A gift is optional, not an obligation. Below, we explain gender reveal gift-giving etiquette to help you decide whether to bring a present and what to choose if you do.
What is a gender reveal party and how does it differ from a baby shower?
This is a party where you reveal the gender of your baby. It is attended by family and friends in a relaxed atmosphere. It differs from a baby shower in many ways. This includes;
- Less Formal — A gender reveal party is more relaxed and less formal than a baby shower. The dress code for a reveal is smart casual while for a baby shower you are expected to dress up.
- Men and Women Attend — It’s common to invite men and women to the gender reveal party. While traditionally the etiquette of a baby shower is only to invite women. But these days more and more men are being invited to attend the shower.
- No Games — A gender reveal party is less structured and doesn’t have the kind of games you have at baby shower.
- Gift-giving differences — The cost of the gift will be more for the baby shower than for the gender reveal. But it isn’t compulsory to bring a gift to either. The hosts have invited you to celebrate this time with them, not to get presents from you.
Do you bring a present to a gender reveal party?
In Australia, you don’t need to bring a present to a gender reveal party. If you’d like to give something, a small, thoughtful gift that suits your budget is enough. You may prefer to save your gift for a baby shower or after the baby arrives. If the hosts have requested no gifts, respect their wishes.
What type of present should you bring to a gender reveal celebration?
If you choose to bring a gift, focus on something useful that fits your budget. Here are a few things to consider:
- Gender Neutral — As you won’t know the gender of the baby it’s best to stick with a unisex present. Stay with neutral earthy colours and you can’t go wrong.
- Age appropriate — Buy something that the parents-to-be will use in the first 3 months after the baby is born. This way they can use it straight away and not worry about storing it for later.
- Practical — There is no use in buying something that won’t be used no matter how stylish it is. Make sure the gift you buy is practical.
Gender Reveal Gift Ideas
If you choose to bring a gender reveal gift, some presents you can buy are:
- Pregnancy Journal – A useful diary where the mum to be can record all her appointments, shopping lists, things to do, photos, and pregnancy updates.
- Booties – Super cute and can be used straight away once the baby is born.
- Beanie – Another item that will be used after birth, a beanie will keep the baby’s head warm.
- Nappies – New parents can never have enough nappies so gifting these are the perfect present.
- Bibs – With the amount of drool and spit up a baby produces’ having a few bibs when the baby is born will be ideal.
We hope you have found this article helpful. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.
This article was written by Luisa Figueroa. She is the owner, designer and maker of the My Little Love Heart range of baby presents and accessories.