Should Gifts Be Opened at Birthday Parties?

Many people argue that presents shouldn’t be the point of a party. “Opening gifts at the party shifts the attention from friendships to gifts,” says Alex J. Packer, author of the book How Rude! After all, most parties last only a few hours. Wouldn’t you rather spend that time playing with your friends?

Plus, opening gifts at a party can be a recipe for disaster. Let’s say you receive a birthday gift you don’t like or need. You might have trouble hiding your disappointment. That could hurt your friend’s feelings.

Besides, watching someone else open gifts can be a snooze. Birthday parties are supposed to be fun and exciting! You wouldn’t want your guests to feel bored, right?

But others say that kids look forward to opening presents at parties. It’s a birthday tradition. (A tradition is a way of doing something that’s been passed down over time.) A party without opening gifts would be like a party without a cake!

Giving gifts can also help build friendships. There’s no better feeling than watching your friend explode with happiness after opening your gift. This can help—not hurt—relationships. 

And let’s say you get a gift you don’t love. This is the perfect opportunity to practice being polite! Catherine Newman, author of What Can I Say?, points out it’s good to respond “very enthusiastically to every gift.” Your friend took the time to get you a gift. It’s the thought that counts, right?

Your birthday is coming up, and it’s time to decide: Will you open your gifts at the party or wait until later?