30 Gender Reveal Ideas We Love
Family, friends, co-workers, strangers you meet in the grocery store—enquiring minds want to know: Boy or a girl? And parents these days aren’t just providing an answer, they’re revealing it in unique and special ways. There are lots of baby gender reveal ideas out there, and choosing the one that’s right for you and your growing family can feel daunting. You may feel the pressure to make it unique and special. Whether you want to throw a giant gender reveal party or craft creative social media posts that reveal baby’s gender, there’s something for everyone on this comprehensive list, from the sweet and simple to the utterly dramatic.
Just remember: If you want to be surprised as well, ask a trusted friend to get the results from your doctor and arrange the reveal details for you!
We get it—planning a gender reveal party can be tricky, and as an expectant parent you already have a lot on your plate. Here’s how we did the research for you:
- We scoured the internet for inspiration. When sourcing options, we considered a list of criteria, such as cost, mess-factor and, most importantly, safety.
- We also read user reviews to understand how shoppable gender reveal products worked for real families.
- We took to social media to find unique, creative gender reveal ideas, including DIY gender reveal ideas, and popular gender reveal themes that influencers and and parents alike are loving right now.
Editorial integrity is at the heart of everything we publish. Read more about how The Bump develops product reviews.
Halloween-themed gender reveal
Love the spooky season? This handmade pumpkin surprise ball is a fun, low-key way to reveal your baby’s gender at a fall gathering or Halloween party. Wrapped in layers of crepe paper, each turn adds a little suspense until the final reveal: pink or blue confetti tucked inside with a simple tag that says boy or girl. It's a playful, hands-on moment your guests will love—and one you’ll remember.
How It Works
Guests take turns unwrapping the pumpkin, one layer at a time. At the center, they'll uncover confetti and a tag that reveals the big news.
Gender reveal with confetti cannons
Add a burst of color to your gender reveal with these confetti poppers—designed to deliver a simple and celebratory moment that’s as photogenic as it is fun. Whether you’re handing them out to guests or saving the moment for just the two of you, these single-use poppers release a cloud of pink or blue confetti with a satisfying pull. The effect? A joyful, can't-miss reveal that’s ready for the camera.
How It Works
Each popper comes pre-filled with pink or blue confetti. Just hold firmly and pull according to the included instructions to launch the surprise safely into the air.
Gender reveal baseball
Looking for a gender reveal option that’s sure to be a home run? This powder-filled baseball makes it easy to turn your big moment into a game-day highlight. Have guests wear pink or blue to show their guesses, then step up to the plate and swing for the surprise. You can also opt for a football, soccer ball or hockey puck if that’s more your style. No matter the sport, it’s a high-energy reveal with built-in photo ops.
How It Works
The ball is pre-filled with non-toxic pink or blue powder. Simply pitch and hit, and the ball will break open on impact, revealing the color in a dramatic cloud.
Gender reveal using silly string
Want a gender reveal that’s playful and low-key? This Silly String gender reveal idea is equal parts surprise and laughter. Wrap the cans in decorative paper so no one knows which color they’re holding, and then count down and spray away. The photos pretty much take care of themselves.
How It Works
Choose the appropriate color, cover the cans with paper to keep the color a secret, hand them out to your guests and spray all at once for a colorful, laugh-filled reveal.
Breakable chocolate gender reveal
Want a reveal that’s a little extra, but in the best way? This breakable chocolate heart is part dessert, part surprise and all celebration. It’s crafted from rich chocolate and filled with pink or blue candies. Whether announcing the news to friends and family or capturing a quiet moment at home, a gender reveal is a celebration that delivers a little drama, a little indulgence, and a whole lot of fun. Bonus– once the big moment is over, you’ve got the perfect sweet treat to share—or keep all to yourself!
How It Works
Use the included mallet to break open the hollow chocolate heart and reveal pink or blue candies inside.
Confetti balloon gender reveal
If you’re looking for a simple and effective gender reveal idea, this poppable balloon kit makes it easy to create a special moment. The set includes a large black balloon (plus a backup), gold satin ribbon and packs of both blue and pink biodegradable confetti. Whether you’re celebrating with close family or sharing the moment virtually, this kit helps you reveal your baby’s gender with minimal fuss and cleanup.
