Does anyone know if there is a proper etiquette to when a person should open a gift that they have received?
I have a sneaky feeling that you’re not supposed to open it right away. You should gracefully thank the person that gives it to you and put it away until later. Then you open it privately and call to thank them or send a thank you note.
What’s the protocol?
Re: Opening Gifts
^thats what i like doing too..opening it when im alone
i dont like it when some people insist i open it there in front of them! or other people standing around force me to open it cuz they want to also see what it is 
however, i think it also depends who gave it. if my husband gave it, id open it infront of him so i can return a **“gift” **too 
Re: Opening Gifts
depends i guess,
presents from family/best buds, (CLOSE family like khalas and mamoo's and immediate family) open 'em right away and oooohhh and aahhh away to glory over the present :D show the right amt of appreciation for a thoughtful and useful present
for presents from not so close family and friends, its best to accept it gracefully and open it later in private and send a thanku note, letter afterwards.
Re: Opening Gifts
They just want to see the look on your face when you first open it. Otherwise most desi people (in particular aunties) will make sure EVERYONE has seen what gifts they brought, so they insist on opening right at the party.
Re: Opening Gifts
I would say that is the appropriate way but sometimes i like to see the facial expressions of my friends :d so i make them open it in front of me :D
Re: Opening Gifts
i don't give gifts nor i get any gifts. kaam mukka.
Re: Opening Gifts
excellent topic.. i have always wondered bout this too! .. i was brought up with the practice of accepting gifts politely and opening them after the party alone.. then calling for thanks…
but.. i once got this pressie from a friend .. my first one in Canada.. and i didnt open it.. and she thought it was rude…thought i was being snooty and “oh just put it there, i’ll look at it later ” … i was so surprised… thought ok.. maybe checking out gifts later on is a desi thing… i guess not 
i still dont know.. i feel more comfy opening in pvt.. and calling for thank you’s.. no matter how gay the gift is (which is a totally diff topic altogether)..
Re: Opening Gifts
if the gift is from amna or one of my best friends....i dont wait....i just rip it apart as fast as i can....but if its from others....i put it away :-)
Re: Opening Gifts
Gifts se kya yaad dila diya beta. Aapke uncle ne barsoN pehlay gift diya tha. Hum ne aaj tak nahi khola. Usko dekh dekh ke purani bateiN yaad kartay haiN.
Re: Opening Gifts
how romantic aunty jee :love:
Re: Opening Gifts
if it is a b'day gift then you usually open those types of presents in front of your friends and thank them.
If someone comes to your house and brings a gift (u know bohat din baad milay hain yeh aap ke house ke liye deco piece) then you keep it aside and open it after they leave :)
Re: Opening Gifts
Usually when we give gifts to other people or their kids they open them later. But I like to open them during the party so I can personally thank everyone and show them how great I think it is. For kids it's also fun to rip it open with the help of friends.
But if you want to have good manners and show how classy you are, just ignore the presents. Then give thank you cards later.
Re: Opening Gifts
I usually open gifts later on and then call to thank the people unless they ask me to open it in front of them. One thing I have trouble with is the gifts I don't like. I still thank them and act like I like it because it's nice of them to have brought me something but what if they expect to see you use/wear it?