I have my daughter's first birthday coming up in a month. In the past we only had 2-3 people. This year I think we are going to have quite a few more. I would rather not open the gifts at the party especially since we will be at the park, but I know my in laws will have a fit. So I am thinking of just having her big sisters help her after the first couple. Do you think this would be okay?
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Thats what we did actually because my daughter that just turned 1 in March wasn't interested so we just let her 4 and 5 yr old siblings help! We also did a park party.....
Its funny what the previous post said about the paper because we have a picture of Deja the 1 yr old all happy holding the paper! LOL More of a reaction from that than the actual gifts!
hold your ground for a few reasons
if you or your daughter would happen to lose things in the presents they will be forever lost and perhaps dirty.
what is the reason for the opening of gifts and not opening them up? they want everyone to see what they bought? LOL
I think having the older siblings help is a great idea. Very cute and fun. Just a mention, I don't think it is appropriate to open a few in front of the crowd. It's got to be all or nothing or else you will hurt some feelings.
I have a daughter 15 and a son 11. All the parties I give and alll the ones we go to never open the presents during the party. It breaks the party up to much and the kids don't have as much fun. Even though there are just pparets there I still wouldn't open them. It seems a bit awkward, it's not like this is a shower.
You are the mom and sometimes the choices that you make won't make your family and friends happy but you have to do what you feel is best and right for your family. Now opening gifts is not a matter of life and death but still it is your choice and you have to do what you feel is best and if waiting until you get home is that then that is what you need to do. Take lots of pictures and show them to the grandparents. They were parents once too and (hopefully) they will be understanding enough to know that opening gifts at the park is not the best option. Also, you could just have the grandparents join you at home later for opening the gifts and just have the party at the park. But like I said earlier do what you feel is best. That's all that you can do.
Hi, G. -
It has been my experience that opening gifts at young children's parties is completely optional. Especially with younger ones at parties where other young children are present. If your in-laws want to see their gift opened, do it separately. Your party, your decision on what's best. Don't allow yourself to be bullied into doing something you don't want to.
Have a great party!
Personally, I don't have my kids open presents at their party. The other kids are TOTALLY bored while this is happening. I was at a party on Saturday at Monkey Business and all the kids had to stop playing to come sit and watch the kid open presents. Several threw temper tantrums (4 year old party). I would highly recommend waiting. Now, if the in-laws want their present open, then fine - open theirs.
Maybe you could just open the in laws first and then the rest at home. Maybe annouce before you start that process that you are only going to open a few here and that you will take pictures of the rest later at home. I dont understand why your inlaws care so much. Yes everyone wants to see their gift get opened but, at one years old the dont react much to gift, they react more to the wrapping paper, bags and tissue. Good Luck! I know it can be hard sometimes to make everyone happy, just know you wont be able to and do what is best for you guys.
Hi G.. I am the same way. However I do not let the in-laws intimidate me. Me and my boyfriend just stand up and say thank you all for coming and sharing in this day with us. We will be cutting the cake and ice cream and then heading home to open the gifts. Anyone interested in joining us during the gift opening is more than welcome to come to our house for refreshments. For those of you who can not make it we understand and we will be taking photos of the gift opening to share with everyone. Thank you and enjoy dessert. Now you still get one or two that say just open it here and since it is my boyfriends family that says it I let him respond and he says...No, this is how we are doing it. That way they don't get mad at me for saying it. Good luck.
