community

all boards


birth clubs



my blog

This thread is no longer active. See our most recent posts and join!
04-14-2012 at 11:05 AM
JenJH923
Not Ranked
Joined on 05-24-2011
19,788 Points
JenJH923 is not online. Last active: 07-16-2012, 4:13 PMBronze

Gift for a gender reveal party?

I am going to a gender reveal party for a good friend of mine coming up soon. I wanted to bring a little gift, but I am not creative at all and can't think of anything.  I wanted to have one pink bag and one blue bag and have a small cute gift for either gender and then just include a gift receipt on both and she can return one depending on what she is having and then just get something else with the money.

  Can anybody think of anything better? I wanted to steer away from doing something gender neutral because I thought at the end of the day she will be so excited about the boy/girl she will want something that is gender specific.

 
04-14-2012 at 1:42 PM
EastCoastB...
Top 25 Contributor
Joined on 08-12-2001
East Coast!
40,821 Points
EastCoastBride is online. Last active: 05-24-2013, 7:41 PMPlatinum
If she's also having/had a shower, I would NOT take a gift.  I know you want to do something for her, but these parties are not gift giving occasions.  Don't turn it into one, please!

"Beer is living proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy."
~Benjamin Franklin

Lilypie Third Birthday tickers
DS dx with celiac disease 5/28/10 

04-14-2012 at 2:26 PM
BallSox
Not Ranked
Joined on 01-03-2008
In your computer, watching you type
11,654 Points
BallSox is not online. Last active: 05-20-2013, 1:05 PMGold
The fact that you're going to a gender reveal party at all should be gift enough.

Image and video hosting by TinyPic Little Man (2 years old---holy cow)
Yes, he's mine. Yes, he's aware I'm a horrible mother. Yes, I plan on teaching him to act just like me.
No, CPS hasn't come to rescue him yet.
Yes, I'll make sure to let him know how sorry you feel for him.
 
04-14-2012 at 2:43 PM
Aleja0918
Not Ranked
Joined on 12-31-2011
4,044 Points
Aleja0918 is not online. Last active: 11-29-2012, 7:13 AMNewbie

BallSox:
The fact that you're going to a gender reveal party at all should be gift enough.

This. I'm fairly certain I would never attend one but on the off chance I did, I wouldn't bring a gift. It's not a gift giving event and if she's also having a shower, she's asking far too much from guests. If this is her second, third, or fourth child, I'd just wait until the baby is born and buy an outfit then.



 Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker 
04-14-2012 at 3:33 PM
JenJH923
Not Ranked
Joined on 05-24-2011
19,788 Points
JenJH923 is not online. Last active: 07-16-2012, 4:13 PMBronze
It's not a huge party- it's just about 12 of us getting together. I don't want to have a huge gift, I was just thinking something small and pink or blue. She isn't holding this to get gifts, but I'd hate to be the only one showing up without one. I was planning a 10 dollar gift for each gender...
 
04-14-2012 at 4:19 PM
BallSox
Not Ranked
Joined on 01-03-2008
In your computer, watching you type
11,654 Points
BallSox is not online. Last active: 05-20-2013, 1:05 PMGold

JenJH923:
It's not a huge party- it's just about 12 of us getting together. I don't want to have a huge gift, I was just thinking something small and pink or blue. She isn't holding this to get gifts, but I'd hate to be the only one showing up without one. I was planning a 10 dollar gift for each gender...

 This exactly one of the reasons why I hate these parties.  People who throw them insist 'Oh, it's not for presents, it's just to celebrate the baby, blah blah blah" and you are validating that guests feel obligated (if not by the host, by the social pressure to not be the only guest without one) to go out and buy presents. 

Honest question time:  If your friend was NOT having a gender reveal party, would you feel obligated to (or just plain old want to) carry around two presents (one of each gender) for the moment she told you what she was having?  Probably not.

When someone throws a party, be it birthday, housewarming, bbq, baby shower, wedding reception, retirement, what-so-ever, people feel obligated to bring something.  Sometimes it's a present, sometimes a bottle of wine, sometimes flowers, but regardless, people who have been raised properly know and feel that it's rude to go to someone's house for an invited event and not come with SOMETHING to give the hostess/guest of honor. 


Image and video hosting by TinyPic Little Man (2 years old---holy cow)
Yes, he's mine. Yes, he's aware I'm a horrible mother. Yes, I plan on teaching him to act just like me.
No, CPS hasn't come to rescue him yet.
Yes, I'll make sure to let him know how sorry you feel for him.
 
