What's It Going to Bee: Party Announces Baby's Sex

wow. these parties sound super-annoying.

Agree with snarkypants. It sounds like an excuse to have another party and get more gifts to me...

I think it might be cute for a second (or third, etc.) child. But this kind of party in addition to a shower seems like overkill.

I figured that you would have a party like this in liew of a baby shower, not have a "what is it?" party AND a baby shower. I kinda like the cake idea too.

Twenty weeks would be really early to have a baby shower, so I figured people were doing both. In fact, I've known people who have done both and I think it was greedy.

I could be wrong, but I don't think guests are expected to bring gifts to these? IF I were to have one I would throw the party and dinner for my friends just for a fun night together, not for gifts. The shower would seem completely separate.

For me it's not necessarily even the gift aspect, it's that having two parties seems like overkill to me.

Also, even if it's not "expected" in the same way gifts are expected at a shower, I would never go to a party, no matter the occasion, without at least a small gift.

If the parents to be are hosting the gender outing party, I don't see it as being greedy.

I am with Happsmjc...I thought this was just a cute way for friends to get together and have fun, rather than a party to bring presents.

people don't normally bring gifts to these parties (at least in my circle). It's just a cute way to include everyone in finding out if the baby is a boy or a girl. It's just more of a fun gathering of family and friends.

Maybe greedy isn't the right word; my original "overkill" is probably more accurate. When I said greedy, I really meant more greedy in wanting attention than in wanting gifts.

Sounds a bit overboard to me. Okay, maybe a cute get-together to make the announcement, but full-blown party with a theme, decorations, and matching cupcakes? A bit much in my opinion.

I think it's a little obnoxious, but to each her own.

Plus, it looks pricey --- custom cakes don't come cheap !

I don't see a problem with it. Gifts are not expected and it sounds like a cute little get together for people who are really interested. I would decorate and go all out too. It is a party and if I'm hosting it, I'd want to have fun with it. I think its a cute idea especially when the parent isn't always the one getting to throw the baby shower. This gives them something to do to celebrate their own baby in a fun way.

I can see how an extroverted couple who loved entertaining would have a blast with this. I think it's a cute idea.

However, with how emotionally charged I was through the entire pregnancy, and the fact that the announcement of "It's a girl!" had me sobbing on the ultrasound table (as the announcement of a boy would have) due to all the pent-up anxiety and suspense, I would not have been in the mental state to do a party like that.

I agree that it's overkill. I have no problem with expectant parents being totally immersed in the pregnancy and sharing a lot. But to expect everyone to gather for everything about it... no.

I also despise the phrase "What will it be?" It already is. It's not going to change between now and when it exits the womb.

No, no, no, no, no! This is really obnoxious. Even if you don't expect people to bring gifts to this gender-reveal party, you're still taking up people's time on another party that's just for you. The average woman attends approximately 2.5 wedding or baby showers per weekend, and we don't need to add in another stupid party to watch people cut a cake. Plus, are there bakeries that specialize in this kind of thing? Because I think if I took this idea to my local mom-n-pop or grocery store bakery, they would look at me like I was insane. Just send people an e-mail telling them the sex of your unborn child.

Most of these comments seem really mean spirited. Don't go to the party if you disapprove. I think it is a great idea...and guess what! Some of these cakes were home made!

I love this idea! I wasn't planning on having a baby shower for my second, but having family and close friends over for dinner and ending the evening with this would be super fun! No presents though, that's kind of tacky. I wouldn't expect anything from the guests.

wow- really? Does anyone really care about the sex of your baby as much as you and your husband? Baby showers are enough indulgence do you really expect people to come to a 2nd party (and make men come too?)
Seems like a really personal moment to share with everyone. But I suppose if you have that type of style and personality it could work for you! I know when I was at the appt. seeing my baby on the u/s screen I was an emotional mess! It was a very special moment for my husband and I to share and we told people at our own pace.

WOW. "Greedy," "overkill," "obnoxious," "super-annoying" - seriously? This is what you guys think of people who want to host a fun little party to celebrate having a child? People who are essentially presumably just offering free food and an opportunity to hang out with friends/family? If they're hosting and no gifts are expected then what is so terrible about it? They're "taking up other people's time"? Geez, if attending functions celebrating events in your loved ones' lives is just a waste of your time then just politely decline and don't attend. I, for one, think that this is a big part of what life is all about - celebrating happy events with the people I love. Thankfully, the people in my life seem to agree...

