When do you open presents

[JimRoyle]

For your birthday?

do you tend to open them when you are given them, so you can say thank you to the present giver’s face? Or do you wait until your birthday and open them in your own home and then send a message?

and does this same rule apply to gifts given to your children from friends ?

If it’s before my birthday, I assume not to open until the day. But if we’re meeting up for dinner/drinks one-on-one then the giver will normally strongly insist if they want you to open it, and then it’s polite to give in and open.

sorry missed the last part - children should wait until the actual day otherwise it’s confusing and they won’t understand why they can’t open others before the big day either.

I wait until my birthday but usually ask the giver what they prefer. Some people want to see you open it but others seem to be shy or embarrassed about waiting for a reaction.

For children I'd wait until the day (maybe allow them to open them throughout the week after as I find some children get overwhelmed by the sheer amount of things and want to play with them one at a time) but I would also not argue if the giver wanted DC to open it with them.

Discussing with DH when DC should open presents given by friends 🙊 I agree with the above but he thinks it’s rude not to open there and then !! I do get where he’s coming from but want DC to know their birthday is on 1 specific day (tomorrow 🥰) especially because they don’t really know what their birthday is yet. Maybe in a few years time I would feel more relaxed but atm I want them to wait until their actual birthday!! xx

We don't do adult presents, which means that we don't get many, so we'd wait to open them on the day. If it was for a child it could be either. Relatives who can't see the children on the day, usually meet up afterwards.

Pretty much always wait - especially if I'm hosting, I'm too busy! Same for kids. It's also easier to keep track of a wrapped, labelled present than a random toy or book.

Always in the presence of the giver so I can thank them properly. Also let children do the same - I think that opening "all the presents" in one sitting is a bit overwhelming sometimes, and also children aren't always aware of who gave them what. Letting them open gifts as the come spreads the fun over a few days.

I open them when I receive them.

Posted too soon.

DD was always allowed to open her presents on the day they were given as well.

I don’t think the “rules” for children need to be any different than the ones for adults. Your kids are going to learn what a birthday is even if they occasionally open a present early.

Open later. Kids wanna play and enjoy the party.

And usually i send a photo of my kid holding the present with a thank you text the next day

Anything received at a party can be opened that day at home even if party is before actual birthday. Anything else on the day.

Not at the party, is the key thing. Later at home and send a thank you note, even if that’s by text or email. A photo of happy child with opened present is a nice way to do it.

I find it so rude when parents allow kids to tear into a present there and then. I've bought it for your birthday so you can bloody well be polite and save it for your birthday!

I opened mine this morning, my children are adults now but when they had parties they weren't allowed open their presents until after their parties.

We always keep presents from friends and family until the actual birthday. Much more fun that way!

If child is being given presents at their party by their friends, open them there
I've never seen a child wait and take unopened presents home

Party presents evening after so I can keep track for thank yous. Other presents day of birthday, ridiculously early unless it’s a weekend so we’re not late for school and work (same for adults). Thank you phone calls or letters then follow.

I've never been to a party where presents were opened, always saved for later. Between the DC that must be 40 or so parties by now.