04-14-2012 at 4:26 PM
discobelle
Not Ranked
Joined on 09-20-2007
15,935 Points
discobelle is not online. Last active: 05-24-2013, 4:17 PMSilver

Maybe it's just me, but the idea of having to return something sounds like a hassle.  

 

 


AlternaTickers - Cool, free Web tickers AlternaTickers - Cool, free Web tickers 
04-14-2012 at 5:29 PM
cwm11985
Not Ranked
Joined on 09-28-2009
66,737 Points
cwm11985 is not online. Last active: 05-24-2013, 3:43 PMSilver
Seriously now? You are making this lame event into an even lamer one.  Just go, eat the damn cake and get on with it. No presents.

 photo tuckatwedding2_zps52975f1e.jpg 
04-14-2012 at 5:33 PM
jociejones
Not Ranked
Joined on 02-22-2010
19,646 Points
jociejones is not online. Last active: 10-08-2012, 2:55 PMBronze
I get that this isn't a gift-giving occasion, but I can also see why you might want to bring a little something just to get in the spirit! When my best friend found out she was having a boy, she stopped into my work to tell me and I was so excited I made her run over to Gymboree with me and found the cutest little PJs that I just had to buy her! Obviously, I didn't feel like I had to, but when it's your good friend sometimes it's fun. So if you really want to bring something to this gender reveal, I would go small and irreverent. Like, a fun hat that it won't hurt your feelings if the baby never wears. Maybe a classic cowboy hat for a boy and a pink one for a girl. (I thought of that cause of the cute hats your kiddos have on in your signature pics :)

Image and video hosting by TinyPic 
04-14-2012 at 6:05 PM
jnoone
Not Ranked
Joined on 11-07-2011
30,908 Points
jnoone is online. Last active: 05-24-2013, 7:44 PMBronze

jociejones:
I get that this isn't a gift-giving occasion, but I can also see why you might want to bring a little something just to get in the spirit! When my best friend found out she was having a boy, she stopped into my work to tell me and I was so excited I made her run over to Gymboree with me and found the cutest little PJs that I just had to buy her! Obviously, I didn't feel like I had to, but when it's your good friend sometimes it's fun. So if you really want to bring something to this gender reveal, I would go small and irreverent. Like, a fun hat that it won't hurt your feelings if the baby never wears. Maybe a classic cowboy hat for a boy and a pink one for a girl. (I thought of that cause of the cute hats your kiddos have on in your signature pics :)

This.  I can see maybe bringing something VERY small, but honestly, I don't think anyone should bring anything but their "Congratulations!  Now you know!" smiles.  If you really want to bring something, bring something, but please don't feel obligated or that you'll be the only one who doesn't.  Gifts are brought to showers, not gender-reveals.


Image and video hosting by TinyPic  Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker Anniversary 
04-14-2012 at 6:35 PM
JenJH923
Not Ranked
Joined on 05-24-2011
19,788 Points
JenJH923 is not online. Last active: 07-16-2012, 4:13 PMBronze

The question is not SHOULD I bring something, it was more asking for gift ideas. I am not trying to get her a big ticket item like a car seat or something, but I wanted a small gift to bring.  Again, this is one of my very close friend and it wasn't a big party she sent invitations out for or something, so I know she isn't looking for gifts, but I would still like to bring one.

That being said, can anybody think of a gift since I am 100% bringing a gift whether it is what you would do or not.

 
04-14-2012 at 6:46 PM
jnoone
Not Ranked
Joined on 11-07-2011
30,908 Points
jnoone is online. Last active: 05-24-2013, 7:44 PMBronze
JenJH923:

The question is not SHOULD I bring something, it was more asking for gift ideas. I am not trying to get her a big ticket item like a car seat or something, but I wanted a small gift to bring.  Again, this is one of my very close friend and it wasn't a big party she sent invitations out for or something, so I know she isn't looking for gifts, but I would still like to bring one.

That being said, can anybody think of a gift since I am 100% bringing a gift whether it is what you would do or not.

Ok, ok, well put. Embarrassed

Well, do they favor any sports teams?  You could get a cute little pink or blue onesie with the team's logo on it.  Or, how about a simple set of bibs that are gender-specific?  Have they registered?  Maybe you could find out which brand of pacifiers they wanted and get pink or blue ones.  Picture frame with something like "Our little princess" or "Little slugger" on it?


