Throwing a Gender Reveal Party on a Budget


Throwing a Gender Reveal Party on a Budget

So, you and your partner are expecting a little one and want to host a celebration to let your friends and family know whether they’ll need to get you tiny tuxedos or tiny tutus. However, with all the expenses that come with a newborn, mom’s belly isn’t the only thing that’s stretching. No need to worry. We’ve searched Etsy and Pinterest and every site in between to bring you budget friendly ideas for all aspects of your sure-to-be-epic gender reveal party.

The Invites

Gender Reveal Invitations

Bows or bowties? Wheels or heels? Cupcake or stud muffin? Lashes or Stashes? Touchdowns or Tutus? There are countless adorable sayings to include on your invites, so choose one that fits your unique style. Etsy is a great source to find all kinds of affordable party invites.

Cut costs by purchasing an instant download, usually ranging from $10 to $20, and send as an e-vite. Today, people are checking their email all day long. If you're short on time and want your guests to get your invite immediately, evites are the way to go. The fun thing about email invites is you can add fun animations and graphics to make them stand out in your guests' inbox. We love this animated invite from paperlesspost.com, a site full of creative online cards. Some of our other favorites include these and these.

If you're the crafty type, DIY gender reveal party invitations are perfect. Use this Baby Diaper Card Template to cut and create adorable diaper-shaped invites. Have fun using all kinds of supplies including twine, ribbon, and bows. Scan Pinterest Boards for endless inspiration.

The Décor and Party Games

Gender Reveal Decorations

Make the party truly festive with lively décor around your home. DIY décor ideas include ribbons wrapped around dollar store candles or making a homemade version of this gender reveal banner using cardstock and ribbon. String pink and blue streamers around your home for a colorful touch. And if you’re not the DIY type, this decorations kit from Party City comes with everyone you need for $27.99.

For party games, we like "Guess the Baby." Have each guest bring a baby pictures of themselves and put them up on the wall. Have everyone guess who is who. You'll be surprised at how entertaining this game can become.

Games aimed at guessing your baby’s gender include:

  • Have guests wear these pins based on their guess of whether it's going to be a boy or a girl.
  • Place pink and blue paint strips in tiny mason jars and have your guests cast their vote for the gender.
  • If you own a chalkboard, display it as guests enter the home and have them write in their guesses.

The Sips and Bites

We’ve found recipes that are easy on your wallet and delicious. If you don’t’ feel like having a baker make a grand cake, check out this Cake Pop Tutorial, featuring pops that are easy to make using food coloring, candy melts, and ribbon. Our mouths are also watering for these Pink and Blue Muddy Buddies that can be made with ingredients you already have around the house. If you want to go super simple or are in no way shape or form a baker, buy a bunch of Hershey’s Chocolate bars and color appropriately.

Some other ideas include, Pink and Blue Pretzels, Pink and Blue Dipped Oreos, or Colorful Fruit Parfaits or Kabobs.

Don’t forget the libations! Set out a punch bowl with Sprite mixed with rainbow sherbet or blue and pink lemonade in drink dispensers or pitchers. If your guests are looking for something boozy, try this simple Strawberry Sangria to liven up the mood.

The Reveal

Gender Reveal Smoke Fountains

The most entertaining part of the party is the reveal itself! Below are some ideas to inspire you. Choose something that speaks to both your personalities.

Balloons out of a Box. Put pink or blue balloons inside a large packing box and decorate however you want using paper, markers or glitter. Have your guests count down to the release of the balloons. This idea is perfect for an outdoor barbeque.

Smoke Fountains. For the ideal photo opportunity, try these colorful smoke fountains. Keep it cost- effective by buying one for you and one for you partner at $13.95 each.

Scratch Off Tickets. Scratch off tickets aren’t just for winning the lottery. Have your guests scratch off these cute cards. Only $8 for a set of 12.

Paint War. Since you’re having a child, why not channel your inner kid with a blue or pink paint war that simply requires a trip to the hardware store. Wear all white clothes you don’t mind getting messy than splatter away.

Piñata - We love this idea. Get a piñata filled with blue or pink confetti. Have mom, dad, or even an excited brother or sister swing at and break the piñata. Upon breaking the piñata, confetti will go flying into the air telling all of the guests to expect a boy or girl.

Involve The Siblings. Dress your child in a "Big Bro" or Big Sis" t-shirt. Let them shoot confetti, release balloons, or if you're brave, splatter paint. For a gender reveal that doubles as a science experiment, little ones will love this Volcano Gender Reveal.

Remember, planning the perfect party doesn’t mean you have to spend outside your means. Get crafty and have fun with it because celebrating new life coming into the world is the best party you’ll ever host!


Got a fun idea of your own? Email us and you may be featured on Gender Reveal! Need more gender reveal ideas? See below!