Opening Gifts During a Child's Birthday Party: Yes or No?

Gift Giving Advice

A child’s birthday party is still considered a gift-giving event by most here in the U.S. So, when hosting a party for your little one, please consider that your guests have spent time and money purchasing what they thought your child would want: the perfect gift. Your gift to them in return is to share your child’s joy of revealing his/her joy of seeing it for the first time.

Dear Polite One,

My five-year-old was invited to a birthday party where the gifts were not opened after the cake was served. In fact, after the cake was eaten, we were pretty much expected to leave. Is this behavior acceptable birthday party etiquette?

Thank you,

Just wondering

Dear Just Wondering,

It's unfortunate that this parent didn't know what is considered appropriate, as this was not proper or polite, but insulting to guests. We expect children to open their gifts during a birthday party.

Sincerely,

The Polite One

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