My daughter's 3rd birthday party is a week from Saturday. We've never had a party where we've invited her friends, etc. before, as in the past we've just had close family.
I'm wondering what to do about present opening, etiquette wise. I know some people will bring her gifts, and I'm certain once she sees them, she'll want to open them. However, with friends around, I don't want to be rude or awkward nor do I think it's fair to expect 2 and 3-yo party guests (and younger, even) to hang out and watch another child open gifts. That said, some of my family is driving a ways to attend the party, and I know they'll want to see Rosemary open what they've picked out.
Most parties I've been to have been for younger kids where the children didn't understand the concept of gifts, really, so they were just saved til after the party, and opened later. I'm hoping my family will stick around longer than the guests with little kids and it won't be an issue. But I wanted some input on what others have done at young preschooler's parties with gifts. Thanks!
Re: Birthday party etiquette help
I would not have my DD open her gifts in front of people, mainly b/c she can sometimes be a little too honest if she doesn't like the gift. She doesn't fully understand manners yet, or how to be gracious and thank people if she doesn't like a gift. Our family understands, so it's not an issue at holidays. But, I would feel bad if she did it to one of our friends.
I would had a clear end time on the invitation, which will hopefully encourage people to leave at a certain time. Then, you can ask your family members ahead of time if they can stay late to water her open the gifts. If they can't, maybe they can arrive early.
I feel like my son is just starting to understand when presents are only for other people, but he still gets kind of sad when he just has to watch someone open a lot of presents. I think it would be great if your family could stay after or come early for presents so the kids can just focus on playing and having fun during the party.
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I think what I will do is try to avoid it by placing gifts somewhere she can't get to them too easily. But if someone wants her to open something, I won't make it a "everyone come watch/give gifts now" type thing. Just off the side. Would that strategy sit well/not offend you all if you were attending a party?