Image and video hosting by TinyPic  Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker Anniversary 
04-14-2012 at 6:49 PM
jociejones
Not Ranked
Joined on 02-22-2010
19,646 Points
jociejones is not online. Last active: 10-08-2012, 2:55 PMBronze
JenJH923:

The question is not SHOULD I bring something, it was more asking for gift ideas. I am not trying to get her a big ticket item like a car seat or something, but I wanted a small gift to bring.  Again, this is one of my very close friend and it wasn't a big party she sent invitations out for or something, so I know she isn't looking for gifts, but I would still like to bring one.

That being said, can anybody think of a gift since I am 100% bringing a gift whether it is what you would do or not.

I did give you an idea. Sorry if it wasn't good enough.


Image and video hosting by TinyPic 
04-14-2012 at 7:26 PM
RoxyLynn
Not Ranked
Joined on 12-08-2004
4,170 Points
RoxyLynn is not online. Last active: 05-23-2013, 3:26 PMSilver

Maybe a plant or flowers with either a pink or blue bow?

It's going to be hard to find ideas, because going this over-the-top is still pretty new with the whole gender-reveal nonsenese.


I think it can be done well, and I would have loved it, but taking all of the crappy parts of school away from a kid isn't good for them in the long run.

There are lessons like "Not everyone likes you" and "Some people are douche bags" that you don't learn without socializing in a large group of poorly supervised children.
Uncanny Canuck's thoughts on homeschooling 
04-14-2012 at 7:39 PM
KarmB
Not Ranked
Joined on 12-22-2011
54,723 Points
KarmB is not online. Last active: 05-24-2013, 11:04 AMSilver
i always bring somethign to any event i go to whether it a bottle of wine or cookies. Bring a nice houseplant.

 photo 9b663444-d28a-4a5b-82fc-e9a2b4d60966_zps22cbb4d3.jpg 
04-14-2012 at 7:47 PM
PunkyBoost...
Top 25 Contributor
Joined on 11-03-2008
26,719 Points
PunkyBooster is online. Last active: 05-24-2013, 7:43 PMPlatinum

BallSox:
The fact that you're going to a gender reveal party at all should be gift enough.

Ha.

I think this is the dumbest party idea ever. One of my friends mentioned having one for the next baby she has and I just rolled my eyes. 


 Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker 
04-14-2012 at 8:31 PM
Aleja0918
Not Ranked
Joined on 12-31-2011
4,044 Points
Aleja0918 is not online. Last active: 11-29-2012, 7:13 AMNewbie

OP, if you really feel the need to get your friend something, do as a previous poster mentioned and bring a plant, small dessert, etc. Aside from wasting money on two, separate, gender specific outfits, I can't think of anything I'd purchase for the occasion.


 Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker 
04-14-2012 at 11:21 PM
JenJH923
Not Ranked
Joined on 05-24-2011
19,788 Points
JenJH923 is not online. Last active: 07-16-2012, 4:13 PMBronze
Sorry about that! I liked your idea, I just didn't reply to each positive answer I got.  Thank you!!
 
04-15-2012 at 5:45 AM
laurakaz13
Not Ranked
Joined on 06-17-2008
North Carolina
14,355 Points
laurakaz13 is not online. Last active: 05-24-2013, 7:22 PMSilver
I would bring a bottle of wine for parents.  Sorry.  But no more gifts for the kid if I already bought one for a shower. 

 Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker 
04-15-2012 at 9:05 AM
DO-JO
Not Ranked
Joined on 04-08-2008
23,298 Points
DO-JO is not online. Last active: 04-15-2013, 7:11 PMSilver
You're a kinder friend than me!  I wouldn't bother with a gift at all!

Photobucket Pictures, Images and Photos  Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker 
04-15-2012 at 10:57 AM
KateMW
Not Ranked
Joined on 06-16-2008
Here...
144,807 Points
KateMW is online. Last active: 05-24-2013, 7:47 PMGold
I don't think gender reveals are gift giving events, but I think it's sweet you want to give your friend something. If you want to do boy or girl, I would just buy something for each and give her the appropriate gift after she finds out. Then you could return the other one. It seems like a hassle to make her return part of the gift. 

