Of late, gender reveals have become the go-to celebration for expectant couples looking to have fun while revealing their baby’s gender. But, since they’re a relatively recent phenomenon, invitees often wonder whether they’re expected to arrive at these casual get-togethers with a gift in tow.
Short Answer
You don’t have to bring a gift to a gender reveal party. On the contrary, and unlike baby showers, it’s entirely up to you whether or not to get a gift.
With that said, guests usually decide to bring one anyway despite having absolutely no clue about the baby’s gender. Thus, you’ll have to keep some things in mind if you deem a gift necessary. Read on to find out what these things might be!
Things to Take Into Consideration When Buying a Gender Reveal Party Gift
Now that you’re aware that gifts aren’t a must when attending a gender reveal party, here are some things you need to consider if you decide to bring one anyway. So let’s get into it.
Gender Reveal Etiquette
Gender reveal parties are casual and intimate get-togethers, so the couple’s guest list will mostly consist of family and closest friends. As such, invitees get a pass for showing up empty-handed.
With that said, you might want to consider getting a gift if you’re not very close with the couple; they’ll definitely appreciate the polite gesture.
Additionally, at gender reveal parties, no one -sometimes not even the parents- knows the baby’s gender. So it’d be better to bring a gift for the parents-to-be and save the baby’s gift for the baby shower. By then, you’ll be better equipped to choose an appropriate gift since the baby’s gender would be common knowledge to everyone.
Finally, some expecting couples may decide to throw their gender reveal party and baby shower on the same day. In such a case, you’ll be expected to show up with a gift for the baby no matter what. Also, try to steer clear of any gender-specific gifts; you’ll save yourself a potentially embarrassing unboxing session.
What Do Guests Bring to a Gender Reveal Party?
For the most part, guests usually bring gifts for the expecting couple, whether separately (for the mom alone or the dad alone) or jointly (as a couple).
And the gifts mainly fall under one of two categories: items that can be used during what’s left of the pregnancy and items to be used after giving birth.
Either way, the most thoughtful gifts are ones that help to ease the stress of raising a newborn or that serve as an excellent memento marking the occasion. So, things like gift cards, printed goods, or edible treats won’t go unappreciated.
However, some guests do prefer to bring a gift specifically for the baby. So if you’re one of them, make sure to avoid the colors pink and blue and get something gender-neutral like a baby blanket.
Lastly, it’s recommended to avoid bringing alcohol as a gift. After all, expectant women refrain from drinking while pregnant, so it’d be rather tone deaf to turn up with a bottle of wine in hand.
Gender Reveal Gift Ideas
Now that you’re a little more familiar with the dos and don’ts of gender reveal parties, here are some gift ideas to get you started.
Gender Reveal Gift for Dad
Although mums-to-be tend to receive the bulk of gifts at gender reveal parties, it’s not uncommon for the dads-to-be to receive gifts as well. Therefore, choose a gift that speaks to the future dad’s pride as a father-in-the-making.
For example, you could give him a beer mug, a t-shirt, or another item with the words “Best Dad Ever” printed on it. Such gifts make an excellent memento for his newfound status as a father.
You could also present him with a baby milestone diary that’ll keep him engaged in the parenting process or a digital camera to use in capturing memories. All in all, aim for gifts that emphasize his engagement and bonding with the baby.
Gender Reveal Gift Ideas for Parents
If you happen to be the parents of the expecting couple, there are ways to make your gift even more special than the other guests. And here are some of them.
Expectant-mums tend to appreciate gifts that help with relaxation, so consider getting your daughter/daughter-in-law some scented candles and bath bombs or a gift card for a spa treatment. And if you’re thinking a little farther ahead, edible treats can also make an incredibly thoughtful gift; the mom-to-be will definitely appreciate them when she starts having those pregnancy cravings.
And if you want something tasteful to present to the couple jointly, consider giving the parents-to-be matching “Mum” and “Dad” mugs or t-shirts. They’re perfect for celebrating the couple’s new status and commemorating the occasion beautifully. For something a little more generic, you could also buy a nice photo frame.
Gender Reveal Gift Ideas for Grandparents
Couples whose parents are on the guest list, this one is for you! Don’t leave the new grandparents out of the festivities! Instead, celebrate them with t-shirts, mugs, or other items emblazoned with clever phrases that announce their new status. Phrases like “Best Grandpa/ Grandma Ever” will be great captions.
Gender Reveal Gift Bag Ideas
As a last resort, guests can also get the expecting couple a gift bag; consider a gift bag filled with candies, printed merchandise sporting “Team Boy” or “Team Girl,” and a small teddy bear, along with other assorted goodies.
Usually, couples tend to plan and host their gender reveal parties themselves. However, in rare instances, those duties might be entrusted to a friend or a family member. So if you’re the one tasked with planning the gender reveal party, consider handing out a lovely gift bag for each of the guests to take home as a keepsake.
Summary and Recap
To sum up, it’s not mandatory to bring a gift to a gender reveal party. However, if you decide to get one anyway, you’d be better off gifting it to the couple jointly or focusing on the parent-to-be of your choice.
Also, as a rule of thumb, delay getting gifts for the baby until the baby shower. However, if you insist on getting something for the baby, make sure it’s a gender-neutral or a unisex gift.