What is proper party etiquette?

Question

I am having a one year old party for my little boy. On the invites I asked for no gifts. I know some people are bringing gifts anyway. Is it proper to open these gifts at the party? Will those who don't bring something feel bad? Would those bringing a gift feel bad if their gift is not openned in front of them?

Answer 1

Always accept a gift graciously by thanking them at the door if they brought a gift and followup with a note later. Etiquette is about making others feel comfortable. If you said no gifts and people didn't bring gifts, don't have a time set up for opening gifts. It may seem that gifts were expected despite your request.

Never tell guests what you expect in a gift on an invitation. A guest has the choice of bringing whatever they choose. Be gracious and accept it. However, only after receiving an invitation if a guests wants to ask you what might the honoree enjoy, then feel free to give suggestions (and hopefully those suggestions don't include flat out money).

Answer 2

I have been to many parties where the gifts were never opened, although it did seem odd to me at first, i see it more and more often. Usually we are so busy with the other festivities we don't notice also it avoids people worrying about whether or not they bought something comparable with what others bought and so on. Some people like to see the expression on the childs face when they open the gift, ( although at a first birthday the parents do most of the opening) and the attention span of the child probably won't last past the first shiny bow. So i don't think it's necessary especially because you asked for no gifts and you don't want to make those that didn't bring a gift feel bad for doing as you requested but be sure to show appreciation to those you did by saying thank-you and sending a card later telling of how much your son enjoyed the gift.

Answer 3

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Answer 4

First, it is not required to open gifts during the festivities. Since you noted on the invite that gifts were not required. You would still however, send thank you notes to the ones that did.

Don't feel bad about the others not bringing gifts. That was a request you made to them.

Answer 5

Don't open the gifts at the party. Just provide a small table out of the way of the main festivities, and when people hand you the gifts graciously thank them.

Answer 6

I think you should consider the feelings of those who did not bring gifts because they followed your request of not bringing gifts. Those who brought gifts actually went against your request and so their feelings should not come before those who followed your request. So my answer is not to open the gifts at the party to honour your request and those who abide by it.

Answer 7

If you said "no gifts" you should not open them at the party. I would send thank you notes to the gift givers later.

Answer 8

well first saying no gifts for a party is a no no. maybe specify the type of gifts you want. if no toys, say no toys instead something educational like a book or DVD or clothing. You have to open the gifts. Maybe you let everyone know that a gift is welcomed, but it is not necessary. My son is 8 and I have specified educational gifts for his parties. People actually preferred to give educational gifts than toys. And you are looked at as being a great parent for being concerned for your child's education early in his life.

Answer 9

Have an Opening time at the end or Middle of the party!
Then send Thank You cards to those who gave presents!-That's Great Etiquette!

Answer 10

Open the gifts and when people bring in gifts exclaim "oh you shouldn't have" and smile. Everyone will be happy :)