Lilypie Pregnancy tickersLilypie Kids Birthday tickers 
04-15-2012 at 11:22 AM
lauraliz24
Not Ranked
Joined on 04-27-2011
5,246 Points
lauraliz24 is not online. Last active: 02-14-2013, 11:11 PMBronze


Well, do they favor any sports teams?  You could get a cute little pink or blue onesie with the team's logo on it.  Or, how about a simple set of bibs that are gender-specific?  Have they registered?  Maybe you could find out which brand of pacifiers they wanted and get pink or blue ones.  Picture frame with something like "Our little princess" or "Little slugger" on it?


These are all great ideas, trying to think of super gender specific gifts, baby shoes come to mind, a pair of mary janes or converse sneakers.  Or, if that's not MTB's style, you could go with pink converse or black converse.  You can also pick up onesies from Target for under $5 that say "Daddy's Little Girl", or "Mommy's Little Boy" that would be cute.  I agree that you shouldn't give them both though, give them the appropriate one after the reveal and return the other yourself.


Brought home an extra special souvenir from vacation!  BabyFruit Ticker
Image and video hosting by TinyPic Image and video hosting by TinyPic 
04-15-2012 at 1:57 PM
Island_Bre...
Not Ranked
Joined on 05-22-2008
CA
16,889 Points
Island_Breezie is not online. Last active: 05-23-2013, 7:25 PMBronze
A rattle?? Pink or blue.  

August 2012 Siggy Challege: Favorite Band

 

04-15-2012 at 5:39 PM
PaMommy02
Not Ranked
Joined on 02-21-2012
7,531 Points
PaMommy02 is not online. Last active: 05-22-2013, 8:40 PMNewbie
JenJH923:

The question is not SHOULD I bring something, it was more asking for gift ideas. I am not trying to get her a big ticket item like a car seat or something, but I wanted a small gift to bring.  Again, this is one of my very close friend and it wasn't a big party she sent invitations out for or something, so I know she isn't looking for gifts, but I would still like to bring one.

That being said, can anybody think of a gift since I am 100% bringing a gift whether it is what you would do or not.

I would take a gender nuteral gift...maybe something like a piggy bank or a small keepsake kind of gift (check out Things Remembered).

I too would take a gift! I dont get why people are so against giving others gifts (not just on this post, its as if people dont want to spend their money on others or something, come on be generous)! If you have the money go for it! Its a nice gesture :)

 
04-15-2012 at 7:08 PM
meaknigh
Not Ranked
Joined on 12-30-2009
42,506 Points
meaknigh is not online. Last active: 05-24-2013, 6:29 PMSilver

Some of these responses are ridiculous. I think it's sweet of you - and I would do the same. I enjoy giving gifts, regardless of occasion. My only suggestion is maybe waiting until after the actual reveal and only giving her the one gender-specific gift and returning the other on your own. Returning things is a huge hassle in my opinion. 

Some suggestions: a pack of swaddling blankets, a cotton sleeper, a car seat toy (the rattle kind that you hang on with rings), a cute hair bow for a girl or baseball hat for a boy... good luck! 


 
04-15-2012 at 8:30 PM
misspai66
Not Ranked
Joined on 09-20-2009
1,133 Points
misspai66 is not online. Last active: 05-09-2013, 11:52 PMNewbie
I am having a gender reveal cookout and have tried making it VERY VERY clear that nobody should bring gifts.. however, if you want to take a gift maybe you could take a gift for the mommy.  I don't know, just my suggestion!

Lilypie Angel and Memorial tickers  BabyFruit Ticker 
04-15-2012 at 8:33 PM
JenJH923
Not Ranked
Joined on 05-24-2011
19,788 Points
JenJH923 is not online. Last active: 07-16-2012, 4:13 PMBronze
meaknigh:

Some of these responses are ridiculous. I think it's sweet of you - and I would do the same. I enjoy giving gifts, regardless of occasion. My only suggestion is maybe waiting until after the actual reveal and only giving her the one gender-specific gift and returning the other on your own. Returning things is a huge hassle in my opinion. 

Some suggestions: a pack of swaddling blankets, a cotton sleeper, a car seat toy (the rattle kind that you hang on with rings), a cute hair bow for a girl or baseball hat for a boy... good luck! 

 

I agree.  I think some of these people must have had dud baby showers that they didn't get any gifts at or something because if you look through old posts it's the same people answering always accusing people of being gift grabby and tacky.  And their kids are like 2+ years old. Their showers must have been traumatizing. 

