Finding out there’s a baby on the way is like unlocking a treasure chest filled with excitement, a dash of overwhelm, and just a hint of terror. Suddenly, you’re plunged into a whirlwind of crib comparisons, stroller dilemmas, and a never-ending quest for pacifiers and diapers. The to-do list seems to stretch to infinity, with every tiny detail needing attention before the little one makes their grand entrance.

As magical as pregnancy is, it’s also exhausting. Many moms-to-be reach a point where they’re counting down the seconds until they can finally meet their tiny human and bid farewell to the bump. Yet, amidst all of the chaos, there are small things that make the pregnancy journey loveable. One is the gender reveal announcement! Whether it’s the expecting parents planning to surprise their loved ones or the soon-to-be grandparents or aunties planning, these gender reveals are sure to be memorable. From sweet treats to colorful bursts of excitement, here are five fun and unique gender reveal ideas to add a sprinkle (and mystery) to your celebration.

1. A Delicious Twist
What better way to announce the gender of your bundle of joy than with a sweet treat? Whoever plans the reveal can have a baker prepare a batch of vanilla and chocolate cake pops with pink and blue frosting. But here’s the twist–hidden inside one lucky cake pop is the big reveal, either pink or blue cake batter. So when the lucky person bites into the treat, the gender is revealed!

It’s a gender reveal that’s not just fun but also full of suspense. Everyone will be on the edge of their seats until the lucky pop is uncovered. This fun twist on the traditional cake reveal adds a touch of elegance and mystery to the celebration.

2. Balloons and Confetti, Oh My!
Get ready for a burst of excitement with a balloon or confetti pop gender reveal. Fill a large black balloon with either pink or blue confetti, and when the big moment arrives, give it a satisfying pop to reveal the gender in a dramatic and festive way. It’s a simple yet thrilling way to share the news and create lasting memories with your loved ones.If you opt for the balloon route, be sure to anchor it down to prevent any unexpected takeoffs.

Alternatively, you can snag confetti poppers from Amazon for a hassle-free experience. Let eager siblings reveal the confetti, or have the expecting parents share the excitement together.

3. On Your Mark, Get Set, Reveal
For sports-loving families, a sport-related gender reveal adds an extra layer of excitement to the celebration. Whether it’s shooting a basketball into a hoop filled with pink or blue powder, kicking a soccer ball to reveal the gender hidden inside, or hitting a baseball to release a burst of colorful confetti, there are endless possibilities to score a winning gender reveal moment. It’s a playful and energetic way to announce the newest team member and kick off excitement for the future sports star.

Pro Tip: Plan to do this activity outside in a designated area so no one is hurt. Consider providing parents with sunglasses so they don’t get powder or confetti in their eyes.

4. The Color Chaos
Unleash your inner artist with a paint-themed gender reveal! Wear white and let the kids in the family spray everyone with the color of paint to reveal the gender (the bottles are taped and decorated so the color is hidden).

An alternative way is to fill balloons and pin them to a blank wall. As guests use creative methods to pop the balloons, the paint will splatter across the canvas, revealing the gender in a vibrant and visually stunning display. It’s a messy yet memorable way to celebrate the newest addition to the family and create a work of art the family can cherish forever.

5. Brothers, Sisters, and Baby Bliss
Involve the soon-to-be sibling in the gender reveal with a special shirt announcement. Have a shirt specially made for the sibling with a playful message like “I’m Going to Be a Big Brother/Sister” or “Team Pink/Blue.” When it’s time for the reveal, the sibling can proudly wear the shirt, unveiling the gender.

Not only does this make the siblings feel included and excited about the new arrival, but it also helps them bond with their future brother or sister from the very beginning.

Bonus Reveal: Gender Reveal Candle
For family and friends who cannot attend the event in person, a gender reveal candle offers a sweet and intimate way to share in the excitement from afar. The expecting parents can send out specially-crafted candles with a hidden color or message that will be revealed as the candle burns. It’s a thoughtful gesture that allows loved ones to participate in the celebration and feel connected to the joyous moment, no matter the distance.