"meet the baby" party question

PaMommy02 · July 2012

We are having a "welcome baby" party. We requested no gifts, its just a family get together picnic to celebrate the new baby (nothing fancy). A few relatives have mentioned they are bringing a gift. If I do get a few gifts how should I handle opening them? I dont want to do a sit down gift opening like we would at a party/shower, since not everyone is bringing a gift.

Should I open them as they are handed to me and thank the person right away? Should I open them after the party? (I will send a thankyou note either way) Any suggestions? Thanks!

EastCoastBride · July 2012

Take the gift and put it aside - like in a bedroom or office. No, don't open them at the party. To say "no gifts" then open gifts in front of the people who didn't bring any - kind of rude.

Just tuck them away for later. If someone says something about "aren't you going to open gifts?", just smile and say "Oh, we'll save that for later!" and just move on....

bklynbmp · July 2012

Give a warm "thank you, you shouldn't have..." when you receive it and then put it to the side. I dont think you have to hide it but you definitely shouldn't open in front of other guests. Send a thoughtful thank you note afterward.

Dspeck212 · July 2012

Just set them aside and open them later.

rhubarb123 · July 2012

Our welcome baby party was combined with our annual BBQ so most everyone was outside (unless they were using the bathroom). I just put the gifts in the livingroom and opened them after most everyone left. There were a few people that stayed the night so obviously they were there but they wanted to see what we got. No one asked that I specifically open their gift in front of them but I would have (in the livingroom) if they had.

jeffsjayme · July 2012

I just put them off to the side at mine. But I really didn't get that many, even though I didn't have a shower. Got lots of cards, which we just placed on the fireplace mantel.