hi moms,my daughter's first birthday is in middle february. we have an exceptionally large family and thus are having a largeish first birthday party (50-60 people). the party will not be at our home and will last for 2 hours and will include lunch and cake. do we have to have her (us) open her gifts in front of everyone? it seems like it will take SO long and she isn't really going to get it, or (i fear) last without a breakdown through it all. from experience is it ok to make an announcement that we will enjoy opening the gifts with her at home and want to make the party about spending time with friends and relatives? thanks!
I think it'll depend on the time. I you run out of time, then skip it. I agree with a PP. I love watching teh gifts being opened. I think you can serve the cake, and that way, people can watch and eat, or eat and chit chat. Have fun!
I actually think it is a good idea to open the gifts at the party. People like to see their gift opened at the party. But that is just my option.
My son's first birthday party is coming up on the 18th, and I've been pondering the same question myself. I think since your party is limited in time, and there will be so many gifts, you will probably end up spending the whole party opening gifts, so I would recommend thanking people for bringing gifts, and saying that you will enjoy opening them at home. Then shortly after you open gifts, send thank you cards, mentioning the specific item(s) you got, and how your daughter loves it. Maybe even for a more personalized thank you, take a picture with your daughter opening each persons gifts and write the thank you on the back of the picture. (a lot of work, i know)
I still don't know what to do for my party, since there is no time limit, but I would still rather not have everyone sit and watch us open gifts. Aaaaaaaa! :)
We haven't open gifts at my daughter's parties (she's two now.) Just make sure to write detailed thank you notes later. Watching the opening of 60 gifts... that could take a loooong time.
I hate the opening part! Myself opening for my children's 1st few parties and now going I hate watching it! I think sending Thank You notes and making it a gathering would be perfect! I wish someone would have told me that when I was doing it! Someone is going to have a an opinion no matter what you do so I say do whatever makes you most comfortable!
Best Wishes and Happy Birthday to your daughter!
I think it is okay to make that announcement especially at a large party. Our party was little smaller, so we told our guests if they were interested they could come in to open the gifts, but they didn't have to. Connor really was not that into it at that age. That way those who wanted to see their gifts opened came in and then those who didn't stayed outside or in the other room. That way we didn't have to open them all and everyone did not have to sit through the whole thing! I think with a time limited party like yours, it would be best to open the gifts later.
We always open gifts b/c I have asked around and many people I know feel it is rude to not do so. (Just their opinions of course!) I always serve the cake while the kids are opening presents....people eat and talk...some pay attention...some don't. We also let them open 1 or 2 and we open the rest and then give the gift to them (at age 1). They have always been excited to hold the new presents, not that they really have any idea what's going on, but people seem to really enjoy this part. My opinion is to open them, but I certianly see why it would be rushed if there is a time limit.