Thank you everybody for the suggestions! I have some good ideas now.

 
04-15-2012 at 9:05 PM
Sherbet Le...
Not Ranked
Joined on 07-28-2011
6,612 Points
Sherbet Lemon is not online. Last active: 03-25-2013, 1:05 PMBronze
JenJH923:

I agree.  I think some of these people must have had dud baby showers that they didn't get any gifts at or something because if you look through old posts it's the same people answering always accusing people of being gift grabby and tacky.  And their kids are like 2+ years old. Their showers must have been traumatizing. 

Thank you everybody for the suggestions! I have some good ideas now.

Awesome.  It's definitely the best policy to respond to people who don't give you the answer you're looking for by insulting them. 

I had wonderful showers, got a lot of great gifts - some from my registry and some that people bought off registry becuase they're parents and wanted to get me things that were useful to them.  No trauma here.  Yet I agree with these "traumatized" people that showers for multiple babies, gender reveal parties, diaper raffles, and book-instead-of-card requests are tacky and come across as gift grabby. You don't agree.  Fine.  Have your own opinion.  But when you ask a question here, people will tell you what they think, including their opinion on the etiquette that applies to the situation.  The fact that their opinion doesn't match yours, or that it's said in a sarcastic/snarky way (which some consider a form of humor) doesn't mean there's anything wrong with their lives.


red All generalizations are false, including this one. ~ Mark Twain  
04-15-2012 at 9:13 PM
JenJH923
Not Ranked
Joined on 05-24-2011
19,788 Points
JenJH923 is not online. Last active: 07-16-2012, 4:13 PMBronze
Sherbet Lemon:
JenJH923:

I agree.  I think some of these people must have had dud baby showers that they didn't get any gifts at or something because if you look through old posts it's the same people answering always accusing people of being gift grabby and tacky.  And their kids are like 2+ years old. Their showers must have been traumatizing. 

Thank you everybody for the suggestions! I have some good ideas now.

Awesome.  It's definitely the best policy to respond to people who don't give you the answer you're looking for by insulting them. 

I had wonderful showers, got a lot of great gifts - some from my registry and some that people bought off registry becuase they're parents and wanted to get me things that were useful to them.  No trauma here.  Yet I agree with these "traumatized" people that showers for multiple babies, gender reveal parties, diaper raffles, and book-instead-of-card requests are tacky and come across as gift grabby. You don't agree.  Fine.  Have your own opinion.  But when you ask a question here, people will tell you what they think, including their opinion on the etiquette that applies to the situation.  The fact that their opinion doesn't match yours, or that it's said in a sarcastic/snarky way (which some consider a form of humor) doesn't mean there's anything wrong with their lives.

 

You didn't even respond to the original post, so I don't know why you are all upset. FWIW, people brought a book to my shower instead of a card and it wasn't tacky and a lot of people mentioned they loved the idea.  Nobody on this board wrote the book of baby shower etiquette and I find it totally annoying that people responded to my question by telling me how rude my pregnant friend is for having a gender reveal party. I appreciate all the different opinions I got, and I can understand sarcasm. I'm not offended by internet strangers either and I am not going to let them sway my decision. I took the answers about my friends tackiness and didn't even pay attention to them, but then as I looked through other posts I realized just how rude the same people always are on this board. No need to try to shame somebody who is asking a question about a shower/party/gift/game playing that you don't agree with.

 
04-15-2012 at 9:14 PM
pammi2003
Not Ranked
Joined on 08-07-2009
Ontario, CA
4,240 Points
pammi2003 is not online. Last active: 04-28-2013, 10:39 PMSilver

I have never been asked to attend a gender reveal party but if I were to go to one, I would probably take a small gift. I am also the type of person who absolutely loves buying things for babies. so I am definitely a sucker for baby showers and such. I always go overboard in the gift department.  The gift won't be for the parents but for the baby, so I don't see the big deal in getting something small like a toy or a book. Something under 10 bucks should do the trick.

Save the bigger gift for the actual shower.


Image and video hosting by TinyPic Lilypie Third Birthday tickersLilypie First Birthday tickers  
Page 1 of 2 (39 items)   1 2 Next >
Hot Topics

New dad or dad-to-be? Chat with other dads here!
Visit the Dads & Dads-to-be board

Need baby shower inspiration? Get ideas here!
Visit the Baby Showers board

Chat with other crafty moms here!
Visit the Crafty Moms board

search boards

choose another board