What Is a Baby Shower, Sprinkle, and Gender Reveal Party?

So your sister, best friend, daughter, or daughter-in-law is expecting, and you want to throw a celebration that makes her feel absolutely loved.

First of all, I just want to say – you’re amazing.

I remember feeling completely overwhelmed when I planned my first baby shower. I had no idea where to start. What kind of party should you throw? What’s the difference between a baby shower and a gender reveal? Do you need a theme? When is the right time to host it? And how much is this going to cost?

If you’re anything like I was, feeling excited but totally clueless, you’re in the right place.

Also, just in case you are the mom-to-be, yes, you can absolutely plan your own baby shower, sprinkle shower, or gender reveal. Lots of moms love being hands-on with the planning these days, and there’s no rule that says you can’t.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything I’ve learned about baby showers, sprinkle showers, and gender reveal parties, including what each one is, when to host it, how to plan it, and what makes each type of celebration special.

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Baby Shower

What is a Baby Shower

A baby shower is the classic celebration where loved ones “shower” the mom-to-be with support, encouragement, and baby essentials.

It’s such a beautiful tradition, and one of my favorite ways to help a new mom feel supported before baby arrives.

When to Have a Baby Shower

The best time to host a baby shower is between 28 and 34 weeks of pregnancy. That’s when the mom still has energy to enjoy it, but it’s not too close to her due date.

That said, you can absolutely plan the shower earlier, as long as her baby bump has started showing.

If you’re working around special circumstances, like travel, medical concerns, or scheduling with family, feel free to adjust the timing to whatever works best. There’s no strict rule, what matters most is that the celebration feels right for her.

How to Plan a Baby Shower

Here are some key things to consider when planning a baby shower:

Who can host

A close friend, sister, cousin, or even the mother or mother-in-law of the mom-to-be. And yes, the expectant mom can plan it herself. What matters most is showing love, not tradition.

Invitations

Send invites 3 to 4 weeks ahead, or earlier for long-distance guests. You can either print invitations or send them digitally, depending on your budget and style.

Who to Invite

Invite family and close friends. Baby showers used to be women-only, but co-ed showers are now common. You can choose to invite guests with or without kids, just make sure to mention it on the invitations.

Where to Host the Baby Shower

Showers can be held at home, in a backyard, at a park, or in a small rented event space.

Duration

Baby showers typically last 2 to 3 hours. This allows time for mingling, eating, playing games, opening gifts, and wrapping up without feeling rushed. Typically on a weekend afternoon.

Games and Activities

Plan to include 1 to 3 games or activities, depending on your crowd. If the vibe is casual or the guest list includes older relatives, go for low-key baby shower games like Baby Bingo or prediction cards. If your group loves to laugh, go for hilarious party games.

Baby Shower Themes

Choosing a theme helps tie together the invitations, decorations, menu, and games.

Some of my favorite themes are:

• For girls: Baby shower themes for girls
• For boys: Baby shower ideas for boys
• Gender-neutral: Creative Gender-neutral ideas

Food and Drinks

Plan light bites, drinks, and desserts that fit your budget and party size. You can coordinate it with the theme but keep it simple and enjoyable.

Baby Shower Costs

Costs can vary widely depending on your location, guest count, venue choice, food preferences, and whether you DIY or hire help.

• DIY: $150 to $300 – great for small, home-hosted events
• Mid-range: $400 to $800 – allows for catering and rentals
• Luxe: $1,000+ – may include professional planning, a venue, and full-service catering

For ideas on how to throw a meaningful celebration without spending a fortune, check out my guide to a budget-friendly baby shower.

Sprinkle Shower

What is a Sprinkle Shower

A sprinkle is a smaller, more casual version of a baby shower. It’s a celebration that usually held for a second, third, or later child.

The mom probably already has most of what she needs, but that doesn’t mean she shouldn’t be celebrated.

When to Have a Sprinkle

Just like a regular shower, the sweet spot is between 28 and 34 weeks. Even though it’s smaller, it still helps to host it before the final stretch of pregnancy.

How to Plan a Sprinkle

A sprinkle shower is very similar to a traditional baby shower when it comes to planning. However, the biggest difference is the scale and purpose.

They’re usually more casual and intimate, with fewer guests. Gifts are often practical items like diapers or baby clothes rather than big-ticket items, and games are optional or kept low-key.

The cost is generally lower too! Ranging from around $50 to $150 for a simple home setup, or $200 to $400 for a small venue brunch.

Gender Reveal Party

What is a Gender Reveal Party

A gender reveal party is a short, joyful event where expectant parents reveal the sex of their baby to friends and family.

The focus is on the reveal moment itself, usually something visual like pink or blue confetti, cake filling, balloons, or smoke powder.

Some couples find out the gender at the same time as their guests, while others know in advance and plan the surprise for everyone else

What I love most is how personal you can make it. Whether you’re doing something creative or keeping it super simple, it’s a joyful excuse to gather, even for an hour or two.

A gender reveal is similar to a baby shower in that it’s a celebration of the baby and the parents-to-be, but there are a few key differences:

• No gift-giving expectation: Guests usually don’t bring gifts unless it’s combined with a shower.
• Shorter and more casual: Most gender reveals last about 1.5 to 2 hours.
• Focused on one moment: The main event is the reveal, followed by light snacks or mingling.
• Optional games and themes: Some include guessing games or a “Team Pink vs. Team Blue” theme, but these are totally optional.
• Great for social sharing: Many parents livestream or record the reveal for loved ones who can’t attend.

When to Have a Gender Reveal Party

Gender reveals work best when the couple wants to make the gender announcement exciting, or when they want to find out the gender together in front of loved ones.

It’s often held between 18 and 22 weeks, after the anatomy scan.

If you’re short on time or want to simplify planning, the gender reveal can also be combined with a baby shower or sprinkle.

Which Celebration Is Right for You?

If you’re still deciding between a baby shower, sprinkle, or gender reveal, here’s a simple breakdown:

Celebration Type	Purpose	When to Host	Guests	Duration	Estimated Cost
Baby Shower	Celebrate first-time mom with gifts and games	28 to 34 weeks	20 to 40+ people	2 to 3 hours	$150 to $1,000+
Sprinkle Shower	Mini-shower for moms who already have kids	28 to 34 weeks	10 to 20 people	1.5 to 2 hours	$50 to $400
Gender Reveal Party	Reveal the baby’s gender to loved ones	18 to 22 weeks	10 to 30 people	1.5 to 2 hours	$75 to $700+

Whether you go all out with a big baby shower, keep it cozy with a sprinkle, or plan a short and sweet gender reveal, what really matters is making the mom-to-be feel celebrated and supported.

Planning one of these parties doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little creativity, a theme you love, and the people who matter most, it’ll turn into a memory everyone talks about for years.

Have Fun!

With love,
Shely