Opening presents - During or after the party?

[nothing2lose]

As they are given to you.

I think it's rude to wait (just my personal opinion). Part of the joy of giving a present is seeing the person's joy (or otherwise!) in opening and seeing it.

[lilima]

Depend on the party.
Eg my daughter third party was small, so opened as arrived.
Baby shower - at set time, as people seem to want to all look at what you got.
Engagement /wedding/21st type- after guests have left.

[OceanPrincess]

Depend on the party.
Eg my daughter third party was small, so opened as arrived.
Baby shower - at set time, as people seem to want to all look at what you got.
Engagement /wedding/21st type- after guests have left.

Pretty much exactly the same

Problem we had with opening DD's at her party is that my niece wanted to play with them all, which is ok except that some of them my DD was quite attached to and didn't want to share and niece kept chasing her round saying "Share! It's not nice to keep it all to yourself!" and I was there going "Niece, leave her be! They are her special presents!"

[Tinks]

I like to open birthday presents as they are given then they get put away out of the other kids reach.

[Amy_jellybean]

Depend on the party.
Eg my daughter third party was small, so opened as arrived.
Baby shower - at set time, as people seem to want to all look at what you got.
Engagement /wedding/21st type- after guests have left.

My opinion is the same. However I do find it quite awkward at baby showers if someone has spent quite a lot on a gift and then someone else has spent a minimal amount. Dont get me wrong I am not a shallow person and I believe its the thought of giving not the cost, but I cant help but feel awkward for the people that purchased the gift if something massive gets opened by one person and then the next gives a bib etc.

[LizLemon]

Adult party - I would think when they are given.

With my DS we generally wait until afterwards. Only because at that age he is just as likely to open it, and either say "I don't like that" or cast it aside. It's not that he's an ungrateful kid but when they're really young they don't quite understand that they could be hurting someone's feelings. Also, with kids parties they tend to be so chaotic there simply isn't time.

[JLeigh29]

Definitely open them at the party, whether it's adult or child. I like opening them all at once so everyone can see, but I wouldn't force everyone to sit there and watch me do it, lol! I felt incredibly miffed recently when the present I bought for someone wasn't opened at the party - I love watching the recipient open their present and feel it shows their gratitude too.

If it's a huge party with lots of pressies (e.g. a wedding), it could be done later. But then, I'd also expect to send out thank you notes if that was the case.