Hello SoulSnap,
I’m having a baby shower in a few weeks. One of the hosts suggested that, as gifts arrive to our home, I should open them with my husband, instead of bringing them to the shower. Incidentally, I received a package today thinking it was something I ordered online, and it was an unwrapped gift from an out-of-town guest who won’t be attending. (I already wrote her a very thoughtful thank you note, and it’s just waiting to be mailed.) What is the classiest way to handle this, along with any other packages that might arrive? Do I open the boxes, and if the gifts are wrapped or unwrapped, bring them to the shower?
Do I wrap the unwrapped gifts and bring them to the shower? Also, if a guest is out-of-town and not coming to the shower, should I proceed the same way? It’s not a huge shower — I’m only expecting about 15-20 people, including the hostesses.
Thank you for your advice in advance! - D
With your baby shower approaching, you're likely pondering how to handle the gifts trickling in. One of your hosts wisely suggested opening them at home with your husband rather than lugging them to the shower.
Today, a surprise package arrived—turns out it's an unwrapped gift from an out-of-town guest who won't attend. (Kudos on the prompt thank-you note!) Now, how to handle this, and any future arrivals?
Follow your host's advice: open gifts at home, pen thoughtful thank-you notes, and leave the gifts at home for the shower. Expecting the guest of honor to transport a heap of packages to her own party seems impractical.
As a guest, I'd naturally bring my gift to the shower, unless instructed otherwise by the host. If guests are asked to ship gifts regardless of attendance, it likely means the hosts have ample planned and opt to skip the gift-opening ceremony—a sensible choice. Direct shipping also eases your exit, sparing you from lugging bulky baby gear.
For absentee guests, continue your current practice: unwrap at home, send a thank-you note, and enjoy your shower without carting their gifts.
Wishing you a delightful shower!
