I don't like the trend I'm seeing of not opening presents during birthday parties/baby showers. This has happened at the last three events I went to (cousin's daughter's 6th b-day, friend's daughter's 1st b-day, and another friend's baby shower). Why? I like to see the reaction to my gift and I like seeing all the other gifts. Getting a thank you card a week later is not the same thing! Is this truly a trend or is my crowd just whack?

This happened at a wedding I went to last year (or the year before, can't remember exactly), but I'm not sure if that's uncommon. Birthday parties I totally don't get (don't know a thing about showers).

Luckily STBX and I have very similar last two digits on our SSN's, so no guess work there. I would assume they take the first SSN when you file jointly.

I'm still all bouncy over plans coming together. SO MUCH to do for this move, but inch by inch I'm getting things sorted.

No idea GC, haven't been to any b-day parties or showers in a while. I like seeing the reaction - means more to me than the thank you note, actually.

This happened at a wedding I went to last year

The wedding (or, rather, reception) itself? Or a wedding shower? Because, while I know that there are weddings where the bride and groom open the gifts at the reception, I've never ever been to one. I don't think they're that common.

I don't like the trend I'm seeing of not opening presents during birthday parties/baby showers. This has happened at the last three events I went to (cousin's daughter's 6th b-day, friend's daughter's 1st b-day, and another friend's baby shower). Why? I like to see the reaction to my gift and I like seeing all the other gifts. Getting a thank you card a week later is not the same thing! Is this truly a trend or is my crowd just whack?

I haven't seen this trend yet. I can't imagine going to a shower and not seeing the presents opened.

So if my SSN ends in 95, at least I can pretend for a while I'm getting a stimulus check, even though I'm not?

Hrmph. I want money too!

This happened at a wedding I went to last year (or the year before, can't remember exactly), but I'm not sure if that's uncommon.

Traditionally you do not open presents at a wedding.

Birthday parties I totally don't get

Agreed, especially a kid's birthday.

(don't know a thing about showers).

Since the point of a baby shower is basically presents for the baby, I don't get why you wouldn't open them there.

I've never been to a wedding where gifts were opened during the reception. I think that would be odd. But opening presents at birthday parties and showers is the way to be! I'd be sad if presents weren't opened at one of those events. I've yet to go to one where they aren't.

Agreed, especially a kid's birthday.

It depends on the age, but one line of reasoning is that opening presents publically is potentially humiliating for the kids who can't afford to bring presents.

Here it's pretty typical to not open birthday presents at a kid's birthday party. Maybe because that way lies jealousy and tears, when the kids are 3-4-5, which is the age range I know? Baby showers, otoh, do open presents.

ETA: There have been a decent number of "no presents please" kid birthdays, too, which IMO is practically necessary if you are inviting the class of 20. No kid needs 20 birthday presents at age 4.

My stimulus check is going towards VEGAS, BABY! (less than two weeks!).

Or, if it gets here late, paying everything we put off till after VEGAS, BABY!