How It Works
Fill the black balloon with either the pink or blue confetti, tie it off with the included gold ribbon, and pop it when you’re ready for the big reveal. Once the balloon is popped, the confetti falls slowly and gracefully.
Bath bomb gender reveal
This adorable rubber ducky reveal is perched atop a white bath bomb, adding a cute touch to your celebration. Simply place the bath bomb in a bowl of water and watch as it dissolves, revealing baby’s sex.
How It Works
Set the bath bomb in water and let it dissolve. As it fizzes away, it will color the bath water pink or blue to reveal the gender.
Gender reveal piñata
Add some excitement to your celebration with this heart-shaped gender reveal piñata. Filled with vibrant pink or blue confetti, it’s designed for one memorable moment. When the piñata bursts open, revealing your baby’s gender in a shower of color. Perfect for outdoor parties or any gathering that calls for a fun, interactive reveal.
How It Works
Hang the piñata, take turns pulling strings or swinging until it breaks open, and watch the confetti spill out to reveal pink or blue.
Gender reveal candle
For a more intimate and personal way to find out baby’s gender, this surprise reveal candle is a beautiful choice. With a slow reveal as the candle melts, it’s a sweet, subtle moment perfect for just the two of you, or—since it’s small, giftable and easy to ship—a thoughtful way to include loved ones who can’t be there in person.
How It Works
Light the candle and watch as it burns down to reveal a hidden message beneath the wax—either “It’s a boy” or “It’s a girl.” Burn time for reveal varies but typically should appear approximately 1-2 hours after lighting.
Gender reveal shirts
Add a personal twist to your big moment by showing up in themed gender reveal shirts. These “Team Stashes” and “Team Lashes” tees are a fun way to get everyone guessing. Bonus points? They make for great group photos before the big reveal! For a dramatic moment, keep the final answer hidden, then unbox and slip on the “correct” shirt in front of your guests to drop your big news in style! Whether you're outfitting the whole party or just the parents-to-be, these shirts add a coordinated touch to the celebration and double as a keepsake for after the party.
How It Works
Pick a team, wear your guess, and reveal the real answer by changing into (or unveiling) the matching shirt once the gender is announced.
Word search gender reveal
Looking for a fun, easy way to get guests involved? This printable gender reveal word search adds a playful moment to your celebration. The puzzle is filled with the words boy and girl—but there's a catch: one of them appears just one more time than the other, subtly revealing the baby's gender. It’s an interactive and lighthearted way to build excitement, perfect for both in-person parties and virtual celebrations. Since it’s a digital download, you can print as many copies as you need or send it to long-distance friends and family to join in the fun from afar.
How It Works
Guests search for all the hidden “boy” and “girl” words. Whichever appears more often is the answer!
Tic tac toe gender reveal
Looking for a lighthearted way to get everyone involved and guessing baby’s gender? This adorable tic tac toe game includes everything you need to create a playful, interactive moment at your party.
How It Works
Set up the board, place the cards one by one, and reveal the winning row—five pink cards means a girl, five blue cards means a boy.
Balloon pop gender reveal
Like a classic dart-throwing booth, this balloon-popping game brings carnival fun to your gender reveal party. Guests take turns aiming to pop balloons attached to a board, most of which are filled with white powder, but one contains the pink or blue powder that reveals your baby’s gender. It’s an interactive, lively way to build excitement and keep everyone involved. The thrill comes with each pop, culminating in the colorful reveal that makes for a memorable moment.
How It Works
Fill one balloon with pink or blue powder and the others with white, then blow them up and secure them to a board. Players take turns popping balloons until the reveal balloon bursts, releasing the colored powder and announcing the big news.
Gender reveal scratch-off cards
Want a hands-on way to share your big news, no matter the distance? These scratch-off cards are a perfect solution. Choose from ready-made designs or customize your own to add a personal touch. Simply mail the cards to family and friends far away, then wait for their excited calls once they reveal whether it’s a boy or a girl. One of my closest friends did this for her first baby—she was the first in our group to have a baby, and it was so much fun to FaceTime her and reveal the gender together, even from miles apart. Moments like these turn your gender reveal into a shared celebration, no matter where everyone is.