My husband and I tried to get pregnant for years. When it finally happened our close family and closest friends were so happy for us and are constantly calling and asking how we are doing, how the baby is, ect... We are planning a gender reveal party and everyone we have mentioned it too have been really excited to attend. I think it is great that my husband and I will find out the sex right along with our parents, sisters, brothers, and our closest friends. We are only inviting immediate family and our closest friends. (20 total) We are going to have a cook out and spend time together (we get together like this several times a year anyways, we love each other and love any excuse to get together). we are having one of my co-workers bake the cake and she is doing it at no cost. We are not asking for gifts (as those can wait til the baby shower my MIL will be throwing) I can not wait for our big reveal day and look forward to spending time with my loved ones on such a special occasion next month. I also want to use the night to thank everyone who supported me, prayed for me, and cried with me while I was trying to get pregnant.

Actually our friends and family are MORE excited than my hubby and I to find out the sex of the baby. However, I won't be having a party, I'll probably send a text to everyone but our parents.

Yeah, I'm surprised people are being so negative. We're not finding out, but I think this is a super cute idea if you do find out early, and want to celebrate with all your friends and family at once. It's much more fun than calling people or emailing "It's a ______!" And I'm sure all the people invited to the party loved the idea too.

totally narcissistic.

haha, this is a cute idea, but i agree with some of the other post; it seems a little greedy to have this party and a baby shower. It would make more sense to have this party later in your pregnancy with your baby shower.

When did most of you have your baby shower? I was 34 weeks!

I love this idea. We're having one when my husband gets home from deployment so that the family can all see him upon his return and so that we can finally tell everyone what our 2nd baby is! Ours will basically be a low-key family barbecue with lots of pink & blue decorations mixed in. I'm making cupcakes myself, along with decorating and making snacks, etc. so it won't cost a lot. It's just a fun reason to get together with family and celebrate our new bundle of joy, since I highly doubt I will be given a shower this time and I'm already 7 months along. I figure my 2nd baby will get gypped in so many ways, so this is just a nice way to ...honor (for lack of a better word - pregnancy brain!) the new baby. And really, I don't like being the center of attention, so it's not a narcissistic thing at all. It's cute. If you're invited to one of these parties and don't like the concept, just don't go. I just wanted something neat & special for the family, instead of calling everyone and just telling them on the phone.

Um, yeah... Our friends found out what they're having and are making a big deal about not telling ANYONE until their "Sex Party" (which is taking place 2 1/2 weeks after they found out). It is ultra annoying.

We are boycotting it. A baby shower should be MORE THAN ENOUGH!

Then again, we are dealing with the people who need a holiday and/or parade every time something somewhat significant happens in their lives...

We are planning to do this, but with only two guests: Myself and my husband. We want it to be a private moment, just the two of us. We're planning our own private celebration either with dinner out or at home, and then we'll have a custom cake for dessert. We'll then share the news with family/friends more slowly.

Everyone who thinks this is "overkill, narcissitic, or annoying" must not have a supportive family, and you guys really must not like entertaining! People don't have to come to the party if they don't WANT to be there! Grandparents of the baby care, great-grandparents, aunts and uncles...we have a big family. This isn't about getting gifts or attention (it's sad that you think of it that way, actually) - it's about sharing a big moment with people you love about the person growing inside that everyone adores, despite the gender. I see this as an excuse to have a get-together, which we'd probably be doing anyway. I would say it's creative, but it seems too mainstream for that.

So to all you who think it's a pull for attention or gifts (which...why would someone bring gifts if they don't know the gender yet?), I think YOU need to get over YOURSELVES. Parents-to-be are really more selfless than you give them credit for. Maybe you should think about creating your own excuse for a get-together, if you're so jealous. Maybe something like a "Whiney-Baby Club?" Or you could just stay at home by yourselves and watch your reality T.V. shows and drink your hard alcohol. That's probably way more fun than visiting with friends and family.

Thanks for the good laugh, Steph!

We are planning on doing this, that's how I came upon all of these amazing comments. First off, we are making sure that 'no gifts' is on the invite (which I am emailing, I hope that brings me enough into the 21st century, god forbid I MAIL something-how hoity-toity, sorry, but not as impersonal as texting). My stepdaughters are pretty excited for this baby and are even thinking of going to the u/s with us. This is our last child, and we will not be having another shower (this is our second). I think that it' s nice to have a celebration for this child also. Additionally, our group of family and friends get together about every weekend anyhow, we plan on having plenty of beer and a bonfire. Martha Stewart I am not, therefore it will be a night of hanging out and chatting--more than likely with me going to bed early and the rest of my friends and family having a great time while I'm asleep. Sorry for being greedy.

