1St Birthday Party - Presents Etiquette

Hi,
I really think its based on what type of party you have. If you have like a BBQ style party, where there is really no time constraint, then I think it would be great to open presents. I had a luau for my daughters 1st birthday and we opened presents since it was almost an all day thing and people were in no rush to leave. I opened the presents right before cake. I had my daughter on my lap and let her pull at the paper, but really I did the unwrapping. Give him some paper to play with and he wont know whats going on. if you have more of a structured party, or at a facility, then I dont think there would be any time to open the gifts. This year I am having my daughters party at an indoor amusement part and its only a 2 hour party so I know that presents will be open at home. If you wont have time to opent the presents at the party and since its his 1st party, maybe sending out thank you notes would be appropriate after you open the presents at home. Hope this helps and Happy Birthday to your little one!

I've seen it done both ways...although here's my thought...if you have a large crowd comming do it later, small crowd help the child. Etiquette states that when you receive a birthday gift saying thank you is enough(no thank you card required)...I think that this holds true if your child opens the gift infront of the giver and they can see the childs joy/appreciation....if you want to do it later(as your child is young) I think that's fine, just take the extra time to send out thank you cards so everyone knows that their gift was appreciated.

Have a little table set up fpr gifts and then open them at another time. It takes much time and a one year old wouldn't be all that interested anyway (other than bows and paper). You can enjoy the rest of the party and open them with your child in a quiet atmosphere. Write on the b'day cards itself what the gifts are.
Enjoy!

Hi-
My daughter just turned 2 last month. At BOTH her first and second birthday party we had a BBQ for between 20 and 30 people. We set a table up both years for her gifts and did not open them until later after everyone went home. Her 1st birthday we attempted to let her open them and she was not interested and did not sit still. We also encountered the older children trying to open and play with the new toys. I had picture cards made of my daughter in various present opening poses that I personalized and sent out as Thank You cards!! Hope this helps!

I opened my sons and wish that we hadn't! Very time consuming and son didn't sit still! Most parries I've been to no presents were opened (unless it was for older child). I'd say keep them until party is over and you can open them without son and with pen and paper to make list of thank you's!

I would open them around 3:30.. everyone loves to see the presents.. usually you sit your son down.. and help him open the first one.. they will play with the paper.. that's fine.. then you open the rest.. have someone write down what he got.. and from who.. so you can send thank you notes later on.. good luck.. have fun...