Gender Reveal & Baby Shower Food Ideas: Menus for Every Budget
RevealTogether Team•January 17, 2026
Gender Reveal & Baby Shower Food Ideas: Complete Menu Guide for Every Budget
Food is often the heart of any celebration. Whether you're hosting an intimate gender reveal or a large baby shower, the right menu makes your event special without breaking the bank.
Gender Reveal Cake Ideas
The reveal cake is often the star of the show!
Classic Reveal Cakes
Inside Color Reveal:
- •White or neutral exterior
- •Colored layers inside (pink or blue)
- •Cut to reveal the gender!
Filling Reveal:
- •Single layer cake
- •Hidden colored filling (M&Ms, sprinkles, or frosting)
- •Cut into and watch the color spill out
Ombre Cake:
- •Gradient of colors from light to dark
- •Pink or blue tones revealed when cut
Creative Cake Alternatives
| Option | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Cupcakes with colored centers | $ | Large groups |
| Cake pops with colored coating | $ | Finger food parties |
| Donut wall with colored filling | $$ | Trendy celebrations |
| Macaron tower (pink or blue) | $$$ | Elegant events |
| Cookie cake | $ | Casual gatherings |
DIY vs. Bakery Cakes
DIY Cake (Budget-Friendly):
- •Box cake mix: $3-5
- •Frosting: $3-5
- •Food coloring: $2-3
- •Total: $10-15
Bakery Cake:
- •Simple design: $30-50
- •Custom design: $50-100+
- •Specialty bakery: $100-200+
💡
Want the reveal without the cake? RevealTogether offers a digital reveal that everyone can experience simultaneously—no baking required!
Themed Gender Reveal Snacks
Pink vs. Blue Snack Table
Create a visually stunning spread with color-coded options:
Pink Side (Girl Predictions):
- •Strawberry macarons
- •Pink lemonade
- •Raspberry thumbprint cookies
- •Watermelon cubes
- •Pink frosted sugar cookies
- •Rosé wine (for adults)
- •Cotton candy
Blue Side (Boy Predictions):
- •Blueberry macarons
- •Blue raspberry punch
- •Blue velvet cookies
- •Blueberries
- •Blue frosted sugar cookies
- •Blue cocktails
- •Blue rock candy
"What Will Baby Be?" Themed Foods
"Staches or Lashes":
- •Mustache-shaped cookies
- •Eyelash-decorated cupcakes
- •"Stache" pretzel rods with chocolate
- •Mascara tube cake pops
"Twinkle Twinkle Little Star":
- •Star-shaped sandwiches
- •Moon and star cookies
- •"Stardust" sugar cookies with edible glitter
- •Galaxy-themed popcorn (colored)
"What Will Baby Bee?":
- •Honeycomb candy
- •Bee-shaped cookies
- •Honey butter on rolls
- •Yellow and black striped cake
- •"Buzz-worthy" punch
"Touchdowns or Tutus":
- •Football-shaped brownies
- •Tutu-decorated cake pops
- •Stadium nachos
- •Ballet slipper cookies
Baby Shower Menu Ideas
Brunch Menu ($8-12 per person)
Main Dishes:
- •Quiche (vegetable and meat options)
- •Belgian waffles with toppings bar
- •Fruit salad
- •Yogurt parfait station
Sides:
- •Bacon and sausage
- •Hash browns
- •Assorted pastries
- •Fresh orange juice and mimosas
Lunch Menu ($10-15 per person)
Finger Sandwiches:
- •Cucumber and cream cheese
- •Chicken salad croissants
- •Turkey and brie
- •Caprese on baguette
Sides:
- •Mixed green salad
- •Fresh fruit platter
- •Veggie tray with dip
- •Chips and salsa
Desserts:
- •Mini cupcakes
- •Petit fours
- •Fresh berries with whipped cream
Afternoon Tea Menu ($12-18 per person)
Savory:
- •Tea sandwiches (variety)
- •Scones with clotted cream and jam
- •Quiche bites
- •Savory tarts
Sweet:
- •Macarons
- •Mini eclairs
- •Petit fours
- •Fresh fruit tarts
Beverages:
- •Assorted teas
- •Coffee
- •Sparkling water
- •Champagne (optional)
Casual BBQ Menu ($8-12 per person)
Mains:
- •Burgers and hot dogs
- •Grilled chicken
- •Pulled pork sliders
Sides:
- •Coleslaw
- •Potato salad
- •Baked beans
- •Corn on the cob
Desserts:
- •Ice cream sundae bar
- •Watermelon slices
- •S'mores station
Budget-Friendly Food Ideas
Under $50 Total Party Food
For 15-20 guests:
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| DIY cake or cupcakes | $15 |
| Veggie tray | $10 |
| Fruit tray | $10 |
| Chips and dip | $8 |
| Lemonade/punch | $5 |
| Total | $48 |
