Gender Reveal Party?

[CandleontheWater]

gosh, some of you all must hate socializing. If my friends invited me to a "guess junior's motarboard" party, (with no gifts required, much like a gender reveal), and then invited me to a party where they showed off their new landscaping, and then invited me to housewarming and a graduation party, I'd be thrilled I got to see my friends so often, and I'd sure feel popular. No to mention that parties usually come with food, drinks and cake- score!

If my friends want me over their house and will feed me and give me drinks, I don't care what made up occasion we are celebrating! I'm just happy to be with my friends.

 

[eliza61]

gosh, some of you all must hate socializing. If my friends invited me to a "guess junior's motarboard" party, (with no gifts required, much like a gender reveal), and then invited me to a party where they showed off their new landscaping, and then invited me to housewarming and a graduation party, I'd be thrilled I got to see my friends so often, and I'd sure feel popular. No to mention that parties usually come with food, drinks and cake- score!

If my friends want me over their house and will feed me and give me drinks, I don't care what made up occasion we are celebrating! I'm just happy to be with my friends.

And that's why God created Friday and Saturday night. I love socializing with my friends, we simply don't need made up, pretentious, celebrating mediocracy excuses to do it. JMO.

So what's next? "I took a bowel movement without any problems" party? a "my kid isn't doing drugs and didn't get arrested" party?

So I guess it depends on what I consider cause for celebrating. I do like the fact that we have "special" occasion. It's falls back to "if everyone is special, then in reality no one is special". Yes, I thank my maker for every day I'm granted. NO I don't think the fact that I woke up today means break out the confetti and party games.

Like I said, I appreciate the special occasions way more because they are special. I also appreciate the fact that some memories I have are strickly private and between my dh and I. I love the memory of us finding out the sex of our first born just between us. Sure it was nice telling the inlaws but those initial moments of discovery are precious for their intimacy.

Think of it like this, when I was going to disneyworld 2,3 times a year it became old and routine. It wasn't until I stepped back discovered other joys and then returned to Disney become "special". I see you're pregnant. Are you going to have a weekly birthday party. Hey my kid is 1 week old? How about a "he/she took her first step, she got her first tooth, lost her first tooth, said his first words". do all these events signify parties. I think after the 8th week old party your friends may not be calling you popular but other adjectives. LOL

Lastly the thing about these events is that everyone says "no gifts" but usually they end up with folks buying gifts and then once again when they get the shower invite, and there always is a shower afterward.

 

[luvmy3]

gosh, some of you all must hate socializing. If my friends invited me to a "guess junior's motarboard" party, (with no gifts required, much like a gender reveal), and then invited me to a party where they showed off their new landscaping, and then invited me to housewarming and a graduation party, I'd be thrilled I got to see my friends so often, and I'd sure feel popular. No to mention that parties usually come with food, drinks and cake- score!

If my friends want me over their house and will feed me and give me drinks, I don't care what made up occasion we are celebrating! I'm just happy to be with my friends.

I guess some of us just outgrew that after high school. I enjoy socializing with my friends, so I just call them up and ask if they want to get together, no need to make it some special event for myself. I suppose I could make it some sort if event, "I straightened my hair today instead of leaving it naturally wavy" party. We could all gather around and talk about how great my hair looks, and eat and drink too!

 

[CandleontheWater]

I guess some of us just outgrew that after high school. I enjoy socializing with my friends, so I just call them up and ask if they want to get together, no need to make it some special event for myself. I suppose I could make it some sort if event, "I straightened my hair today instead of leaving it naturally wavy" party. We could all gather around and talk about how great my hair looks, and eat and drink too!

obviously the lighthearted tone of that statement didn't come through.

 

[mickeyboat]

I think people want to have the "It' a Boy!" or "It's a Girl!" without having to wait until the baby comes. Oh, and I think it is a gift / attention grab.

 

[Arielle22]

I don't think that the parents should be finding out at the same time as everyone else. As eliza said, some things are meant to be enjoyed with your spouse before telling others.

I don't see what specifically is being celebrated. A celebration is for something special but at the point of the reveal, nothing special has occurred yet. Yes the woman is pregnant and I assume she has already been congratulated on that. But the gender is an aspect of the pregnancy so why celebrate that?