I don't think there is anything wrong with having a gender reveal party. You're not asking for gifts, you're just asking everyone to celebrate in the exciting new about what you are having! You provide all the decor and snacks. There isn't anything wrong with it.

It's our first child and we are having a gender reveal party and like someone said before, NOT asking for gifts. Also, we really aren't inviting anyone that will be invited to the shower, except for a few family members and his sister. We thought it would be a fun way to include his friends and their significant others, by having a bonfire, beer and cooking out. It was kind of a fun way to find out and even his guy friends thought it was a pretty "cool" idea! Who wants to pass up good food and fire on a nice fall night? We are just kinda tossing the gender reveal in with it and not going overboard. Maybe some pink and blue plates to go with the cake and everyone guessing what it is, which they are already doing. We thought for our close friends and family this was better then just posting it up on Facebook!

I am having my first child and WILL be having a gender party, these parties are not meant for gifts just for a fun way to announce to your family what you are having all at once, if your family is like mine and LOVE any excuse to all come together than that is another great reason to have a party like this! Mine and my Fiances family ALL can't wait until the party so0o I guess it just depends on the type of people you and your family are as to why or why not you think these parties are a good idea!!!!!! I can't wait for mine!!!!!

One of my friends wanted to share the surprise of the gender of their baby with immediate family at dinner. Rather than have a pricey cake with the gender surprise. They went to their local Nordstrom and gave one of the sales people the envelope and asked them to pick out a gender specific outfit. The sale person than wrapped it up and they revealed the gender to the family once they unwrapped it. It was a super low key dinner but a really nice way to have everyone share in their surprise.

This is crazy!! I can't believe people are being so negative!!
We're totally having one. Why the hell not! We have get togethers all the time. And everyone is voting on whether they think it's a boy or girl. I like having people be a part of our lives and celebrating and more power to everyone else who is excited and happy to celebrate!!
My Dad is making a huge beef Brisket that he starts cooking at like 3am... he's super excited, he loves his new Traeger BBQ... and one of my girlfriends is making us a baby themed cake to bring.
I think having a child is an exciting time and if people want to share in the excitment with you, that's awesome!!

We're expecting our second and I'm actually thinking of having this (though I must be completely out of the loop as I had never heard of this until today!). My MIL wants to do a big shower (either before or after the baby is born), but that seems weird to me as it's our second baby and we don't really need anything (apparently it's a cultural thing). This would be a fun alternative - a chance to get together with extended family and celebrate the baby while not having an actual shower with gifts.

I'm having a gender reveal party but I'm not asking anyone to bring a gift. No gifts at all. I think it's a wonderful way to announce the gender and have all of my family and friends and loved ones present. If it's a hassle for anyone, they don't have to attend.

I decided to host our gender reveal party because I didn't want my parents or close family finding out the sex of our baby on facebook......or a text! Not sure why all the negative opinions on the matter. It's a personal choice to attend and by your attitudes I doubt anyone would invite you to begin with. I sent out invitations explaining IF you wanted to participate in the raffle we were having, bring a package of diapers and to wear your "team" spirit of pink or blue. Our parents, siblings, and friends are just as excited as we are. This is our first born - why not make it special? I hope you negative people do not have children....they'll have boring lives apparently!

I love the idea of this!! We decided this is what we want to do instead of a baby shower, I've had my friends offer a baby shower, but honestly most of my friends are struggling, so I'd rather throw a party on my dime. We're buying everything we will need for this baby so I feel like it's inappropriate to let others spend money unnecessarily on OUR child, I understand the whole baby shower concept when a couple or the mother is either struggling or could use the help. That being said I still want to have a celebration for this little life inside of me that I'm already SO madly in love with, and I love to throw a good party! And it will be for our closest friends and family, they all know how I feel about the whole baby shower/ gift thing, and since ill be keeping this a small event, for my out of town friends I've made sure if they wish to come I'll take care of the travel expenses, everyones situations are different and In my opinion I love this idea, it fits me and is a perfect way to celebrate and bring the people I love together. Though I am waiting until I'm 6 months to have the party I agree that 20 weeks just seems early.

