Mum's gender reveal ruined by Card Factor in the 'worst way'

Powys County Times

a day ago

A mum claims her baby's gender reveal was 'ruined' when she found out in the 'worst way ever'.
Jess Gildenhuys was in Card Factory's Hardwick Road store in King's Lynn with her husband Josh Gildenhuys, 33, buying her mum a birthday card when the couple spotted gender reveal confetti cannons and balloons for sale.
The 33-year-old had just had her 20-week ultrasound that morning, and the doctor put the gender of her baby in an envelope as she was planning on having a gender reveal party with her family.
The soon-to-be mum-of-three wanted to buy the items, but first checked with a staff member that the store could ensure the colour of the products could be kept a secret from her and her husband.
Jess, owner of her own business, Hello Moon Crystals, claims the staff member told her they could keep the gender a secret from her by removing the labels from the cannons.
However, the business owner said that when the couple went to buy the items, the colour of the confetti cannon came up on a screen in front of the till as 'coastal blue.'
Jess was 'shocked' and even more frustrated to see the colour of the cannon was visible on the receipt too.
She had been looking forward to finding out the gender of her new baby with her two daughters, Jupiter and Athena Gildenhuys, aged six and three.
Jess, from King's Lynn, Norfolk, said: "It's the worst way ever to find out the gender of your baby, you couldn't even write it.
"You absolutely do not expect your gender reveal to be inside a Card Factory.
"I was so shocked. It's hard to be shocked in that situation and keep your cool when you're in a public place. I didn't want to make a big deal of anything.
"I've already got two girls. I was convinced this was a girl because I thought I was destined for girls. I'd already bought girl's clothes as well.
"It was disappointing because we didn't find out as a family but it's also a funny story to tell I guess.
"I mean what can you do in that situation apart from just laugh about it?"
She said she sent Card Factory an email a few days later and said they asked which store this had happened in and that they were sorry for her disappointment.
Footage shows the couple using the confetti cannon and balloon at a family party with her family, where their daughters found out they would be getting a new baby brother.
But sadly, Jess and Josh already knew the gender of their baby, as for them, the surprise had been ruined.
Jess said: "Because this is our last baby for sure, we wanted to make things a bit more fun and do something as a family.
"It was disappointing the way we found out. It was ruined in that way. At least it made it fun for everyone else. I am a very positive person in those kinds of situations.
"At least it wasn't just me, at least I was with my husband.
"I didn't want to say anything to the person at the time either because I didn't want to come across rude or disrespectful or anything.
"I just can't believe I'm going to be a boy mum. I'm like, 'oh my god!'
"It's exciting though, it'll be fun, I'm sure."
She shared a video of her experience on TikTok with the words: "@CardFactoryUK ruining our gender surprise."
The situation left viewers divided in the comments.
One said: "You can't blame them, they've simply scanned the barcode, not realising it would come up as blue or pink."
Another wrote: "Oh dear haha. Maybe next time, get a friend or family member to get the items."
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A third commented: "Imagine finding out in Card Factory."
A fourth said: "You poor thing. I can't imagine going through such a thing in my whole life. Sending so much sympathy to you and your family."
A Card Factory spokesman said: "We've been in touch with Jessica to offer our sincere apologies.
"We've also issued reminders to our teams to advise customers that these items can show up on our till screens and receipts.
"We would like to try help make amends to Jessica and her family and encourage her to make contact with our customer service team."