Gift Etiquette: Do's and Don'ts for Gender Reveal Parties

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Gift giving is an essential aspect of gender reveal parties. If you have been invited to one or are hosting one, there are a few gift etiquette do's and don'ts to keep in mind. Giving the perfect gift can be a challenging task, but these guidelines will help you choose the right gift while also avoiding any awkward situations.

Do bring a gift that can be used by both parents-to-be. Whether it is a fun-filled baby activity book, a diaper cake, or a baby carrier, gifting something practical and useful for both Mom and Dad-to-be is a great option. Moreover, avoid choosing gifts that include pink or blue colors since the present should not disclose the baby’s gender until the big reveal.

Don't feel obligated to bring a gift. While it is customary to bring a gift to a gender reveal party, it is not mandatory. If your budget does not afford a gift or if you’re unsure what to bring, do not stress over it. Instead, bring your enthusiasm to celebrate this exciting moment with the couple.

Do consider the couple’s wishes. Some couples prefer to not receive presents and ask guests to make donations to their favored charity or bring the book they think would be excellent for a child's library. Before buying anything, ask the expecting couple what they prefer so that you’re aware of their wishes beforehand.

Overall, remember that your presence to celebrate the couple is more important than any present you could ever give. Nonetheless, keeping these thoughtful and caring do’s and don’ts in mind will not only show your appreciation and care but also guarantee that the party goes as flawlessly as planned.


Gift Etiquette Do's and Don'ts for Gender Reveal Parties

Gender reveal parties are a great way for expecting couples to celebrate the upcoming arrival of their little one with their loved ones. These parties usually involve games, food, and of course, gifts. If you’re attending or hosting a gender reveal party, here are some do’s and don’ts of gift-giving that you should keep in mind:

Do: Bring a Gift That Can Be Used by Both Parents-To-Be

When choosing a gift for a gender reveal party, it's important to consider a present that would be useful to both parents-to-be. This could be something practical like a parenting book, baby carrier, diaper cake, or even a subscription to a diaper delivery service. Make sure to steer clear of anything that reveals the baby’s gender as the big reveal should be left for the parents.

A helpful tip is to keep the mom and dad-to-be personalities and lifestyles in mind when selecting a gift. Some parents may prefer practical items such as strollers and high chairs, while others may value sentimental and homemade items such as a handmade blanket or keepsake box.

Your gift will be appreciated if it’s something both parents can use while taking care of their little one.

Don't: Feel Obligated to Bring a Gift

It is customary to bring a gift to a gender reveal party, but it's not always required. Don't feel pressured to bring a gift if you cannot afford it or aren't sure what to bring. Remember, your presence and support at the party means more than the gift itself. Take this opportunity to embrace this momentous event with much enthusiasm and love.

If you cannot bring a gift, it’s not the end of the world. You can always offer your help and support to the couple during their pregnancy journey and after the baby is born.

Do: Consider the Couple’s Wishes

It's essential to respect the couple's wishes when it comes to gift-giving. You may want to coordinate with other guests or check with the expectant parents beforehand to ensure that you're not giving them something they don't want or need.

Some couples may opt-out of gift-giving, and instead request donations to their preferred charity, or have a book drive for their child's library. At times like these, try to honor their decision by finding ways to make charitable donations, book purchases in their child’s name, or other creative means to commemorate their special day.

Avoid any situation that may cause disappointment or discomfort by respecting the couple’s requests and preferences.

Do: Be Cautious About Revealing the Gender

The focal point of gender reveal parties is announcing the gender of the baby. Therefore, it's important to be cautious about your gift selection, especially if it’s clothing, toys, or other baby items that include pink or blue colors.

If you do choose to give baby items as a gift and you are unsure about gender-neutral options, opt for yellow, green, gray, or white-colored items to keep things neutral yet special.

Don't: Forget the Parents’ Needs

While it's fun to give cute presents and imaginative baby gear, it's also essential to remember that new parents will need extra support too. Parenting can be overwhelming, and babies require a lot of attention, energy, and patience. Therefore, consider getting mom and dad-to-be something that will allow them to relax and enjoy some downtime. It could be a massage gift certificate, a gourmet food delivery service, or even cleaning services.

It's important to recognize that parents have other essential needs beyond the baby required for their well-being, and these kinds of gifts will be much appreciated in the long run.

Do: Personalize Your Gift

Personalized presents make great gender-reveal gifts. Unique and customized items like an engraved picture frame, a monogrammed baby blanket, or a hand-made wooden toy crate can create lasting memories and become cherished keepsakes for the parents and the baby alike.

You can also get creative with DIY projects like a baby scrapbook or fillable balloon arch for a fun and unique gender reveal experience. Personalized gifts give an extra special touch and show how much you care.

