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Parties/celebrations

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Original poster

What do you do about opening presents at your children's party?

102 replies

FrannyandZooey · 02/04/2006 14:33

Last year we let ds open his presents as people arrived. It was a nightmare as all the children wanted to play with them and there were tears (they were 2). Ds wouldn't put down his favourite present and spent the whole party playing with it.

This year I don't know what to do. We went to a party recently where the presents were not opened at all. I was a bit disappointed as I really wanted to see the little girl's face when she opened our present.

What do other people do?

OP posts:
spidermama · 02/04/2006 15:10

Perhaps you could let him open some franny, and put the rest somewhere safe for later. He'll be so busy on the day anyway.

Original poster
FrannyandZooey · 02/04/2006 15:10

Ooh quick hijack (well I am allowed to hijack my own thread IMO) did you see that pic I posted of you on the "What do MNers look like?" Greeny? It was marvellous :o

OP posts:
Original poster
FrannyandZooey · 02/04/2006 15:11

There is not going to be that many Spider, it isn't a huge party. But I think we will find some compromise, I am sure we can sort it out.

OP posts:
Greensleeves · 02/04/2006 15:12

Tis trueBlush- and I just know when we do have a party for ds1 I won't enjoy it at all because I will spend the whole time worrying about doing it wrong and upsetting people. So I haven't got a leg to stand on really.:)

Hulababy · 02/04/2006 15:13

DD does her thank yous after the present opening and she is appreciative of her gifts. She also says thank you on recieving a gift.

DD was 4 this year and was more than happy to leave her presents until afterwards. Her party was what was the focus yesterday during the day.

With a lot of presents I can imagine it being rather boring for other children to sit around and watch a child open their gifts, especially if it isn't the one they brought being opened. Bit like pass the parcel where the kids get bored after they've unwrapped their layer.

Believe me I saw no child who was remoted bothered yesterday that they didn't see Dd open the present they bought them. They were too busy playing and having fun!

It's only like at weddings where gifts are opened after the even. No one questions that I bet.

Original poster
FrannyandZooey · 02/04/2006 15:14

Well I am determined to enjoy this one. I hate it when you go to a party and the hosts are clearly working their arses off and have no time to enjoy it themselves. I am sure I can arrange things so everyone is catered for but I can relax and have fun as well.

Can't I?

OP posts:
Original poster
FrannyandZooey · 02/04/2006 15:15

LOL Hula I obviously have a problem with this as I always wish people would open their presents at weddings too! My sister did.

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Hulababy · 02/04/2006 15:15

I had a good time at DD's party. I was more stressed before hand, making sure the food boxes were sorted and getting everything organised. But once everyone started to arrive it was time to relax. I had plenty of helpers for making grown ups drink and taking round plates of cakes for the,. Most were happy to help them selves and get stuck in.

Hulababy · 02/04/2006 15:16

Wow! I had 100 people or more at my wedding. Could have taken over the whole day!!!

SoupDragon · 02/04/2006 15:17

open them afterwards, dss have to write a thank you for it before they are allowed to open another.

opening them at the party is a recipe for disaster imo

Original poster
FrannyandZooey · 02/04/2006 15:18

I think the food boxes were inspired for making sure you didn't have that much to do while at the party Hula.

OP posts:
Original poster
FrannyandZooey · 02/04/2006 15:20

Wow SD you are tough.

Do you not end up with a load of notes saying "thankyouverymuchitwasgreatihavetogonowlovex" ? :o

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SoupDragon · 02/04/2006 15:22

oh no, has to be a proper thank you in best handwriting :o It's the only way tbh, writing them all at once is a huge chore. this way they get rewarded for doing each one (except the last one!)

SoupDragon · 02/04/2006 15:23

oh yes - food boxes are definitely the way to go! always have them :)

sobernow · 02/04/2006 15:31

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Greensleeves · 02/04/2006 15:42

F&Z - can't find that thread!! Link please?

Original poster
FrannyandZooey · 02/04/2006 16:28

\link{http://www.mumsnet.com/Talk?topicid=1375&threadid=160209&stamp=060330223241#3357858\Here} :o

OP posts:
Greensleeves · 02/04/2006 16:30

Shock you meanie!!

Original poster
FrannyandZooey · 02/04/2006 16:30

What, I thought it was great!

Seriously, don't you like it?

Blush
OP posts:
Original poster
FrannyandZooey · 02/04/2006 16:33

Speak to me!

I just liked the air of mystery and the way it looked a bit mediaeval. Also the wise but slightly cantankerous expression :o

Really am sorry if you didn't like it Blush

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WideWebWitch · 02/04/2006 17:08

We open afterwards mostly, depends.

Miaou · 02/04/2006 17:08

Hmmm - back to the point - I think once your party-ees and partygoers get beyond a certain age then it's ok to open presents at the party. Because of where we live we only have a few kids round for a party - max 6 - (if they invited the entire school that would be 15!!!!) - so present opening does not take long. Plus as we tend to be at home I simply scoot them off into the child's bedroom so they don't get played with. That said, my dds are now 7 and 8 so it's not a major issue (though they still have to be primed not to say "Oh I've already got three of these!")

Clary · 02/04/2006 23:47

Agree with hula.
Always open presents afterwards because:

  • The children will want to play with them there and then instead of enjoying the clown (or whatever)
  • There may be doubles to what child already has and he/she may exclaim "but I've got this one, mummy"
  • There may be doubles among the pressies - even worse - this happened at a party I took ds2 to recently, the double present (a book) was ours and I would rather not have known lol
  • It's stressful enough running a party without having to keep a list of gifts there as well. Sorry Franny, I see yr point about the girl's face. IME if a pressie is really loved you will hear - I always make a point of saying something particular (eg when last year a mum of 2 boys got dd a perfect gift of a jewllery box (much needed) to decorate herself (her fave thing). How did she know???) I also see what you are saying Franny about the "transaction" aspect - but tbh I don't even care if people buy a prezzie. DS2 is having a joint party with a pal next Sunday (pannnniiiiccc) and I have specifically said to some of his invitees that they are not to buy a gift for the friend as they don't know her. Equally for the friends who are hers and not his. Obviously the friends in common can do what they want but I would buy for both, something small. At least if the opening is done elesewhere there is no big conufsion. But yes, perhaps for a small home party it might be nice. Oooh sorry what a long post, parties on my mind atm lol.
Skribble · 03/04/2006 00:27

Ours have always opened them after when they can fully concentrate on it and actually take in who it is from. As has been said what are the other chilren supposed to do, the presents will not be suitable for playing with at a party usually. Again I think this is another thing to suit the adults not the children "Oh but I really think I should see him open it!" Thats fine for a family party but not when it is a group of the childs friends.

I get the kids to take time and write a personal thankyou appropriate to each present. Ours like to take their time opening, at christma it can last all day and I sit with a note pad to note down what is from who so we can say thankyou properly.

brimfull · 03/04/2006 00:51

Ds went to party ,invite said no presents please.It was very refreshing.

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