How It Works
Recipients scratch off the designated area on the card to reveal the hidden message, either “He” or “She.”
Gender reveal balloon release
We love this classic gender reveal idea that’s all about the visual moment! Fill the decorated cardboard box with helium balloons in pink or blue, then gather everyone around and lift the lid. As the balloons float up, so does the big news: it’s a boy or a girl. This setup is simple but high-impact, making it great for photos and video. Just be sure to keep the balloons indoors or tethered to avoid releasing them into the environment.
How It Works
Fill the box with helium balloons in your chosen reveal color, seal it up, and decorate as you like. When it’s time, open the box to let the color float up and share the news.
Gender reveal booties box
A sweet surprise that travels well, this gender reveal idea is perfect for loved ones who can’t be there in person. Pack up a pair of crocheted booties in either pink or blue, and mail them off. When the box is opened, your baby’s gender is revealed in the sweetest, handmade way. Whether it’s grandparents, siblings, or close friends across the country, this thoughtful touch makes them feel included in the moment, no matter the distance.
How It Works
Choose a pair of pink or blue crocheted booties, package them up, and send them to family or friends. When they open the box, they’ll get the news—no words necessary.
Gender reveal onesies in a box
A gender reveal onesie is a simple, sweet way to share the news. Whether you're opening the box in front of a party crowd or sending it to loved ones who can’t be there in person. Inside is a soft baby bodysuit printed with either “Oh Boy” or “Hey Girl,” no pink or blue necessary. Just open the box and let the words do the revealing. It’s an easy moment to stage, but one that still feels thoughtful and personal, especially when shared over video or delivered by mail.
How It Works
Place the gender-reveal onesie in a gift box and open it during your celebration or send it in the mail for family to unwrap the surprise themselves.
A gender reveal can take many forms, but put plainly, it’s an announcement that reveals the sex of your growing baby. There are several ways to find out baby’s sex ahead of birth—with non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) a blood test can reveal baby’s sex at the 10-week mark, although it’s important to note that this test isn’t 100 percent accurate and may not be covered by your insurance plan. Other options include chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis, which are slightly more invasive. Parents can also learn the sex of their baby at the 20-week ultrasound, although this relies on the fetus being in the correct position, so that the ultrasound technician can identify baby’s external genitals.
But whatever option you choose, you can let your care provider know if you’d like to find out the gender during the appointment or prefer to keep it as a surprise. You can also ask your ultrasound technician or doctor to write the results on a piece of paper and put it in a sealed envelope. That way, you can pass it on to a trusted friend or family member who’ll coordinate a gender reveal on your behalf.
There are no rules when it comes to planning a gender reveal. Some expectant parents prefer to do a private reveal or a social media post, while others use the news as an excuse to throw a party with their nearest and dearest.
If you plan to host a gender reveal party, timing is key. Where possible, set the date for two or three weeks after the anticipated results of your blood test or ultrasound. This gives you a window of time to account for delayed lab results or an unclear sonogram. In terms of guest list, invite whoever you want. Some parents choose to incorporate a gender reveal into their baby shower or sprinkle, but there’s nothing stopping you from hosting an entirely separate event.
Want to avoid a baby gender reveal fail? Skip the fireworks, sparklers and smoke bombs (or any other combustible material for that matter). It might sound like a spectacular show for your grand announcement, but this type of display can have dangerous consequences and is something that should be saved for the pros.
Now that we’ve covered a range of shoppable gender reveal ideas, below find a few party themes and DIY options to try. From sweet sibling-led reveals to baked delights, each of the options below are super-special.
Sibling hat reveal
Hunter Premo, a Nashville-based fashion influencer known for her vintage-boho aesthetic, embraced her western style with a gender reveal theme to match! During a casual gathering, the lifestyle influencer surprised her family with pink and blue hats, with their oldest child sporting a pink hat to announce the gender of her upcoming baby. We love this playful DIY idea that shows off mom-to-be’s personal style, includes the kids, and offers a clear, visual reveal. This is an excellent option for anyone planning a themed, family-first gender reveal party.
