Of all the things you begin to dream about when you're trying to get pregnant or once you first see that faint line on a positive pregnancy test, how you'll announce your pregnancy to your partner, loved ones, or social media is at the top of the list. Sharing your news can be incredibly meaningful, whether you're hoping to keep it low-key or you want to go big with a creative, shout-it-from-the-rooftop moment. And these days, there are so many pregnancy announcement ideas to consider, from cake toppers to sidewalk chalk to team jerseys.
Of course, how to announce a pregnancy is a personal choice. And you'll brainstorm different pregnancy announcement ideas depending on who you're telling. You'll likely tell your partner before you have a bump to show off, for instance, warranting a different "reveal" than when you tell your boss you're expecting or post to social media.
Regardless, brainstorming how you'll share the "I'm pregnant!" moment can be half the fun. So here are 20 cute pregnancy announcement ideas to jump-start your creative process.
Snap a photo next to a street sign that's warning about an upcoming bump. You can hold an ultrasound or pregnancy test to make the message more obvious, and send the snapshot to friends or post it on social media.
This announcement works in person or virtually: just grab a parenting book and start leafing through. If you're IRL with your loved ones, see how long it takes them to catch on. Or snap a picture for your group chat or social media profile, and send with a message about how you're taking notes for your next chapter.
If you're announcing to a large group (whether in person or virtually) get creative by sharing with your audience a series of riddles and let them decode the surprise. This What Am I? Baby Reveal Riddle Puzzle ($15) is a fun way to announce your news.
Bake up your favorite treat and adorn it with the We're Having a Baby Cake Topper ($9) before hand-delivering it to your loved ones. Talk about a sweet surprise.
If your city has a population figure on its welcome sign, strike a pose in front of it, then text it to friends or post it to social media with the message that that number is going to rise by one in about nine months.
Take your ultrasound picture to the nearest photo booth and share the resulting pics with your family and friends. If you can, print extras — your loved ones are going to want a copy to frame.
This is a great way to tell a partner, if you can stand waiting a few days. Order diapers and wipes online, and when they arrive give them to your partner to open, telling them they have a very special delivery.
Order a baby puzzle and have your loved ones put the pieces together. You can find plenty of options on Etsy, like this Grandparent Reveal Puzzle ($20).
If you don't want to spring for full-on custom T-shirts, try this easy alternative: pick up a pack of "Hello, my name is .. ." stickers at an office supply store, write in "Mom" and "Dad," then slap them on and wait for your friends or family to notice.
If you have a dog, incorporate your pup into your announcement. You can text your friends a pic of your furry friend with a message asking if they think the dog looks excited to be a big brother or sister. You can post a picture of your pet with the ultrasound between their paws. You can put them in "big brother!" or "big sister!" gear like this Promoted to Big Brother Dog Shirt ($13) and wait until your family catches a glimpse of the message. However you do it, a dog is sure to add some cuteness to the mix.
Sharing the news with a letter board never fails to elicit aws. Customize the announcement with your last name and due date, or whatever message you want.
Hand out "survival kits" to your friends and family and include baby essentials like pacifiers, diapers, wipes, and a onesie.
Serve up a favorite beverage in a "world's best" mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, aunt, uncle, etc. mug. For grandparents, toast to the world's best grandma or grandpa. We're partial to this World's Most Awesome mug ($17.)
If you have a younger child at home, take a picture of an "eviction notice" on their crib to announce you're expecting over text or social media. (Just make sure your little one knows it's a joke, if they're old enough to be in on it.)
This one's a classic: draw a sweet message on the sand at the beach. There's nothing prettier, and it works as an in-real-life reveal or a virtual one.
Fill a room with big balloons to announce you're bursting with joy for the newest addition to your family.
Sidewalk chalk is an easy and affordable way to create a custom announcement at home. This is a great way to share the news with your partner or, depending on the strength of your art skills, create beautiful artwork worthy of an Instagram announcement.
Get everyone in your family a custom jersey with their new title on the back so they're ready for game day – aka your due date!
Hand over a box of treats (cookies, doughnuts, cupcakes, or muffins) with the news written on the box or spelled out in frosting. Or, order up a custom Baby Announcement Wine Label ($50) and slap it on your favorite bottle as a playful way of spreading the joy.
Sometimes, natural is best. If you've been hiding your bump under baggier clothes, when you're ready to share the news, simply put on a tighter-fitting outfit that shows off your bump and go about your regular business. Plenty of people will be too polite to ask outright, but they'll likely start fishing by eyeing your bump and asking if you have any news to share. Then, whip out your ultrasound picture and get ready for the congrats.