Under $100 Party Food
For 20-30 guests:
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Bakery cake | $40 |
| Sandwich platter | $25 |
| Veggie and fruit trays | $20 |
| Drinks | $10 |
| Paper goods | $5 |
| Total | $100 |
Cost-Saving Tips
- •Go potluck - Ask guests to bring a dish
- •DIY as much as possible - Homemade saves 50%+
- •Shop sales - Buy in bulk at Costco/Sam's
- •Keep it simple - Finger foods over full meals
- •Limit proteins - They're the most expensive items
- •Use in-season produce - Fresher and cheaper
- •Skip the full bar - Offer signature drinks instead
Dietary Accommodations
Common Dietary Needs to Plan For
Vegetarian Options:
- •Veggie sandwiches
- •Cheese platters
- •Vegetable quiche
- •Caprese skewers
- •Hummus and pita
Vegan Options:
- •Fresh fruit
- •Vegetable crudités
- •Vegan dips (hummus, guacamole)
- •Vegan cupcakes
- •Nuts and trail mix
Gluten-Free Options:
- •Fruit and veggie platters
- •Cheese and meat boards
- •GF crackers
- •GF cupcakes or cake
- •Rice-based dishes
Nut-Free Options:
- •Label all dishes with ingredients
- •Keep nut-free zone on the table
- •Avoid cross-contamination
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Always ask guests about allergies and dietary restrictions on your invitation RSVP. Label all dishes clearly at the event.
Drink Ideas
Non-Alcoholic Options
Pink Drinks:
- •Pink lemonade
- •Strawberry smoothies
- •Raspberry punch
- •Rose-infused water
Blue Drinks:
- •Blue raspberry lemonade
- •Blueberry smoothies
- •Blue Hawaiian punch
- •Butterfly pea flower tea (changes color!)
Neutral Options:
- •Sparkling water
- •Lemonade
- •Iced tea
- •Fruit punch
Signature Cocktails (Adults Only)
"Girl" Cocktails:
- •Rosé spritzer
- •Strawberry daiquiri
- •Pink champagne
- •Cosmopolitan
"Boy" Cocktails:
- •Blue margarita
- •Blueberry mojito
- •Blue Hawaiian
- •Blue lagoon
Mocktail Ideas for Mom-to-Be
- •Virgin mojito
- •Sparkling grape juice "champagne"
- •Fruit spritzers
- •Mocktail "bellini" (peach puree + sparkling water)
Setting Up Your Food Table
Layout Tips
- •Create levels - Use cake stands and boxes under tablecloths
- •Group by type - Sweet together, savory together
- •Place reveal cake centrally - It's the star!
- •Put drinks separate - Reduces congestion
- •Add labels - Helps guests with dietary needs
Keeping Food Fresh
Hot Foods:
- •Use chafing dishes
- •Serve in batches
- •Keep backup warm in oven
Cold Foods:
- •Use ice trays underneath
- •Keep perishables under 2 hours at room temperature
- •Store backup in refrigerator
Catering Options
When to Consider Catering
- •Large guest list (40+)
- •Hosting at a venue without kitchen access
- •Limited time to prepare
- •Want to enjoy your own party stress-free
Catering Cost Estimates
| Type | Per Person Cost |
|---|---|
| Pizza delivery | $5-8 |
| Sandwich platters | $8-12 |
| Taco bar | $10-15 |
| Full brunch catering | $15-25 |
| BBQ catering | $12-20 |
| Fine dining catering | $30-50+ |
Semi-Catering: Best of Both Worlds
- •Cater the main dishes
- •DIY the sides and desserts
- •Order the cake from a bakery
- •Make your own drinks
Timeline: Food Preparation
One Week Before
- •Finalize menu
- •Create shopping list
- •Order cake (if from bakery)
- •Confirm any catering orders
Two Days Before
- •Shop for non-perishables
- •Prepare any make-ahead dishes
- •Chill beverages
Day Before
- •Shop for fresh items
- •Prep vegetables
- •Set up serving table
- •Prepare drinks
Day Of
- •Final food prep
- •Pick up cake
- •Set up food display
- •Keep hot items hot, cold items cold
Ready to Plan the Rest of Your Party?
Now that your menu is sorted, check out these other resources:
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However you celebrate, RevealTogether can add a magical synchronized reveal moment to your party—whether guests are enjoying your delicious spread in person or joining virtually from afar!
Ready to Create Your Special Moment?
Turn the excitement into action. Create a beautiful, shareable gender reveal experience for your friends and family.