacos, and a piñata filled with only pink or blue candy will add to the festivities. “Piñatas aren’t just for kids anymore,” said Gottlieb. “Who doesn’t want candy raining down on them?”

Baby showers are a great time to reveal the gender of your baby … to yourself! Give the friend or family member who is hosting your shower a sealed envelope from your doctor. Inside the envelope is the baby’s gender. The host can array the shower in a pink or blue theme, which is revealed to you when you walk through the door. If you can wait a little longer, have them keep the theme neutral and learn the baby’s gender when you open gifts. “This is a great reveal for the mom-to-be who appreciates delayed gratification,” said Gottlieb.

Put away the iPhone for a romantic date night with your spouse. Light a fire, make some hot cocoa, and play Scrabble. You may have to cheat a little to get the right letters, but it will be well worth it when you spell out “It’s a boy.”

Said Gottlieb, “Obviously everyone wins this game.”