The question of whether or not to open gifts at the baby shower does not, in my opinion, have a right or wrong answer. But to answer the question, yes they should be opened. The whole point of throwing a baby shower for the mother-to-be is help her celebrate the upcoming birth of her child, as well as to provide her with some of the supplies she will need when her precious bundle is taken home from the hospital. The only exception is when money is given directly to mom-to-be. Although opening gift cards are okay, they should not be passed around nor the amount be disclosed.
Even though baby shower guest play games and have fun visiting together, it’s hard to get past the idea that the opening of gifts is the highlight of the shower. For the mother-to-be, the gift opening is an exciting time that ranks right up there with Christmas morning. Playing games could be during the gift opening could be a good strategy for your baby shower. One game that is a perfect baby shower idea for when gifts are being opened is to pass out clothespins to each of the guests. The guests clip a clothespin to the hem of her skirt or blouse. While the expectant mom is opening her gift, the guest must refrain from crossing their legs. If someone crosses her legs, another guest grabs the clothespin and pins it next to her clothespin. When all of the gifts have been opened, the woman with the most clothespins wins a prize.
I honestly cannot imagine having a baby shower without the opening of gifts unless it is a specialized shower where guest bring only certain items, like diapers and wipes. In that case, wrapping the gifts would be less exciting because everyone already knows what the package contains.
There are so many opinions out there, but what should really matter is the question of what the mother-to-be prefers. If you are brainstorming about what etiquette you should follow and decide that you do not want the mother-to-be to open gifts at the party, why not just have a baby shower tea where people bring gifts and everyone plays games and visits. Afterwards the guests could take the gifts to the car before they leave.
But, I say again, where is the fun in that? If you are against gift-giving at the baby shower, there is nothing wrong with that, but taking out the gift giving part of the shower, in my humble opinion is cutting out the most exciting part of the whole shower. Most people love to watch the gifts being opened and especially love to watch the expression expectant mom’s face when their gift is being opened. Passing around the open gifts for everyone to hold and see brings out the “oohs” and “aahs” in appreciation of the beautiful gift that has been given.
If the shower is in progress and the mother-to-be seems extremely tired, then, by all means, omit the gift giving, for her health is more important that watching gifts being opened.
Whatever your opinion of gift opening, celebrate with the guest of honor!