I have actually been to two of these - now they were for second and fourth children - gifts were not required - but at both of them people brought things such as diapers, wipes and general things all new babies need - they were both very fun and not annoying at all - good time with family and friends - can never get enough of that - and I would have bought a gift for each chlid anyway - this way I and the other people who would have too - got to spend some time with the parents - had fun finding out with them the sex - and gave them a gift they can use for their new bundle of joy - FUN!

It's not selfish. And it is not for gifts. I am going to have one once I found out the sex. It will be for immediate family only. Our moms, dads, brothers, and grandparents. It is just a cute way to announce what you are having. I didn't even think about gifts.

Please new Mothers-to-be...don't let the negative comments on here change your mind about the gender reveal party!! My only child/daughter is expecting her first child....we are going to have a gender reveal party. This is not about attention seeking self-indulgence. We are so excited about this baby and both sides of the family and their close friends can't wait to find out the gender. It is a very special time that the family wants to share together. It is a very sweet way to make your family and friends feel a part of this blessed event. You can either do simple gifts such as diapers and wipes (inexpensive) or no gifts at all. We are actually doing it more like a dinner party. We will be providing a great meal for everyone and sharing a special surprise. The new Mom and Dad-to-be are going to find out at the same time as everyone else because we all want be surprised! have fun with it. Life it too short...enjoy!

I think this is a GREAT idea. Too many of these comments are negative. If you don't want to go to a GRP then don't but also don't complain because a couple is really happy about their child. My sister is having one of these and I am SUPER excited about it. No gifts are wanted-- she is doing a gift card for dinner for 2 as one of the things people can win for guessing correctly and a raffle. So it is more of a celebration and thanking of friends and family who are supportive!

plus those comments about pricing-- it's called DIY for a reason! I'm doing the banner and my sister is doing the cup cakes herself! little things that won't cost too much at all!

You do not bring gifts to a gender reveal party. If anything, its a free dinner with cake for the people invited. I am having a gender reveal dinner, just siblings and grand parents. For me that is 25 people..

A baby shower should be enough. Why such make a fuss with an organised dinner to reveal the baby's gender. I wonder what will be the next best thing.
http://www.babygendersecrets.com

I am having my first baby and I am doing this idea. Instead of a separate party I am doing it as my baby shower. Me and my husband wont know the gender until that day. I love the idea of everyone finding out at the same time. Its more meaningful than sitting in the drs office finding out and getting excited by yourself. Then you have to go and call friends and family. I want to see everyones reaction and their face when they find out. If you cant afford a baker then have one family member or friend bake the cake for you and only they can know the sex of the baby and cant tell anyone else. For gift ideas you can still do your baby registry, scan bottles or wipes or other baby things that you dont need to know the sex for. Scan nuetral colors. If your guests want to get you something big, scan the stroller or crib you like in a nuetral color and have them put that money on a gift card for where its at. Then when you go shopping for it you can buy the pink or the blue colors you want. Thats what I am doing because my husband is in the military so we live 800 miles away from famly and cant drive back all the big stuff. Dont criticize it because of money or greediness. Be creative and think of different ways to make it work. No one said you had to have two parties for it, or spend a ton of money, or that your guests had to bring gifts. You can also just make it a fun get together party. Just because this one person had two separate parties doesnt mean you have to do the exact same thing. Use your imagination people.

all of these horrible hateful comments, we are having this party next weekend and the only people on the guest list are our parents the god parents and my aunt and they've already been texting me everyday since my ultrasound trying to get me to peek at the gender, our family is super excited. This is our second baby, we wont be having a baby shower and everyone is hoping it's a girl because we have a boy. gifts are not expected and my mom was the one who thought it would be a sweet idea to share this moment with everyone instead of texting people. Historically in almost every culture there was a huge celebration when the baby was born and you finally got to know the gender, esp. if it was a boy and your first born... we just happen to have the technology to move the joy up to 20 weeks now. It's not an annoying party that we are expecting all our friends to drop everything for and rush over, it's a special moment we will never get to re-do that we are sharing with our family. How did you announce your baby's gender? What if you could have made that moment just a little more special? I would have done it this way with the first if I had thought of it because this makes it more special for my parents who are ridiculously excited... especially since my hubby and I are the only kids reproducing right now!!!

My expectant friends had a gender reveal party and released pink balloons from a box labeled, "IT'S A..." - it was so cute and exciting!