With Sammy's first birthday right around the corner, I have been totally stressed with all of the details of the party planning. I know that he won't remember anything, and that this year, it is more of a big deal for the parents than the kiddos, but it is a big deal for me. We are definitely keeping it simple, just cake and presents, toys out for the kiddos, and a BBQ for the adults, but...I have been thinking, and wondering about present opening. When Sammy is opening his presents, if he starts getting fussy or not really wanting to sit there and open all of the presents, do I have to make him? I don't want to be rude and not have him open someone's present, but at the same time, I don't really want to deal with a temper tantrum on his birthday. Can any of you share your own personal experience, or what you have seen done? And, any other party planning advice would be appreciated as well!
Rhonda
(Sammy's mom)
Member comments
It has worked best for us to have our kids open their presents after the party. Depending on how many people you've invited, it can be a pretty long process for everyone. Our kids tend to lose interest after a few gifts, so this way you don't have to "force" a thank you. My friends do the same, and some even hide a few gifts for their kids (after the parents open them and send a thank you note of course!) for a rainy day.
I love personalized thank you notes. I've seen some cute cake-covering-the-face pictures from the birthday party uploaded into cards at snapfish.com.
Have fun!!
Katy (Jordan and Mason's mom)
Those are all great ideas! It would relieve a lot of the pressure to make sure that every gift was opened, especially if Sammy lost interest. Thank you so much! I especially love the idea of the personalized thank you cards...how adorable!
Rhonda
(Sammy's mom)
I can't imagine anyone attending your party will honestly insist that a one-year-old sit there and open every single present and say thank you to every single gift-giver. If they do, maybe you should reconsider them on your invite list. ;)
Not there yet, and we're doing a no-gifts policy for Noah's first, but I think the idea of waiting 'til after the party and/or hiding a few for later on is a brilliant idea, and I may steal that for Noah's 2nd.