Anonymous wrote:not at this age. It will just end in numerous 3 yr old throwing tanrums because they want the gift.

Been to lots of parties for 3 yr old recently and none have open presents.

+1 I have a 3yo and an older kid and we've been to tons of parties. Hard no on opening gifts.

It's boring for the other kids and they will have tantrums sitting, waiting, and wanting gifts themselves. It's also awkward bc ppl spend different amounts. And.frankly overwhelming for the birthday kid.

Guess I’m old school but I have to disagree with most responses. This is a new trend to accommodate the parents. Children need to learn manners at a young age, which is not hard!! Also, it’s rude not to be able to see them open your gift or even get a thank you for attending. Where has all the etiquette gone???

Anonymous wrote:We also didn't have DD open presents at her 3rd bday party. The kids at the party, at that age, don't have the attention span to sit through lots of present-opening. Also, the whole thing can lead to stress for the parents of the birthday kid, because the parents find themselves constantly reminding their child not to start playing with the gift right now, to thank each kid after opening each present and to refrain from saying things like, "I have this one already." MUCH easier to set the gifts aside, plan other fun games at the party, and write nice thank-you notes later (that your child can help decorate).

YES. We didnt have our DD (who turned 4 last Sept) open her gifts at her party for the exact reasons above. We've gone to 2 birthday parties in the last couple months where the birthday girl/boy opened the gifts. At both parties, the kids were confused (including mine) and thought they were all gonna get to play with the gifts too. The kids were having a great time until the gift opening, then there were several meltdowns, including the b-day girl/boy. Kids were still crying (mine included) as coats were being put on and getting into cars. Dont do it til your child is older. Have your child help write the thank you notes.

Don't open presents.

Although it is a great teachable moment, it's just too much work for the parents (both the parents of the birthday child and the parents of the attendees).

OP here. Thanks everyone! Based on your advice, we won't be opening any presents at the kids' party. Family members are coming over for a different party, and we'll be opening gifts together then.

We also didn't have DD open presents at her 3rd bday party. The kids at the party, at that age, don't have the attention span to sit through lots of present-opening. Also, the whole thing can lead to stress for the parents of the birthday kid, because the parents find themselves constantly reminding their child not to start playing with the gift right now, to thank each kid after opening each present and to refrain from saying things like, "I have this one already." MUCH easier to set the gifts aside, plan other fun games at the party, and write nice thank-you notes later (that your child can help decorate).

My 2 yo was very upset to have to watch the birthday kid open gift after gift. She wanted to open gifts too. If the party throwers would have mentioned they were going to do this, we would have left the party early to avoid this drama that I would have anticipated. Seems a lot to expect 2 year olds to watch another kid open so many gifts.

Anonymous wrote:Don't open the gifts at the party!!!

+1