Watching someone’s face light up when they realize a baby is on the way creates a memory you will treasure forever. I have helped hundreds of people plan their announcements over the years. A fake ultrasound makes the reveal work.
Whether you are looking to surprise grandparents, stage the perfect social media moment, or create a memory your family will talk about for decades, you need the right approach. I have gathered my favorite announcement ideas, tested them myself or watched others pull them off, and I am sharing everything here.
Grandparent Reveal Ideas
Grandparent reveals produce the most emotional reactions. I have seen grown adults cry tears of joy. Here are the approaches with the best impact:
1. The “Promoted” Gift Box
Put the ultrasound in a gift box with a onesie or bib saying “Grandma’s Favorite” or “If you think I’m cute, you should see my grandma.” When they open the box and see the ultrasound underneath, the connection clicks immediately. I love this one because they get a keepsake and the reveal moment.
2. The Photo Album Addition
This one requires a little sneakiness. Slip the ultrasound into the last page of a family photo album, then ask them to flip through looking for “an old picture” you are trying to find. When they hit the ultrasound at the end, prepare for tears.
3. The Scratch-Off Card
Create a custom scratch-off card with a secret message like “You are going to be grandparents!” hidden under the coating, then include the ultrasound in the same envelope. The scratch-off gets their attention, but the ultrasound makes it real.
4. The “Help Me Read This” Request
Hand the ultrasound to your parents and casually say “I do not know what this says. Help me out?” Watch their confusion turn to realization. Simple but effective, especially if they have been dropping hints about wanting grandkids.
5. The Book Title Swap
Wrap a book called “Grandparenting 101” or “What to Expect When Your Daughter is Expecting” with the ultrasound tucked inside the front cover. Gift it for a birthday or any ordinary day.
Partner Surprise Ideas
Surprising your partner is tricky because they are often the person you would tell first. If you are keeping it secret to set up a reveal, here is what works:
6. The Morning Coffee Surprise
Tape the ultrasound to the bottom of their coffee mug so they find it after finishing their drink. Works best with a clear or light-colored mug. Be there to see their reaction (and make them another coffee).
7. The Pizza Box Reveal
Order their favorite pizza and tape the ultrasound to the inside of the box lid. When they open it expecting pepperoni, they get the biggest surprise of their life. This one has become a classic for a reason: it works every time.
8. The Video Game Pause
If your partner is a gamer, pause their game during a calm moment and hold up the ultrasound in front of the screen. The combination of confusion and joy is priceless. Avoid interrupting a ranked match.
9. The Book Mark
Slip the ultrasound into the book they are reading, marking a page a little ahead of where they are. This works best if they are regular readers. Patient but effective.
10. The Calendar Surprise
Write the due date on a shared calendar with a note like “Baby arrives!” If they use a digital calendar, create an event. When they ask what it means, hand them the ultrasound.
Social Media Announcement Ideas
Social media announcements have become their own art form. Here is what is getting attention in 2026:
11. The Classic Flat-Lay
Style a flat-lay photo with the ultrasound, tiny baby shoes, and a due date prop. Natural lighting, clean background, some eucalyptus or cotton stems. It has become a classic because it photographs beautifully and clearly communicates the message.
12. The Movie Poster Parody
Design a movie poster for “Coming [Due Date]” featuring the ultrasound as the main image. Sequel jokes welcome: “Baby Name: The Second Chapter” for kid number two.
13. The Pet Introduction
Have your pet “pose” with the ultrasound, with a caption like “Soon I will be a big brother!” This consistently goes viral because everything is better with pets.
14. The Loading Screen
Design a graphic showing “Baby Loading… [Due Date]” with a progress bar, featuring the ultrasound in the corner. Tech-savvy friends will love this one.
15. The Photo Series
Post three photos: first you looking confused, then you looking at something, then the ultrasound reveal. Carousel posts get more engagement and build anticipation.
Sibling Reveal Ideas
Telling existing kids about a new sibling is a whole different experience. Depending on their age, try these:
16. The “You’re Getting Promoted” T-Shirt
Get them a shirt saying “Big Brother” or “Big Sister” and see how long it takes them to connect the dots. Younger kids need a hint. Older ones will get it immediately.
17. The Treasure Hunt
Create a scavenger hunt around the house with clues leading to the ultrasound as the final prize. This works great for kids 5-10 years old. Old enough to follow clues, young enough to be thrilled by the hunt.
18. The Puzzle Reveal
Order a custom puzzle with the ultrasound image. Work on it together as a family activity and watch their reaction when the picture becomes clear.
19. The Baby Animal Comparison
Show them the ultrasound and ask “What does this look like to you?” Kids often say funny things like “a bean” or “an alien” before they realize what it is. Film their guesses. You will cherish this forever.
Extended Family & Friends
For the wider announcement, these ideas help spread the news in memorable ways:
20. The Group Text Bomb
Create a group text with all your close friends and drop the ultrasound image with “So… this is happening.” Simple, effective, and you get to watch the reaction texts roll in real-time.
