I have a shower question re:gifts

manda_mullins · February 2009

Do you plan to/did you open gifts in front of the guests?

?

I HATE being the center of attention as it is, and I mentioned to my Mom that I don't want to open things in front of people. Because a) I have a VERY expressive face and would hate to hurt someone's feelings by obviously lying about liking something, b) I hate to be the center of attention and c) I don't want people to feel bad or awkward if there are dupicates.

?

What do you ladies think? Is it tacky to open in front of people or no??

cspence1 · February 2009

i think opening gifts at a shower kinda are like a "must do" at my shower that is basically what the whole day was based around.... I hate people watching me open presents too but the girls that threw it for me made a game out of so the guests had to pay attention to the present then mark it down on a bingo type board game, then played bingo afterwards.. it was a fun way to play a game and open them....

ChefBrit · February 2009

i didnt want to either but ppl really love seeing all the cute gifts... and love watching you open your gifts. it really wasnt as bad as i expected... it was easy to fake the stuff we didnt like bc the person was right there telling you why they loved it...

Lovely22 · February 2009

I think I might be a bit offended if someone didn't open my gift while I was there. Half the fun of buying a gift for someone is watching them open it, especially if it's something unique or has special meaning.

j9lovey · February 2009

Personally, I hate openning gifts in front of people too, but I would have to say that every shower I went to, the baby mama always opened the gifts in front of everyone. I did make my DH open them with me.... Just put on your best poker face and say thank you.

DDK513 · February 2009

I feel the same way as you, but people love to watch you open gifts at a shower. That's kinda one of the highlights of the day; opening all the cute baby stuff, etc. Also, people like to show off what they bought you, so it's sometimes as much of a high for them as it is for you. (even though i'm totally with you and feel really uncomfortable opening things in front of people)

You might have to suck it up! Sorry! :-(

med2663 · February 2009

I'm sorry to say this, but it's pretty much a requirement that you open the gifts. Baby showers = Ooooing and Awwwing over cute baby things. The attendees will be upset if they don't get to see you open the gift they gave you and don't get to see all the other stuff.

It's the small price you have to pay to have a party thrown in you baby's honor (and get free stuff).

courtneyaok · February 2009

cspence1:
i think opening gifts at a shower kinda are like a "must do" at my shower that is basically what the whole day was based around.... I hate people watching me open presents too but the girls that threw it for me made a game out of so the guests had to pay attention to the present then mark it down on a bingo type board game, then played bingo afterwards.. it was a fun way to play a game and open them....

We aren't doing Bingo or anything, but I agree -- opening gifts in front your guests is definitely a "must do." That's kinda why they're there -- otherwise, why not just have them drop the gifts off on your porch and leave?

shelbean · February 2009

Agree w/ pp- must do.

jeng329 · February 2009

Lovely22:
I think I might be a bit offended if someone didn't open my gift while I was there.? Half the fun of buying a gift for someone is watching them open it, especially if it's something unique or has special meaning.

I agree with this. ?I think you have to do it. ?I would be upset if you left with all of your unopened gifts. ?

I didn't enjoy opening everything in front of everyone but that is just what you have to do. ?Lots of people are talking through it anyway and not watching you. ??

anna7602 · February 2009

I didn't want a shower b/c I hated the idea of opening gifts in front of everyone, but it was what actually brought it home for me that my baby was going to be born surrounded by so much love. The thought that went into all the gifts was amazing- hand-knit blankets, things passed down from older generations, even the things on my registry were selected with care. And everyone was so genuinely into seeing what I would open next, they never seemed bored or tired of it.

houndbaby · February 2009

opening the gifts is the biggest part of the shower, everyone expects it and they want to see what you got

N&G 5_26_07 · February 2009

I hate it to - but you have to. I think it would be tacky not to!

jenerally · February 2009

One thing you could do it open the gift as soon as it arrives. That way the person can see you opening their gift, but you don't have to be the center of attention with it.

TennisWife815 · February 2009

I think opening gifts at showers is pretty much the expectation and for most people the biggest point. I'm the same way, which is part of the reason I'm not having one.?

Emilyd422 · February 2009

i'm going to go against the grain and say no you don't have to. You do what you are comfortable with. I'm a pastor of a church and we had over 130 family, friends, out of town people, and church family there. There was absolutely NO way I was going to sit and open all of those gifts. We played games for men, women, kids....had a short program and had cake/desserts with coffee. The shower started at 1:30 and we were done at 3:30p.m. I was exhausted from all of that at that point. We took all of the wrapped gifts homes and my DH and I opened them. It took us 3 hours to get through it all....and I was really happy we did it that way. We could enjoy our shower/guests without making it all about the gifts. I make it a point to thank people for the wonderful gifts when I see them at church & I'm still writing out the million thank you's. THey understood the reasoning and I think they appreciated we didn't add 3 hours to shower to open them.

It's UP TO YOU!

SandiGirl1103 · February 2009

I went to a shower where the hostess set a timer when present opening started, and went it went off, whoever gave mom-to-be the gift she was opening won. It was fun- everyone was trying to be sneaky and speed her up or slow her down, or bribing the little girls who were handing her the presents to hand mom THEIR gift, etc. The timer was reset after every "win" to a random time again, so it went on for 4 or 5 rounds. It was really fun, and the mom-to-be said it helped her relax since she hated being the center of attention too.

sept04brideinMD · February 2009

I agree that it's a must do - but I have to say, it was a lot easier to open baby gifts than to open bridal shower gifts. Baby gifts are so much cuter and people really are excited to give you and watch you open the gifts versus pots and pans or sheets

If you're not comfortable - have DH be there with you if available.

happygolucky0505 · February 2009

I'm in the minority here. I have hosted and attended a lot of showers where the gifts weren't opened, and don't plan on opening gifts at my shower this weekend and I know my hostesses and friends have told me that they appreciate it. So, I think it just depends on you and your friends/ family.

mrs.meteowrite · February 2009

I've never tried this, but it occurs to me, if you had a little kid at your shower, like a five or six year old, they could be your "gift assistant." They could be in charge of getting the paper off the gifts for you. Little kids open presents FAST!

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