Celebrating pregnancy

From gender reveal to baby shower: organization, tips & trends

The Complete Guide to Baby Showers, Gender Reveals, and Trends

From intimate parties to grand celebrations: pregnancy moments are being celebrated more and more often.

On this page you will find inspiration, guides and checklists to make your pregnancy an unforgettable event.

Practical, sustainable and stylish.

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The babyshower

A baby shower is a festive gathering to celebrate impending parenthood—often even before the baby is born. The idea originated in English-speaking countries but has become a staple in other parts of the world as well.

More and more expectant parents are using this occasion to bring friends and family together, receive gifts, and above all, take a moment to reflect on a special phase in life. The trend is growing rapidly thanks to social media, Pinterest inspiration, and the desire for personal, intimate moments in a busy time.

Babyshower

Ideal timing

Most babyshowers are planned between weeks 24 and 32 of pregnancy. This is a time when the pregnancy is visible, the expectant parents are often still feeling well, and there's plenty of time to enjoy the preparations.

Tip: Plan the baby shower at least 4 to 6 weeks before your due date. This will avoid stress and leave you time for any necessary adjustments.

Babyshower

Theme & games

A good theme gives the baby shower a personal touch. Think soft pastels, jungle, boho, minimalist, or seasonal vibes. By consistently carrying the theme through to the decorations, snacks, and dress code, you'll create a festive atmosphere.

Games create lightheartedness and connection. Popular ideas include: Guess the birth date, Guess the baby photo, Baby bingo or name games, Writing personalized greeting cards

Babyshower

DIY vs professional

There are two ways to approach a baby shower:

DIY (Do It Yourself): Make your own decorations, arrange snacks, and plan the event. Cheaper, more personal, but requires more preparation.

Professionally organized: decoration, catering, and entertainment are taken care of. Ideal if you want to avoid the stress and create a streamlined event.

More and more people are opting for a mix: arranging the basics themselves and outsourcing specific components (e.g. cake or styling).

Babyshower

Organization: Who?

Traditionally, baby showers were often organized by friends or family of the pregnant woman. These days, it's more flexible:

- Best friends or sisters
- Parents or in-laws
- Or the pregnant woman herself, together with her inner circle

More and more often, a baby shower is organised together, so that it exactly matches the wishes of the expectant parent(s).

Find out more about baby showers

The gender reveal

A gender reveal is a festive occasion where the baby's gender is announced to friends and family. This is often done creatively—for example, with confetti, cake, smoke (increasingly less popular), or original games.

The trend has spread from English-speaking countries and is now rapidly gaining traction worldwide. Many expectant parents choose a gender reveal to celebrate the pregnancy with their loved ones in an intimate and festive way. Social media plays a major role in this: short videos and photos of reveals often generate warm reactions and cherished memories.

Gender reveal

Ideal timing

Most parents plan a gender reveal between weeks 16 and 20 of pregnancy. This is usually the time when an ultrasound or blood test can reliably determine the gender.

Tip: Schedule the reveal at least one week after your medical consultation. This gives you plenty of time to prepare for the reveal, without feeling rushed or stressed.

Gender reveal

Popular reveal ideas

A gender reveal can be as big or small as you like. Need inspiration? Here are some popular ideas:

Cake or cupcakes – pink or blue filling for a surprise moment.

Balloon or confetti – classic and photogenic.

Surprise Box – Open a box full of colorful balloons or decorations.

Game modes – have guests guess and award points for winners.

Video reveal – ideal for those who want to involve friends or family from a distance.

Tip: Combine the reveal with a small game or toast. This keeps the suspense going and creates a clear "climax."

Gender reveal

Sustainable ways

More and more parents are choosing an eco-friendly unveiling. You don't need smoke bombs or balloons to make an impact. Consider, for example:

- Edible revelations (cake, cupcakes, mocktails)
- Projections or light effects instead of confetti
- Reusable decorations instead of disposable balloons
- Theme party with subtle color accents instead of explosive reveals

This way you can celebrate a special moment without unnecessary waste or environmental damage.

Gender reveal

Organization: Who?

Just like a baby shower, a gender reveal can be organized by a variety of people. There are generally three popular options:

1. Friends or family – take care of the surprise, while parents discover the gender at the same time as guests.

2. The (expectant) parents themselves – especially if they already know what it will be and want to reveal it themselves.

