Discovering your baby’s sex may be one of the most exciting moments of your pregnancy. For some people, it's the point where it all starts to feel a bit more "real." For other people, their baby's sex is unimportant. For still others, it's more exciting to be surprised at the birth.

Some expectant parents keep the gender to themselves, while others plan a gender reveal party or family get-together with special food, decorations, or activities. Whether you cut into a gender reveal cake to see if it’s pink or blue or skip the popular gender reveal color scheme (rainbow cake, anyone?), go with whatever feels authentic to you.

Here are 12 cute ideas for sharing the news with friends and family:

Unique gender reveal party ideas

Since you’re probably already head-over-heels for the bundle of joy you’re carrying, throwing a baby gender reveal party for family and friends is a fantastic way to share your bliss with loved ones.

Even if you’re just thrilled to be carrying a healthy baby and the idea of gender isn’t important to you, celebrating with your inner circle is good for the soul. (And a virtual gender reveal is a great option if your friends and family live far away!)

1. Erupt a volcano

Before the party, sculpt a volcano from papier-mâché, plaster, or clay. Place a plastic or glass container in the center of the volcano. Fill it with two tablespoons of baking soda, a tablespoon of dish soap, and five drops of pink or blue food coloring. 

After your guests have arrived, ask everyone to watch as you add one ounce of vinegar to the mixture. The erupting “lava” that bubbles out will be pink or blue.

2. Throw a taco party

For a casual but fun gender reveal, throw a “Let’s Taco-Bout a Baby” party. For party decor, hang a banner (we love gold letter balloon ones) and serve tacos (perhaps the best reason for this themed gender reveal party).

When it comes time to announce whether you’re having a baby boy or baby girl, have guests break open a piñata filled with pink or blue candies (a tastier - and tidier - spin on the classic pop the balloon filled with pink or blue confetti).

3. Play a game of egg roulette

Buy a dozen eggs and hard boil all but one. Dye half of the eggs blue and the other half pink. Color the egg that’s not hard-boiled pink if you’re having a girl or blue if you’re having a boy.

 When your guests arrive, have them watch as you and your partner take turns cracking eggs on your foreheads. If the one that breaks into a runny mess is pink, they’ll know you’re having a girl!

4. Buy a statement tee for the older sibling

Even if this isn’t your first pregnancy, it’s still appropriate to host a party. After all, each baby deserves to be celebrated! Dress the soon-to-be older sibling in a T-shirt that says “Waiting for my baby brother” or “Waiting for my baby sister.” Serve gender reveal cupcakes with a twist - in place of blue or pink frosting, use yellow frosting and decorate with small candies or white icing to spell out “boy” or “girl.”

Fun photo ops

If you don’t have time or space to host a party or you’re too tired to organize one, reveal the gender with a photo you can post to social media.

5. Say it with bubbles

Buy a pack of blue or pink gum and blow the biggest bubbles you can. If this isn’t your first pregnancy, get your older children in on the fun. Don’t be afraid to raise your eyebrows or make silly faces - it adds to the carefree vibe. (You could even do a family bubble bath with a pink or blue bath bomb - and matching bathing suits!)

6. Spell it with Scrabble

Use the word game to spell “It’s a boy” or “It’s a girl.” You can hold the tile rack in front of your belly and have the photographer take a close-up.

7. Reveal it with help from your dog

If you were a dog mom first, honor that bond by including your family dog in the photo reveal. Accessorize or dress your pup in whatever items suggest girl or boy to you and your family (hats, tiaras, bow ties, you name it!). 

You could also scrap the clothing idea and instead pose your dog beside a sign that says, "It's a boy/girl!" or “I’m doggone excited to meet my new baby brother/sister.” You could even film your curious pup opening a gender reveal box!

8. Light up the night sky

For a creative gender reveal idea, use sparklers to draw “boy” or “girl” in the night sky (practice all safety precautions). This is especially fun (and safer than a smoke bomb with colored powder) if you’re revealing your baby’s sex around the Fourth of July, Labor Day, or New Year’s Eve. Talk about a big reveal!

9. Get messy with blue or pink paint

Fill squeeze bottles with pink or blue paint. You and your family should wear basic white T-shirts. Use your camera timer or have a photographer snap away while you cover each other in paint. (You could also use silly string for a slightly less messy version!)

Then, post the whole shoot to your social feed to announce the gender. 

Gender Reveal Gifts

Giving a gift to a family member or close friend is an intimate way to reveal the gender of your baby. While you’re on the hunt for the perfect gender reveal gift, don’t forget to get yourself a little something to make pregnancy and postpartum comfier!

10. Baby gender reveal candles

These candles can be customized with a message: “Grandma, I can’t wait to meet you! Love, your grandson.”

11. Grandma and grandpa T-shirts

If your mom or dad is about to become a grandparent for the first time, have custom T-shirts made that say “Brand new grandma” or “Brand new grandpa.” If you already know (and are sharing!) your baby’s name, have it printed on the back. If not, go with a simple pink or blue heart.

12. Nesting dolls

Traditional Russian nesting dolls are a perfect showpiece on any mantelpiece or bookshelf. Choose a charming set and nestle a slip of paper revealing the baby’s gender inside the smallest doll. You could even include a fun scratch off card announcement inside! 

Whether you throw a bash, do a photoshoot, or pick the perfect gift for someone you love, you’ll cherish the special memory for a lifetime. (We do, however, encourage you to not shoot pink or blue confetti, pink or blue powder, or pink or blue smoke out of a cannon - several destructive fires have started this way.) And if you choose to skip the gender reveal but love a celebration, do a name reveal down the line. 

Did you find out the sex of your baby and reveal it in a fun and unique way? How'd you share the big news? When'd you share it - at 20 weeks? Earlier? Later? Share your story in the comments below!

For amazing baby shower ideas, check out this blog. And for the perfect baby shower gift, check out this blog!