Gender reveal parties have become a lovely way for expectant parents to share a special milestone with their nearest and dearest. They are also a lovely way for family and friends to get together to celebrate the impending arrival one last time before he or she arrives! Whether you’ve been invited to your first reveal or you’re planning one yourself, it’s completely normal to wonder what actually happens, what you should bring, and what the etiquette is.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, in a relaxed, no-stress way, so you can focus on celebrating the exciting news. There are also some tips in here for those looking to plan a gender reveal party too!
What Is a Gender Reveal Party?
A gender reveal party is a celebration where the parents-to-be share the gender of their baby with friends and family, usually through a fun surprise activity. In the UK, these gatherings are typically more low-key than some of the extravagant versions you might see online or over in the USA. Think: cake cutting, balloon popping, confetti cannons, or opening a box filled with coloured balloons. Its all fun and games and it gets everyone involved in guessing what the gender might be before the reveal. Some people might even get guests to write in a book or say on video what their prediction is before the big reveal.
The main goal isn’t spectacle, it’s sharing joy and getting to enjoy a special moment with the parents to be.
What Usually Happens at a UK Gender Reveal?
While every family does things slightly differently, most gender reveal parties follow a simple flow:
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Arrival & Mingling – Guests arrive, chat, and enjoy drinks or light snacks.
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Games or Guessing (optional) – Some hosts include prediction cards or fun games like “Team Pink or Team Blue”.
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The Big Reveal Moment – The highlight! This might involve:
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Cutting a cake with coloured sponge or filling
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Popping a balloon filled with confetti
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Smoke cannons outdoors
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Opening a surprise box
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Food & Celebration – More chatting, photos, and enjoying the moment together. Food is often kept to party-type food that can be eaten with hands whilst chatting and having fun.
Most UK reveals last around 2–3 hours and feel similar to a relaxed afternoon gathering.
Do You Bring a Gift?
This is one of the most common questions, and the honest answer is it depends, and like most gatherings, you have been invited because they want YOU there. Gifts are usually just a bonus, so if you cannot bring a gift for whatever reason, don't let that be the reason you don't attend.
Unlike baby showers, gifts are not always expected at a gender reveal in the UK. Many guests simply bring a card or a small token. This is especially true if the parents-to-be are also having a baby shower.
If you’re unsure, consider:
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How close are you to the parents?
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Whether a baby shower is planned later
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Any hints on the invitation
If you do want to bring a gift to the gender reveal party, keep it small and thoughtful.
Lovely Gift Ideas (If You Want to Bring One)
You don’t need to know the baby’s sex beforehand; many gifts can be neutral or if you don't want to buy clothing, you could always go for a soft toy or blanket instead.
Safe and popular options:
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Soft toys
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Baby grows in neutral colours
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Muslin cloths
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Baby blankets
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Board books
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Keepsake items (memory boxes, milestone cards)
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Mum-to-be pampering treats (candles, bath products, chocolates)
A sweet handwritten card is always appreciated too as are vouchers and practical gifts such as nappies and wipes etc, we all know you can never have too many nappies and wipes right!
What Should You Wear?
There’s usually no formal dress code unless the invitation specifies one.
Typical UK gender reveal attire:
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Casual but tidy
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Comfortable for standing or garden settings
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Weather-appropriate (especially if outdoors)
Some parties encourage wearing pink or blue, but this is optional unless requested.
Guest Etiquette: The Do’s and Don’ts
✅ Do:
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RSVP promptly
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Arrive on time (especially if there’s a reveal moment scheduled)
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Be enthusiastic and supportive
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Respect the parents’ choices
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Offer congratulations regardless of the outcome
❌ Don’t:
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Complain about the concept (“We didn’t do this in my day!”)
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Guess publicly if you’ve been told the secret beforehand
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Make negative comments about the baby’s sex
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Share photos online without permission
Remember, this is an emotional moment for the parents and they have invited you because they want to share the moment with you and they trust you so respect their wishes and boundaries.
If You’re Hosting a Gender Reveal
A few friendly tips for parents planning one:
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Keep it simple, you don’t need anything elaborate
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Consider guests’ comfort (seating, refreshments, weather backup)
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Make the reveal visible for everyone
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Capture photos or video
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Focus on the joy, not social media perfection
The best parties are relaxed and full of laughter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it a gender reveal instead of a baby shower?
Sometimes, but many families do both.
Can children attend?
Usually, yes, unless the invitation says otherwise. If you are unsure a quick message to the host can confirm things for you.
Is it okay to decline?
Absolutely. Just RSVP politely and send your congratulations, we all have busy lives and sometimes you just can't make it work.
What if I don’t agree with gender reveals?
You can still attend to support the parents; the event is about celebration, not ideology.
Gender reveal parties are really about one thing: sharing happiness. Whether you bring a gift or just yourself, what matters most is celebrating this exciting chapter with the family.
A warm smile, kind words, and genuine excitement will always be the perfect etiquette.
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