The bakery accidentally spoils the surprise

In the age of gender reveals, every expectant parent seems to have their own plan for the big reveal. From elaborate fireworks displays to understated cake-cutting surprises, it's all about creating a meaningful memory.

So when someone – especially a stranger – accidentally spoils this big moment, it can feel like a real disappointment. That's what happened to expectant mother Ariel (@morbidmama7), whose viral TikTok video tells the story of a voicemail from her bakery that revealed the gender of her baby.

The unexpected voicemail that spoiled everything

Ariel's plan was straightforward: the bakery would use raspberries for a girl and blackberries for a boy, keeping the reveal subtle yet meaningful. However, a voice message from the bakery changed everything. The decorator, who simply wanted to confirm an order update, inadvertently spoiled the surprise with, “Please call me regarding your order. You ordered a single lemon with blackberry… And you wanted a gender reveal, so we need to talk about the cake…”

As the voicemail plays in her video, Ariel's frustration is palpable. She tells how she and her partner eagerly awaited this moment, only to have it unintentionally spoiled by the bakery.

@morbidmama7 Imagine paying $$, walking into the bakery with a sealed envelope from a doctor, creating a very special, intimate moment with you and your partner… only to have it ruined by a random, careless woman with a single voicemail to become… thaaaanks… when My eyes are red because I've been crying all morning

Afterwards, Ariel explained to viewers: “I tried to skip the voicemail but I couldn't. It was heartbreaking. My partner and I had planned a sweet little moment and it felt like the bakery didn't care. We called them immediately and asked for a refund.” The bakery offered a refund and baked the cake, but Ariel said, “When my friend went to pick it up, it took them another 15 minutes to find it.” It felt “It really seems like they just don't care.”

A viral reaction sparks a larger conversation about gender reveals

Ariel's TikTok video has since racked up nearly 2 million views, while a repost on Twitter has surpassed 20 million. Her story has sparked a heated discussion online, with some viewers expressing sympathy for the disappointment while others questioning the meaning of gender reveals. For many parents, such moments go beyond mere revelation; It's about creating lasting memories of an exciting family trip.

For couples planning a gender reveal, Ariel's story could be a light-hearted reminder to double-check those little details — or at least enjoy the story as it unfolds, whether the surprise goes perfectly or an unexpected twist takes.

The Origin of Gender Reveals Cake—and the Creator's Regrets

Gender reveal cakes have become a tradition, but few know that they began over a decade ago. Jenna Karvunidis, often credited with starting the trend, originally threw a party in 2008 to celebrate her own pregnancy after multiple losses, cutting open a cake with pink icing to reveal that she was expecting a daughter. Karvunidis wrote about the cake on her blog and in a parenting forum, and it quickly went viral.

Karvunidis told TODAY that she “didn’t think about the larger impact of gender reveal parties in 2008.” But over the years, as gender disclosure became more involved and even potentially dangerous, her perspective changed. “When you focus on gender at birth, you ignore so much of their potential and talents that have nothing to do with what's between their legs,” she reflected.

Now she's encouraging parents to consider alternatives, such as “naming names” or simply celebrating the joy of pregnancy.

Have you ever experienced an unexpected twist when revealing your gender? Share your story with us on social media – we’d love to hear about your journey.