21. The Wine Label Switch
At a dinner party, replace the label on a wine bottle with a custom one showing the ultrasound and “Drinking for two” or “This is my last bottle for a while.” Hand it to someone to open and wait.
22. The Bun in the Oven (Literally)
Invite family over for dinner and have them “check if the bread is done” by opening the oven. Inside: a bun with the ultrasound attached. Cheesy? Yes. Memorable? Also yes.
23. The Board Game Twist
During game night, create a custom card for whatever game you are playing with the news on it. Works especially well with party games like Cards Against Humanity (if your crowd is into the humor).
Holiday-Themed Reveals
Holidays give you built-in excuses for gift-giving, making reveals easier to orchestrate:
24. Christmas Ornament
Put the ultrasound in an ornament box and hang it on the tree. Let family “find” it, or ask someone to open a specific present first.
25. Easter Egg Hunt
Hide the ultrasound inside a large plastic Easter egg as part of the hunt. Best if you assign a specific “golden egg” to the person you want to find it.
26. Thanksgiving Turkey Carver Card
Before carving the turkey, hand the carver a card saying “You are going to need to practice cutting smaller portions” with the ultrasound inside. Works for any family member you want to honor.
27. New Year’s Resolution Card
At midnight on New Year’s Eve, hand out cards asking people to write their resolutions. Yours says “Become a parent” with the ultrasound attached.
28. Birthday Reversal
On your birthday, tell guests you are giving them gifts this year, and hand out ultrasounds to close family members. For more April-themed fun, see our April Fools pregnancy prank ideas.
Creative Props to Pair With Your Ultrasound
The right props take your announcement from “nice” to “Instagram-worthy.” Here is what pairs well:
| Prop | Best For | Where to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Baby shoes | Classic, timeless feel | Flat-lays, gift boxes |
| Letter board | Custom messages, due dates | Social media photos |
| Onesie with message | Grandparent reveals | Gift boxes, mailed reveals |
| Wooden date blocks | Clean aesthetic | Photography, nursery decor later |
| Sonogram frame | Making it “official” | Keepsake reveals, office desk |
| Pet accessories | Fun, viral potential | Social media, casual reveals |
Tips for the Perfect Reveal
After watching hundreds of reveals go right (and a few go wrong), here is what I have learned:
Get the Timing Right
Do not rush. Make sure everyone has settled, drinks are poured, phones are away. Build a little suspense if possible. The best reveals have a beat of anticipation before the payoff.
Have a Camera Ready
You would be amazed how many people forget to capture the moment. Assign someone to film, set up a tripod, or prop your phone up before you start. You will want this footage.
Make the Ultrasound Quality Count
A blurry, fake-looking ultrasound kills the magic. If you are using a novelty ultrasound for the reveal, make sure it is realistic enough so the focus stays on the joy, not the prop. I recommend BabyMaybe for ultrasounds with an authentic look.
Consider Your Audience
Pranking your best friend? Go wild with creativity. Telling your traditional grandmother? Skip the pizza box. Know your audience and plan accordingly.
Have a Follow-Up Plan
After the big reveal, people will have questions. Due date, how you are feeling, any names picked out. Be ready to enjoy the conversation.
More Announcement Inspiration
Looking for more ideas? Check out these related guides:
- Funny Fake Ultrasound Prank Ideas – For when you want more laughs than tears
- Gender Reveal Ideas Using Fake Ultrasounds – Take it to the next level
- Social Media Announcement Ideas – A deeper look at viral-worthy posts
- How to Make a Fake Ultrasound – DIY your own if you are creative
- Best Fake Ultrasound Websites – Full reviews of top providers
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make my fake ultrasound announcement believable?
The key is quality. Use a realistic fake ultrasound with proper formatting, personalized details, and printed on appropriate paper. Cheap apps or low-quality fakes distract from the moment. When the ultrasound looks real, the emotions stay genuine.
Should I tell close family in person or via social media?
In person is always better for immediate family. The reactions are more personal and you get to experience them directly. Save social media for the broader announcement after your inner circle knows. Most people do close family first, then post publicly a few days later.
What if someone has been struggling with fertility?
Be thoughtful about your audience. Consider telling sensitive friends privately before the big public announcement. A heads-up text like “I have some news and wanted you to hear from me first” shows you care. The announcement still brings joy. Make space for everyone’s feelings.
Is it okay to use a fake ultrasound for a prank instead of a real announcement?
Yes. Pranks are one of their most popular uses. Be mindful of timing and audience. For dedicated prank ideas, check out our fake ultrasound prank guide. And skip pranking your mother-in-law unless you are ready for the energy it brings.
What is the best time to announce a pregnancy?
Most people wait until after the first trimester (12 weeks) for public announcements, though close family often knows sooner. There is no wrong answer. It is your news to share on your timeline. Early announcements mean more questions if things do not go as planned.
Where do I get a realistic fake ultrasound for my announcement?
I recommend Baby Maybe Fake Ultrasounds. They create custom ultrasounds with your details in an authentic style. Worth it for an announcement you will photograph and remember forever.