 

[diamondpixienc]

I have never heard of this but i like the suggestion of tucking a greeting card with a gift card in it and only hand it over after seeing other gifts being brought or the edible arrangement would work since it is your SIL but she would not get one sent to the hospital as that is what I usually send to my close family and friends who have their babies. So, no you got your Edible Arrangement at your little "gender reveal" party...now, let auntie hold that little cutie...lol

 

[luvsJack]

My goodness, such negativity! Babies should always be celebrated in all kinds of ways! If gifts are not expected, how on earth can it be a "gift grab"??? And several that have attended/hosted one of these parties has said that no gifts are expected.

If someone wants to invite all of their family and friends to find out what the baby is and serve food and play a few party games at the same time, how is that a bad thing?

 

[hulagirl87]

Perhaps a book on parenting to assist your SIL?

How does throwing a party make you a poor parent?

My goodness, such negativity! Babies should always be celebrated in all kinds of ways! If gifts are not expected, how on earth can it be a "gift grab"??? And several that have attended/hosted one of these parties has said that no gifts are expected.

If someone wants to invite all of their family and friends to find out what the baby is and serve food and play a few party games at the same time, how is that a bad thing?

I agree with this! I think the gender reveal is a cute idea. So do a lot of other people as there are a ton of videos on youtube with some great ideas! Even that show Guiliana and Bill had an episode with a gender reveal. While I don't think I would do this myself, I wouldn't turn down an invite!

 

[DipsyDoodles]

I don't understand all the sour grapes about this. If someone invites me to a party (and its someone I like), I'm happy to get to go to a party. I enjoy socializing and cake is always a plus. What is the harm in them telling you the gender of their child at a party. These parties are not gift grabs, they are just parties.

If it was a barbeque for no real reason, or a cocktail party to get together with friends and they happened to mention the gender of their baby in conversation would you all still find fault?

I completely agree! This is a party with friends and family that has a theme, that's all. I love the idea, any excuse for a good party! The parents-to-be usually host and provide food, drink and fun....sounds like a WIN/WIN to me.

 

[branv]

I completely agree! This is a party with friends and family that has a theme, that's all. I love the idea, any excuse for a good party! The parents-to-be usually host and provide food, drink and fun....sounds like a WIN/WIN to me.

Seriously! I have been known to say with some scorn that my generation acts like we invented childbirth and parenting. Between the kind of money that is now spent on nurseries, over the top showers and birthday parties, becoming hysterical over what is really fairly inconsequential parenting choices that are really too often about feeling superior to other parents (like the difference between raising a Harvard grad and a serial killer is cloth diapers).

But really, I think a lot of you greeting this particular party with such scorn simply don't understand how most of these parties are intended. Like ANYTHING, certainly some people do it for attention or gifts. However, the ones I know of (directly and indirectly) were just all in good fun. Usually it's a couple that likes to have parties/gatherings anyway, love and adore their friends and family, and get a kick out of thinking up cute food/decorations. Why? Because it's fun for them. No ulterior motives. Would I want my spouse and I to find out the gender of our child in front of other people? Nope. But we are also private people. I know plenty of people who have a very inclusive, close-knit family/friend circle that would love to share that moment with them. They're not looking for adoration or attention, that's just part of their dynamic. And that's their choice, just like I can make my own choice to keep such a moment private without it implying I'm secretive or selfish. It amazes me how fast people are to assume the worst intentions of anyone who does things differently than they do.

It makes them happy, they aren't asking for anything but to share their joy. If someone wants to be sour about that, more power to them. Stay home. I'll be happy to enjoy a slice of pink or blue cake someone else had to make

 

[secretpantssam]

I love having and going to parties, so I certainly wouldn't mind being invited to one. I doubt it's the same type of gift giving situation as a shower, so you're not really obligated to bring a gift. Just an invitation to have fun and cake with some people you care about!

 

[Nennie]

I've heard of gender reveal parties, where the mom to be cuts the cake, and it's pink or blue on the inside and that's how she (and everyone else) finds out the sex of the baby.

I think it's something cute to do with close family, but I think inviting 80 people might be a bit much??

In my immediate family, my siblings and I didn't find out the sex until birth, so obviously no need for an extra party. I would attend a gender reveal for close friends/family though. It sounds cute!

 

[eliza61]

My goodness, such negativity! Babies should always be celebrated in all kinds of ways! If gifts are not expected, how on earth can it be a "gift grab"??? And several that have attended/hosted one of these parties has said that no gifts are expected.

