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Etiquette3 min read
To Open Gifts at the Shower or Not? The Debate
Pros, cons, and alternatives to public gift opening.
In9Months Team
Opening gifts at showers is tradition, but is it necessary?
Arguments for Opening
- Tradition and expectation
- Guests enjoy seeing reactions
- Easier to track who gave what
- Part of the "entertainment"
Arguments Against
- Time-consuming (especially with 30+ guests)
- Awkward for the opener
- Boring for guests after the 10th onesie
- Comparison of gift values
Alternatives
- Open a selection (5-10 gifts) and display the rest
- Skip opening, have a display table
- Open afterward and text photos/thanks to each guest
If You Do Open
Have someone record who gave what (essential for thank-you notes). Run baby bingo simultaneously to keep guests engaged.