9 Creative Pregnancy Announcement Ideas

Chances are, there’ll be only a few times in your life that you get to say you’ve got a baby on the way, so you might as well make those pregnancy announcements memorable. Sure, some older relatives and traditional types may prefer finding out the old-fashioned way (with a visit or phone call), but most friends and family will no doubt dig getting the news via one of these nine creative ways to tell people you’re pregnant.

Present your sports-loving partner (or parent, pal or sibling) with a onesie, bib, sippy cup or kiddie-sized ball cap emblazoned with the logo of their favorite team, and they'll know you’ve got a fan-in-training in your belly. Then snap a photo of them holding your gift (and wearing a huge I’m-going-to-be-a-parent grin) and post it on Instagram (or e-mail, text or mail the picture) for a way to tell people you’re pregnant that’s sure to be a home run!

Let the video camera roll as you await the result of your home pregnancy test. Talk about your thoughts (“Is that one line or two?”) as the test does its job, then record your reaction to the positive result (cue tears of joy or jumping up and down with glee). Camera-shy? Just film the HPT working its magic and set that video to music, then upload to YouTube and send the link to loved ones. Bonus: One day you’ll be able to show your pea-in-the-pod just how excited you were about her impending arrival.

As an expectant mom, you might be hungry all the time — so why not divulge your secret over a special dinner? Cook your partner a feast of baby-back ribs, baby carrots, baby corn, baby brussels sprouts…you get the idea. Use cookie cutters to bake sweet treats shaped like nursery items, such as booties and bassinets. Or offer to pack their work lunch and include treats like Sugar Babies, Sour Patch Kids and Baby Ruths. If you’ve been trying for a baby, they'll probably catch on pretty fast.

A picture is worth a thousand words — and in this case, the photo delightfully says, “We’re pregnant!” If you're married, sneak a snapshot of your positive pregnancy test onto the last page of your wedding photo album. Then casually ask your partner to look through the album with you, “just to reminisce.” When they reach the end, you’ll get to watch the surprise — then joy — on their face as they realize there’s a baby on the way.

Make a T-shirt for your firstborn that bears the message, “I’m going to be a big sister (or brother).” Use iron-on letters or puffy paint, or just buy a shirt with the words already printed — lots of stores sell them. Have your child wear her tee to your next family gathering and watch the fun begin as people read the big news. A fine alternative: Skip the shirt and have your tot whisper this “secret” to the partygoers — “Pssst! I’m going to be a big sibling!”

Share your sweet news with this tongue-in-cheek trick: The next time you’re hosting friends or family, literally put a bun in the oven (try hamburger or cinnamon buns). When your guests arrive, invite them into the kitchen and open the oven to show them what’s inside. With your partner by your side, say something like, “Look what we’re cooking! What is that?”

Whether it’s Christmas or Hanukkah, Mother’s or Father’s Day, or even a relative’s birthday, giving “we’re-having-a-baby” presents is a creative way to tell people you’re pregnant. Great gift ideas: A framed picture of the sonogram, an “I Love My Grandma” bib, or a cake that says, “Happy Birthday, Aunt Lisa” (if Lisa’s not already an auntie).

Haven’t told your partner yet? Wrap a book for first-time parents, and give it to them with a smile. If you’re telling your mom or mother-in-law, choose one of these books: I Loved You Before You Were Born, Wherever You Are: My Love Will Find You, or What to Expect When You’re Expecting (hey, even grandmas could use a refresher course).

Even faraway family and friends will want to save the date for this event: Buy kiddie-themed birthday-party invitations and write your due date as the party date. Slip in a copy of the sonogram and drop it in the mail. Now, that’s one exciting invite to post on the fridge!