Among Friends

[Bubby Mommy]

Is this something new?  I am going to a bridal shower, but I was told the bride will not be opening any gifts; they will all be put on a "gift table" to be brought home and opened "later."  I thought the idea of a shower was that the bride opens the gifts and everyone "oohs and ahs"(??)  That's the fun of a shower.  Maybe this is a new trend that I am not aware of?  I just feel a little insulted that I am invited to a shower just to drop off a gift that I spent a lot of time and thought on and then "adios."  I can understand this being the case at a wedding where I would not expect a bride and groom to spend time opening gifts, but a bridal shower is a bunch of ladies enjoying watching the bride being "showered" with gifts.  Maybe someone can enlighten me.  Thanks! 

[TheWanderingOne]

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@Bubby Mommy wrote:

Is this something new?  I am going to a bridal shower, but I was told the bride will not be opening any gifts; they will all be put on a "gift table" to be brought home and opened "later."  I thought the idea of a shower was that the bride opens the gifts and everyone "oohs and ahs"(??)  That's the fun of a shower.  Maybe this is a new trend that I am not aware of?  I just feel a little insulted that I am invited to a shower just to drop off a gift that I spent a lot of time and thought on and then "adios."  I can understand this being the case at a wedding where I would not expect a bride and groom to spend time opening gifts, but a bridal shower is a bunch of ladies enjoying watching the bride being "showered" with gifts.  Maybe someone can enlighten me.  Thanks! 

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That's exactly the reason why I won't  attend a shower. I can think of nothing more boring than ohhing and aahhing over a set of towels or a crockpot. That, and the silly games. I send a gift and my regrets. 

[ThinkingOutLoud]

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@Bubby Mommy wrote:

Is this something new?  I am going to a bridal shower, but I was told the bride will not be opening any gifts; they will all be put on a "gift table" to be brought home and opened "later."  I thought the idea of a shower was that the bride opens the gifts and everyone "oohs and ahs"(??)  That's the fun of a shower.  Maybe this is a new trend that I am not aware of?  I just feel a little insulted that I am invited to a shower just to drop off a gift that I spent a lot of time and thought on and then "adios."  I can understand this being the case at a wedding where I would not expect a bride and groom to spend time opening gifts, but a bridal shower is a bunch of ladies enjoying watching the bride being "showered" with gifts.  Maybe someone can enlighten me.  Thanks! 

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I always thought watching someone open gifts was dumb and a waste of time. As far as the bolded, it sounds like *you* want the oohs and ahs. 

[haddon9]

I enjoy watching the gift opening ....up to a point.  If it's more than an hour of gift opening, I will get bored to tears!

@Bubby Mommy Were you told to not wrap the gift?  Today a lot of the time one is told to just put a clear wrap on it so people can see what it is since it isn't being opened.

[We rescue cats]

Way back when Bridal Showers were done as originally meant to be, opening the gifts was fun. The guests were the bride's closest friends and family, not a luncheon with 100 guests. My shower had 20 or 25 people there, sorority sisters and family. It was in my house, not a catered affair. 

[DJs mom]

I much prefer not to open gifts. I once went to a baby shower many years ago and the mom-to-be received so many gifts after over an hour, she had to take a break, eat and then she was right back to opening gifts. It was just too much for me. After that experience, I am all for opening the gifts later in private. This way the guest of honor can enjoy the party and mingle with guests.

[Bubby Mommy]

YES!  I was told to put the gift in cellophane!  At the time I really didn't "get it."  I guess it's just me, but this seems like a "money/gift grabbing" session.  It it just not an attractive way to spend an afternoon.  I may opt not to go.  

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@haddon9 wrote:

I enjoy watching the gift opening ....up to a point.  If it's more than an hour of gift opening, I will get bored to tears!

@Bubby Mommy Were you told to not wrap the gift?  Today a lot of the time one is told to just put a clear wrap on it so people can see what it is since it isn't being opened.

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[cindyNC]

I avoid bridal and baby showers like the plague.  When I got married, my friend asked if I wanted a shower and I said no. 

My monther in law's friends insisted on throwing me one at "the club" as she had hosted so many for her friends daughters.  I was told the room was only rented for a specific amount of time so to open the gifts quickly. 

[TheWanderingOne]

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@Bubby Mommy wrote:

YES!  I was told to put the gift in cellophane!  At the time I really didn't "get it."  I guess it's just me, but this seems like a "money/gift grabbing" session.  It it just not an attractive way to spend an afternoon.  I may opt not to go.  

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@haddon9 wrote:

I enjoy watching the gift opening ....up to a point.  If it's more than an hour of gift opening, I will get bored to tears!

@Bubby Mommy Were you told to not wrap the gift?  Today a lot of the time one is told to just put a clear wrap on it so people can see what it is since it isn't being opened.

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Why is everything that isn't the way it was 30 years ago a "gift grab"? Times have changed.  Having gifts unwrapped, or in clear wrappings is a practical solution. Every one can see the gifts. Those who want to "oooh and aaah" can do so, yet the party can go on. 

[SloopJohnB]

Yes, times they are a changin.  I also feel it aligns with a gift grab but that's me.  What I don't get is, why bother with the cellophane?  If they don't want it wrapped, just leave the item au naturel.  🚿🎁