3. Together with a professional planner – useful for larger parties or creative concepts.

Let one person know the results and keep the rest a secret — this way the moment remains a real surprise for the parents too.

Find out more about gender reveal parties

Trends for 2026

Pregnancy celebrations are no longer standard. More and more parents are looking for a personal, sustainable, and feasible way to celebrate their pregnancy. Trends like "low waste," smaller, intimate celebrations, and creative combinations are growing rapidly.

This has to do with: a shift towards conscious consumption, social media that spreads new concepts at lightning speed, and a growing need to make your own choices and not blindly follow traditions.

Trend

Nesting party

A nesting party is a relatively new trend that has emerged from the US. Instead of a celebration focused on gifts, it's all about preparation and connection. Friends and family help with things like:

Preparing meals for after the birth, decorating the nursery, doing practical chores around the house, spending quality time without the pressure of entertainment.

A nesting party emphasizes support, peace, and connection—rather than crowds and spectacle.

Trend

Throwing a sustainable party

More and more expectant parents are choosing to make their celebrations more conscious and environmentally friendly. This doesn't mean it's going to be boring—quite the opposite. Some popular sustainable choices include:

- Reusable decorations (cloth streamers, wooden decorations) instead of balloons.
- Edible or compostable revelations at gender reveals.
- Digital invitations instead of paper.
- Local and seasonal catering instead of ready-made.

Sustainability is not only better for the planet, but also for your wallet.

Find out more about the trends

  • Trend alert: Nesting party - the practical alternative

    read more 

  • Throwing a sustainable pregnancy party - low waste and conscious celebration

    read more 

  • Gender reveal or baby shower? Here's how to choose the right one for you.

    read more 

  • Halloween Babyshower: griezelig leuke ideeën

    read more 

You ask. We answer.

FAQ

When are you planning a baby shower?

Most baby showers are planned between weeks 24 and 32 of pregnancy.

This is the moment when the pregnancy is visible, the expectant parent often still feels well and there is sufficient time for preparation.

When do you do a gender reveal?

A gender reveal usually takes place between weeks 16 and 20 of pregnancy, as soon as the gender is known via ultrasound or NIPT test.

Many parents plan the party 1 week after the ultrasound so that there is enough time to properly prepare for the reveal.

What is the average cost of a gender reveal?

The cost depends on the scale and style of the party. On average, a gender reveal costs:

Budget (DIY): €50 – €150 (small group, own decoration and snacks)

Average: €150 – €500 (cake, styling, photographer or decor)

Large-scale: €500 – €1,000+ (professional organization, location rental, entertainment)

Is a nesting party the same as a baby shower?

No — a nesting party is different from a traditional baby shower. A baby shower is all about celebrating pregnancy, gifts, decorations, and fun.

A nesting party is all about practical help and preparation: making meals, preparing the nursery, or relaxing together.

A nesting party is more intimate, peaceful, and often more sustainable than a traditional baby shower.

How do you plan a sustainable party?

A sustainable pregnancy party means celebrating with respect for people and the environment — without compromising on atmosphere.

Popular sustainable choices include:

- Reusable decoration instead of balloons
- Edible revelations instead of confetti or smoke
- Digital invitations
- Local and seasonal food and drinks
- Rent or borrow decorations instead of buying them

Who's organizing a baby shower or gender reveal?

Traditionally, a baby shower was often organized by friends or family, so the expectant mother didn't have to make any arrangements herself. These days, things are less strict:

- Plan and surprise friends or family.
- The pregnant woman herself organizes (or co-organizes) if she has specific wishes.
- Professionally through a planner or stylist, especially for larger parties.

For a gender reveal, many parents choose to have one person know the results and organize the party, so that it remains a surprise for the parents themselves as well.

Can you combine a gender reveal with a baby shower?

Yes, that's definitely possible—and it's becoming increasingly popular. Many parents choose to combine the gender reveal and baby shower into one event to reduce planning, save money, and bring family and friends together at once.

Tip: Plan the combination party around weeks 20–28 of pregnancy. That's early enough for a gender reveal and perfect for a baby shower.

What do you give as a gift at a baby shower?

Baby shower gifts range from practical to symbolic. Popular gift ideas include:

- Baby essentials (rompers, diapers, blankets)
- Care products for mother or baby
- Personal gifts (photo books, name gifts)
- Joint large gifts via a gift list or registry

Gifts don't have to be big — it's about showing attention and support for the expectant parent(s).

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