Closet-style gender reveal
Looking for a gender reveal idea that’s equal parts stylish and surprising? At the moment of truth, throw open the doors of a closet or wardrobe to reveal a perfectly curated closet of baby clothes—in pink or blue—offering a clear and adorable answer to the question: girl or boy? It’s a beautifully visual idea that feels intimate yet high-impact, and works especially well if you’re after a gender reveal that’s both camera-ready and easy to personalize.
Gender reveal manicure
Take your manicure to the next level with gender reveal nails. What’s that, you ask? A nail artist wowed the internet when she painted her nails pink and blue with a tiny fake cake atop her finger, then had a friend light the cake candle, which revealed either a blue or pink flame. We’re not actually suggesting you DIY this at home—leave it to the nail-painting pros. Still, you might consider getting your digits polished pink or blue as a little hint for your gender reveal party guests. Just remember to pick a pregnancy-safe option!
Gender reveal cupcakes
This is a cute idea for any gender reveal party. To play up the “bun in the oven” pun, bake cupcakes colored with pink or blue food dye in the center (or commission a friend to do the task for you). Bite into your cupcake to get the ultimate surprise. Add cupcake toppers and colorful sprinkles for an extra dollop of fun.
Gender reveal filtered ultrasound
If you like editing and filtering photos, then you’ll love doing the same with baby’s ultrasound pic. Add blue or pink effects and emojis to the sonogram. Then email it to friends and family or blast it on social media and watch the likes roll in.
Gender reveal cake
Looking for another sweet gender reveal idea? Ask your favorite baker to create a blue or pink cake, topped with vanilla or chocolate frosting. When it’s time for cake, gather everyone around the table as you make that first slice with a flourish—and show everyone what you’re having.
Gender reveal paint guns
These proud parents-to-be wore white to their gender reveal party and armed their friends with paint guns filled with pink or blue paint. As guests went to town, they also discovered: It’s a boy! It’s one of the most creative gender reveal ideas we’ve come across. Just be careful and don’t get hurt in the process.
Gender reveal guessing game
What’s a gender reveal party without gender reveal games? Here’s an easy one for you: Have guests write their guesses down on slips of paper. Before they leave, announce what you’ll be having. Those who guessed right win a prize. This is also a great twin gender reveal idea!
Gender reveal punch
Here’s a tasty but simple gender reveal idea. Your party guests will know what you’re having once you serve them a drink—either pink lemonade or Blue Hawaiian Punch. Fun and sugary sweet!
Gender reveal pictures
One of the best gender reveal ideas is to gather your family together for a memorable photo. Say cheese and have a friend or photographer click. Don’t forget the gender reveal sign or gender reveal balloons! Another option is to have the kids surprise you with the news to capture your raw reaction on camera.
DIY shirt gender reveal
We love this creative gender reveal idea for families expecting baby #2. For a fun twist on a maternity photoshoot, wear a white tee, then have your child dip their hands in blue or pink paint. Shoot one pic showing their little hands on your belly, and the next revealing the color of the handprints.
Gender reveal smoke bombs or powder cannons
If you’re searching for cool gender reveal ideas, you’ve probably come upon some theatrical smoke bomb or powder cannon options. They can certainly present a dramatic effect. Guests gather outdoors, and someone lets loose a smoke bomb in pink or blue. It may sound like the ultimate Instagram opportunity, but this popular gender reveal idea can have dangerous consequences. (We’re sure you’ve heard about some gender reveals gone seriously awry!) If you choose a smoke bomb option, use extreme caution and follow directions carefully.
Gender reveal ultrasound party
In all honesty, most medical experts aren’t super keen on this gender reveal idea, since things can get kinda squishy. You might not be able to have a bumping gender reveal ultrasound party per se, but your practice may allow you to invite a future grandma and grandpa into the exam room. Some couples say they cherished the opportunity to have loved ones with them as they discovered their baby’s sex during the mid-pregnancy ultrasound.
About the writer:
Christine Carpenter is a New York-based writer and mom of two little boys. With a background in product development and a keen eye for design and creativity, she brings thoughtful, real-world insight to all things parenting. From clever gender reveal ideas to practical gear recommendations, Christine enjoys helping families discover meaningful and fun ways to celebrate significant moments. She regularly contributes to The Bump, where she shares parent-approved inspiration to help others make confident, joy-filled choices.
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