If someone wants to invite all of their family and friends to find out what the baby is and serve food and play a few party games at the same time, how is that a bad thing?

I don't think anyone think it's "bad" as in versus good type of thing. I myself wouldn't go or have one but if some one gave one I would not think they are bad.

As I said before for me it's just another overall "let's celebrate a non issue". Once again why not have a "my baby threw up" party? or break out the invites Jr can write his name in the snow in yellow. that's pretty much just as significant. To me (just my opinion).

Generally I just kinda think we "over celebrate" every thing. Kid comes in dead last, oh well he gets a party and a trophy. My kids old elementary school now has 3, yes 3 graduations. You "graduate" when you finish kindergarten, then you "graduate" when you finish 3rd grade, complete with cap and gown and of course when you move from 6th grade to middle school, yep you got it another graduation. PErsonally I think the elementary school gets a kick back from the cap and gown people. No wonder kids now expect a Nobel prize because they figured out how to zip up their back packs.

I've admitted I totally like the "specialness" of special occasions. If we throw a party every day simple because it's another day what makes birthdays and Christmas and anniversaries any more special. KWIM.

Like I said, I think every day I wake up is a blessing, do I think it deserves to be celebrated with drink, food and presents.....uhmm not so much.

Just me though, like I said if some one invited me, I probably decline thank them politely catch up with them another time. I'm not a party pooper though, I would not rain on their parade.

 

[luvsJack]

I don't think anyone think it's "bad" as in versus good type of thing. I myself wouldn't go or have one but if some one gave one I would not think they are bad.

As I said before for me it's just another overall "let's celebrate a non issue". Once again why not have a "my baby threw up" party? or break out the invites Jr can write his name in the snow in yellow. that's pretty much just as significant. To me (just my opinion).

Generally I just kinda think we "over celebrate" every thing. Kid comes in dead last, oh well he gets a party and a trophy. My kids old elementary school now has 3, yes 3 graduations. You "graduate" when you finish kindergarten, then you "graduate" when you finish 3rd grade, complete with cap and gown and of course when you move from 6th grade to middle school, yep you got it another graduation. PErsonally I think the elementary school gets a kick back from the cap and gown people. No wonder kids now expect a Nobel prize because they figured out how to zip up their back packs.

I've admitted I totally like the "specialness" of special occasions. If we throw a party every day simple because it's another day what makes birthdays and Christmas and anniversaries any more special. KWIM.

Like I said, I think every day I wake up is a blessing, do I think it deserves to be celebrated with drink, food and presents.....uhmm not so much.

Just me though, like I said if some one invited me, I probably decline thank them politely catch up with them another time. I'm not a party pooper though, I would not rain on their parade.

You don't think finding out the gender of your baby is any more special than the things you mentioned? I certainly do! Being pregnant is such an exciting time, imo. And finding out if its a boy or a girl is just a special part of it.

Besides, life is short celebrating everything we can seems like a good way to spend it to me

As for the good vs bad, some were saying the parents were self absorbed, just wanting gifts, etc.

 

[eliza61]

You don't think finding out the gender of your baby is any more special than the things you mentioned? I certainly do! Being pregnant is such an exciting time, imo. And finding out if its a boy or a girl is just a special part of it.

Besides, life is short celebrating everything we can seems like a good way to spend it to me

As for the good vs bad, some were saying the parents were self absorbed, just wanting gifts, etc.

LOL. I'm old luvsjack, back in the good old days we didn't have partys at the drop of the hat and finding out the sex of my kid was considered a very private affair.

So sorry no I do not think it's super special or warrants a big family party. And by the time kid 3 came around, all this mom of stair steps wanted was 5 minutes in the bathtub without some one saying "mommy, mommy, mommy".

I would have konked my dh in the head with a frying pan had he come home and said he had invited 20 people over for a party.

LOL. When I had my second the girl in the room had a birthing party. are you kidding? You think I would want a host of my friends a family looking like hell with my legs up in stirrups.

