Hellobee Boards

If I open it, I glance at the amount and say thank you, then look closer later I guess. Usually if it's a gift card I'd tell dh "oh, they got us a gift card to xyz store!" But I agree it's more awkward with a check or cash.

My son announces the amount. We got a bunch of envelopes and he was there when we opened them and he counted out all the bills and stated the dollar amount of each, there is no confusing what it was, lol.

My family gifts cash, so it's not weird at all. I try to be more discreet about it and I prefer to "count it out" in private.

@bluestriped bee: i would count it later, because otherwise it seems weird. i dont like receiving cash though unless its a wedding gift where I dont have to open it in front of people.

I always read the card first with the check face down on the left side of the card. Then I quickly glance at amount. That way I can say "thanks, I'll get that (insert appropriate value here) I wanted." Or just an effusive thank you for the generous gift. My family has given bigger than expected checks in the past and they'd be bummed without a reaction. I always hand it to DH and he does the same.

If it is a gift to Both of us, I will pass him the card and say so and so gave us such a nice card... or something like that... so he can see and express appropriate gratitude.

If it's not attached to a gift, and I can assume there's either a gift card or money enclosed, I just thank them and don't even open it until later. If there's a gift, I only open it in front of the giver if they insist I do so. Especially if there are other people around, because they may not have brought gifts.