https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Fri, 08 May 2026 12:15:39 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/to-open-or-not-to-open-gifts#post-620530 Thu, 07 Mar 2013 12:18:41 +0000 T.H.O.U. 620530@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Goldilocks1107: Another option would be to wait to open them until towards the end when its just family and friends left but just do it quietly in a corner and those that want to watch can. I assume by the end, neighbors will have left. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/to-open-or-not-to-open-gifts#post-620522 Thu, 07 Mar 2013 12:17:07 +0000 Goldilocks1107 620522@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@winniebee: Good call - I think we'll try to skip opening gifts, unless someone really wants us to open theirs. That way we can limit it to a few gifts opened during the party and can deal with it later!<br /> Just wanted to make sure I wasn't breaking an unspoken etiquette rule! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/to-open-or-not-to-open-gifts#post-615125 Tue, 05 Mar 2013 16:32:40 +0000 winniebee 615125@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Under the circumstances, I'd open them after. Though, I bet grandma persists that she open HERS there (well, not specifically your daughter's grandma, but I can see that happening in general!) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/to-open-or-not-to-open-gifts#post-615114 Tue, 05 Mar 2013 16:30:54 +0000 Sweet T 615114@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would wait and open them afterwards. I would be worried about new neighbors attending and feeling bad about not bringing a gift. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/to-open-or-not-to-open-gifts#post-615098 Tue, 05 Mar 2013 16:28:12 +0000 Cole 615098@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think it is fine to skip it, if someone is really excited about their gift go ahead and let your lo open it then but I wouldn't do a big sit down production. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/to-open-or-not-to-open-gifts#post-614775 Tue, 05 Mar 2013 15:19:12 +0000 JessiBee 614775@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm never a fan of opening gifts at parties. I think I just don't have a good poker face, plus there are so many more fun (especially for guests) things to do! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/to-open-or-not-to-open-gifts#post-614769 Tue, 05 Mar 2013 15:18:30 +0000 pinkcupcake 614769@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think it's fine not to open gifts at the party. We had a pretty big party for LO's first party and it would've taken at least an hour or two to open all her gifts! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/to-open-or-not-to-open-gifts#post-614723 Tue, 05 Mar 2013 15:07:26 +0000 MrsTiz 614723@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would judge by how it goes at the time. If more people bring gifts than not, open them. If only a handful of people bring gifts I would save them for later. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/to-open-or-not-to-open-gifts#post-614718 Tue, 05 Mar 2013 15:06:06 +0000 MamaMoose 614718@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I wouldn't open them. That way no one feels bad if they didn't bring a gift. Also, opening all those gifts with tons of people will probably overwhelm LO. When M turns one we probably won't open gifts at the party. Hubs and I will open them all later and send thank you notes right away. And the slowly introduce them to LO one at a time. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/to-open-or-not-to-open-gifts#post-614709 Tue, 05 Mar 2013 15:03:13 +0000 mediagirl 614709@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>At her Baptism, we were forced into opening gifts for M. I think the same would happen at her party. I bet you people would want to see what she gets so, yeah, open them. :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/to-open-or-not-to-open-gifts#post-614708 Tue, 05 Mar 2013 15:03:08 +0000 aprk 614708@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think it's ok to open afterwards, given that you've got a multipurpose fiesta :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/to-open-or-not-to-open-gifts#post-614705 Tue, 05 Mar 2013 15:01:37 +0000 Goldilocks1107 614705@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm planning a three-part party around my LO's first birthday. She and DH share a birth date, plus we recently moved into a new house. So I'm taking the opportunity to throw one big party for our friends and family, and also to meet some of our new neighbors.</p> <p>I'm assuming that some of the family and friends will bring LO a gift. But since it's not strictly a birthday party (more of an open house), I'm not expecting a lot of gifts.</p> <p>Do you think it's better to open the presents after everyone has gone home (and follow up the gifts with nice thank you cards)? </p>