And yes being pregnant was an exciting time FOR ME. Did my girlfriends think it was as thrilling as me? I think not, and not a lot of them where in a rush to exchange positions. See we conviently forget about the majority of not so exciting things (barfing, swollen ankles, tender girls, hot flashes, peeing every 3 seconds, need I go on)

It's like those new moms who insist on whipping out pictures every time they think their kid did some thing so adorable. Sure you think it's absolutely hysterical that jr is covered in spaghetti sauce, for the rest of us who have to sit through 75 pictures and a blow by blow description. Nah, not so much.

There is a reason why it's called "oversharing".

Nope. I am happily old fashioned. and yes I know life is short I'm a widow and the funny thing about that is, the times I treasure are NOT the big parties and phoney celebrations. The things I mourn are when me and dh told jokes in bed, laughing so hard we woke the kids up, the Sundays sitting in the back yard during the summer without any family just him, me and the kids eating crabs with our hands, calling him up on the phone at work making a "date" in Philly at a local bar or when my oldest son hit the game winning home run at the bottom of the 9th with 2 outs.

for most people who realize life is short, it's the everyday NON party days that they mourn. Ironic isn't it. we go through all this hoopla trying to make thing "memorable" and usually it's not what makes us smile.

 

[luvmy3]

obviously the lighthearted tone of that statement didn't come through.

It wasn't meant too?

 

[NYEmomma]

My goodness, such negativity! Babies should always be celebrated in all kinds of ways! If gifts are not expected, how on earth can it be a "gift grab"??? And several that have attended/hosted one of these parties has said that no gifts are expected.

If someone wants to invite all of their family and friends to find out what the baby is and serve food and play a few party games at the same time, how is that a bad thing?

We had a mini gender reveal party... my gender u/s with the twins was the same day as my mom's birthday so I made a two-layer cake for her and colored each layer pink for each of our girls. That's how my parents & daughter found out we were having two girls. If we had more family or friends around, I absolutely would have invited more people over. No gifts, no games, just some free cake & ice cream with the people we care about the most.

 

[dis-happy]

LOL. I'm old luvsjack, back in the good old days we didn't have partys at the drop of the hat and finding out the sex of my kid was considered a very private affair.

So sorry no I do not think it's super special or warrants a big family party. And by the time kid 3 came around, all this mom of stair steps wanted was 5 minutes in the bathtub without some one saying "mommy, mommy, mommy".

I would have konked my dh in the head with a frying pan had he come home and said he had invited 20 people over for a party.

LOL. When I had my second the girl in the room had a birthing party. are you kidding? You think I would want a host of my friends a family looking like hell with my legs up in stirrups.

And yes being pregnant was an exciting time FOR ME. Did my girlfriends think it was as thrilling as me? I think not, and not a lot of them where in a rush to exchange positions. See we conviently forget about the majority of not so exciting things (barfing, swollen ankles, tender girls, hot flashes, peeing every 3 seconds, need I go on)

It's like those new moms who insist on whipping out pictures every time they think their kid did some thing so adorable. Sure you think it's absolutely hysterical that jr is covered in spaghetti sauce, for the rest of us who have to sit through 75 pictures and a blow by blow description. Nah, not so much.

There is a reason why it's called "oversharing".

Nope. I am happily old fashioned. and yes I know life is short I'm a widow and the funny thing about that is, the times I treasure are NOT the big parties and phoney celebrations. The things I mourn are when me and dh told jokes in bed, laughing so hard we woke the kids up, the Sundays sitting in the back yard during the summer without any family just him, me and the kids eating crabs with our hands, calling him up on the phone at work making a "date" in Philly at a local bar or when my oldest son hit the game winning home run at the bottom of the 9th with 2 outs.

for most people who realize life is short, it's the everyday NON party days that they mourn. Ironic isn't it. we go through all this hoopla trying to make thing "memorable" and usually it's not what makes us smile.

Well said.

And your last statement reminds me of the play Our Town.

 

[MinnieForMe]

Quote:
"So what's next? "I took a bowel movement without any problems" party?"

Actually, if we could have, I think we would have! The comment above reminded me of a friend who was going through cancer treatments. She has a fantastic sense of humor and put it out there that she was having serious problems with constipation due to her treatments. She was miserable for days and asked everyone for suggestions. I swear when everything started working again, we were close to throwing a party for her!

Yes, I would happily attend a gender reveal party and be perfectly happy! But, then again, I also would look at 75 pictures of someone's child covered in spaghetti and enjoy their happiness over their child regardless of the fact that I've been there and done that with three kids!