I am having 2 parties for my daughter for her first birthday, the first with 20 kids and the second with 50 family members...the day is going to be really long and I know she won't sit there and open gifts. Is it rude not to...more importantly how can I get away with not doing it!!??
2006-09-18 08:04:26 · 16 answers · asked by rica 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
I always thought so, until the last couple of years. It seems no one opens presents anymore, takes too long, and time is better spent on the kids having fun! Although I do like to see the reaction of the person opening my present, I have gotten used to it not happening anymore, and actually prefer not to have to sit through it.
2006-09-18 08:15:59 · answer #1 · answered by cey12000 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
At the kids party it would be rude. I think that at the first party with the 20 kids you should open the gifts...you'll get through opening those gifts with her.
Family should be understanding. So at the second party with the 50 family members just explain to family why you are not opening the gifts...(i.e. it would be a little much to expect your one year old to sit through that). I
Be sure to note what everyone gives her and send out thank you notes. Remember the time and effort family and friends put into her gifts.
Side note ~ she'll probably get more toys then she can handle at once. A good idea is not to give them ALL to her at once. Keep some put away for later surprises.
Good Luck!
2006-09-18 08:16:22 · answer #2 · answered by Miel 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is not rude at all. If the gifts have indications of who are the givers, then there is no mistaking on your part who gave what. There should not be a requirement of openly showing appreciation for the gifts. Receive each gift with thanks to the giver and that should be very good.
After the party, when everything is settled down, open the gifts slowly and note down who gave each gift. Take a marker and write down on the gift/toy the name of the giver so that you will remember who gave it. The next time you meet them you at least you can tell them how much your child likes the gift and know what the gift is.
The worst case scenario is for the child to rip open all gifts haphazardly and in the end you won't know who gave what.
2006-09-18 21:00:50 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sorry, but it is the polite and accepted thing to do. People have spent time, effort, and money on the gifts, they want them shown so everyone can see that time effort, and money on display, and being oood and ahhhd over..
Have the kid open a couple, like from you and the grandparents, then have two someone else's,[one to write, one to open, and maybe one more for the sound effects.] open the rest, in view of everyone, and keep a good, detailed list of who gave what, and follow up with thank you notes. You are the hostess, and therefore too busy entertaining to open them, and obviously, the child will be bored, and letting everyone know it very soon. It would be nice to let them open a few, and stop by and admire the pretty wrappings, and the growing stack of loot. Those that want to watch, can, the rest , well, let them eat cake.
I agree, you really must be into parties, two of them, and large ones, too..
Good luck to you, Happy Birthday #1 to your daughter.
2006-09-18 10:03:30 · answer #4 · answered by riversconfluence 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes I believe it is. If you invite friends over for a birthday party and they are bringing gifts the least you can do is take the time to open them and thank them for the gift. Not only is this polite but it can bring friends even closer o you and have an even better relationship with them.
Also when kids get a little older like 4 and up, opening presents during their birthday party gets them very excited and having allot of fun. It keeps them busy playing with their young friends with their new toys and allows the parent time to socialize with other parents whom have many things in common.
I hope this helps you out!!!
2006-09-18 08:20:57 · answer #5 · answered by joey 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You are way way out there.
Why have kids party? She's only one year old? Who is it for- you? Believe me, there won't be that many photo ops for you.
50 guests at a first birthday- family or not- is ridiculous. I understand for a major milestone, but that is not fair to your baby. Too much activity and way too long a day.
Don't be so selfish and cut it back, your baby girl is going to be on party overload and that's not right.
Once you scale down to normal, open gifts. Regardless of size, you have a birthday party, you open the gifts.
2006-09-18 09:50:51 · answer #6 · answered by logical_centrist 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
How about letting the children at the party open the gifts for the baby or even better, let the grandmothers do it. By the way, when your are 1 year how do you have 20 friends and why do you get two parties?
2006-09-18 08:58:31 · answer #7 · answered by opper_m 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Naah it is not rude. Poeple don't like watching other people or kids open a bunch of gifts anyway. Just have them put the gifts on a table by the door and put them away and DO NOT forget to write thank you cards... that might tee people off...
2006-09-19 04:28:42 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
sorry but actually, yes it is rude.
i would let her help you open a few gifts and if she get tired of it then let hersit next to you and play with the paper while you open the rest.
most people want to see the childs reaction when they see the gift for the first time.
you and i both know the child could care less after the first gift but it is part of having a party.
good luck and happy birthday to your daughter.
2006-09-18 08:16:55 · answer #9 · answered by KAREN A 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Just ask all who bring a gift to place it in a particular room. In the room have a note explaining that, because there will be so many other children, to keep from upsetting them for NOT receiving a gift, the gifts will be open later. With the appropriate thank you cards sent out. Much like a very fancy wedding reseption.
2006-09-18 08:08:51 · answer #10 · answered by Spirit Walker 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