Don't: Overwhelm the Parents-to-Be with Gifts

Remember that parents-to-be will be receiving gifts from various people, so try not to overdo it. Instead of buying multiple smaller gifts, consider getting one significant item that will stand out from the others.

This approach ensures that your present leaves a meaningful impact and guarantees that the parents will receive fewer duplicate gifts. Your generosity, no matter how big or small, is much appreciated, and it’s the thought that counts.

Do: Have Fun with Gift-Giving

Lastly, remember the primary point of gift-giving at gender reveal parties is to have fun with it. Celebrate the upcoming arrival of a new life with exciting new items and shared moments, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Whether you’re a guest or a host, use gift-giving as an opportunity to come together with friends and family to support and love the expecting couple. At the end of the day, the best gift you can give the parents-to-be is your love and support for their new journey with a little one on board.

Comparison Table: Gender Reveal Gift Ideas

Gift Ideas Usefulness Personal Touch Budget-Friendly
Parenting books High Low Yes
Baby carriers High Low No
Diaper Cake Medium Medium Yes
Baby subscription service High Low-Medium No
Child’s library book drive High High Yes
Cleaning services High Low No

The comparison table above shows some practical and thoughtful gift ideas that guests can consider for gender reveal parties. These gifts are categorized based on three main factors - usefulness, personal touch, and budget-friendly.

Gift-givers can choose which category to prioritize, depending on their preference and relationship with the expectant parents. For example, if you desire something practical, parenting books or baby carriers could be an excellent option. If personal touch is critical, a monogrammed blanket or hand-made wooden toy crate might be just what you're looking for.

Additionally, there are many budget-friendly options available such as a diaper cake, child's library book drive, or even cleaning services. Regardless of your choice, these presents are sure to help the expectant parents feel appreciated and loved.

Final Thoughts

Gifting for gender reveal parties can be a fun and exciting way to celebrate the upcoming arrival of a new child with friends and family. Remember to be mindful of the gift etiquette do’s and don’ts to avoid any awkward situations, and always prioritize the couple's wishes as they are ultimately the ones who will be taking care of the little one.

Your presence and support are more important than any material presents you could ever give, but thoughtful and creative gift ideas will be genuinely appreciated. Whether it's a gift that supports new parents, personalized presents, or something in-between, make sure to choose a gift that will help celebrate this beautiful and unique moment towards this new chapter.


Thank you for taking the time to read our article about Gift Etiquette: Do's and Don'ts for Gender Reveal Parties. We hope that you found it informative and helpful in navigating the sometimes confusing world of gift-giving at these types of events.

Remember, when attending a gender reveal party, it is important to follow certain do's and don'ts when it comes to gifts. Do bring a gift if you are able to and if there is not already a specific request for no gifts. Don't feel like you have to spend a lot of money on a gift, as it is the thought that counts. And always respect the wishes of the parents-to-be regarding the reveal of the baby's gender.

When in doubt, it never hurts to ask the host or hostess for guidance on what type of gift would be appropriate. But most importantly, enjoy the celebration of new life and the excitement of finding out the gender of the little one to come!


Gender reveal parties have become a popular way to celebrate the upcoming arrival of a new baby. However, with the growing popularity of these parties, it's important to be aware of proper gift etiquette. Below are some common questions people ask about gift etiquette for gender reveal parties:

1. Should I bring a gift to a gender reveal party?

  • While it's not mandatory to bring a gift to a gender reveal party, it's a nice gesture to bring something small for the parents-to-be.
  • Consider bringing a unisex gift or one that is appropriate for the gender that the baby will be revealed to be.

2. Is it appropriate to bring a gag gift to a gender reveal party?

  • It's important to remember that a gender reveal party is a celebration of the upcoming arrival of a new baby.
  • Gag gifts can be inappropriate and disrespectful, so it's best to stick with a thoughtful and practical gift.

3. Should I wait until after the gender reveal to purchase a gift?

  • It's perfectly fine to purchase a gift before the gender reveal party, especially if you know the gender of the baby.
  • If you're unsure of the gender, consider waiting until after the reveal to purchase a gift.

4. What are some appropriate gift ideas for a gender reveal party?

  • Baby clothes or accessories that are appropriate for the revealed gender
  • A gift card to a baby store or retailer
  • A personalized keepsake or piece of artwork for the nursery

5. Is it okay to give cash as a gift at a gender reveal party?

  • While cash is always appreciated, it's best to consider a more thoughtful gift for a gender reveal party.
  • If you're unsure of what to give, a gift card or practical item for the baby is a great option.

By following proper gift etiquette, you can ensure that the parents-to-be feel appreciated and celebrated during their gender reveal party.