Hellobee Boards

I'm personally not a fan for many reasons. One is it feels like a bit of a gift grab - like, "I'm not having a shower because it's my second but I still want presents!" I know many will argue they don't care about that, but that's my opinion as a guest. Two is that I just kind of dislike so much importance being placed on gender. I mean yes, it's exciting, call up your close loved ones tell them and squeal a bit, but to have a party where it's a big deal and people have to choose a side...it's too much for me. Particularly with a second child, where there are bound to be rude people who will be obnoxious about how the preferred gender is so obviously the one you don't already have. I much prefer the idea of a sprinkle or a sip n see over a gender reveal. Put the emphasis on welcoming baby, not on their genitals.

@misolee: I think they're adorable. I fully intend on having a mini party (just immediate family and 1 or 2 close friends) when we find out. Not for gifts though, we'll probably do a potluck, which we do often anyways.
I think it would be fun.

I've only been to one for my SIL/BIL and it was a lot of fun. Tons of food and a delicious cake for close family...it wasn't like a shower at all.

I think a small casual one with close friends or family is cute and fun.

We had dinner with my in laws and I made a blue cake. We called that a gender reveal party and I'd do that again. I'd only have immediate family. I probably wouldn't be interested in attending a gender reveal party for anyone except my sisters. Someone I know did a gender reveal shower, that seemed cute but it was their first.

I agree with the above reasons for not liking them.

Even when I am excited to find out what someone is having, I don't need a party (or a photo op disguised as a party) to find out. Just my opinion though!!

@2littlepumpkins: I don't disagree but my mother in law must have heard of gender reveal parties somewhere and was so hyped up about it so we called it a party and let her cut the cake! No one knew except my husband and me that the cake was blue.

My sister just did one for her third child. Considering it was her third and we have 3 pregnant siblings and she was the last to find out, it felt attention grabby. I could understand if it was the first baby, but otherwise it's overkill.

Yeah, I mostly find them obnoxious and kind of gift grabby. I wouldn't have one or go to one.

I haven't done it, but in hindsight, I wish I did it with immediate family. Just the cake reveal or something. Sounds like fun. But making my side of the family come all the way to jersey just to find out the sex.... :T

I've been invited to two for good friends where it was a casual party to celebrate with their friends and family. There weren't gifts and it was basically just big hang outs and it was fun. I don't see an issue with them!

Kind of "meh" about it.

I agree with a lot of the PPs - dinner and a cake with family and close friends is cute and fun. Invitations, games, party favours, and inviting everyone you know is over the top

I think they are fun! I had one with my third baby and recently attended one. No gifts were exchanged. It was a party, with fun yummy food, socializing with friends, and watching the kids play. I don't see an issue with them and I wouldn't even think to bring a present to the party.

Can someone clarify for me? I have mostly heard about gender reveal parties through Pinterest. Do people do reveal parties IN ADDITION TO a baby shower (whether it is the 1st or subsequent baby)? Having 2 parties seems a bit much, but if you have a gender reveal at the shower, it actually seems kind of fun/logical to me.

@lamariniere: I think the way it's framed here is when people do have a "gender reveal party" AND a subsequent baby shower.

I've never been to one but seen cute gender reveal pictures or small family gathering reveals on FB and I think those are fine/fun/cute. A baby shower where the couple learns the gender then also seems cute and fun - and a good way to avoid a lot of unwanted clothes gifts. A huge production (i.e. a rented hall party?) in addition to a later shower seems really over the top.

I think these are another example of the insidious celebrity culture we have too much access to these days.

@misolee: I think they are self-indulgent and probably wouldn't go to one - just my two cents. Like your wedding, no one cares as much about your baby as you. That said I am all in favor of finding a cute and creative way to tell your spouse and/or parents and/or first LO!

Meh. A small dinner w close friends or fam, fun and cute. An actual party? Too much!