I'm still peeved that thank you notes were never sent though. That's never going to sit right with me, but getting them after a shower rarely happens anymore. That's part of the reason that my friends and I buy one big gift - why bother choosing something personal if the recipient doesn't even care? I guess the "kids" are attending each other's showers and not getting any thank yous so then when it's their turn, they don't send them either. It's just us old ladies expecting a thank you!
We recently had my daughter's bridal shower (last month). When I asked the woman at the Gallery Shop if we could order Thank You cards to match the bridal shower invitation, she said to me, "you are sending out thank you cards?". I was stunned and asked, what do you mean, are we/she sending out thank you cards. She went on to say that the bride to be does not send out cards anymore. She had a mom and daughter arguing in the shop one day.
Apparently not sending any thank you card is "in" now.....I can't wrap my head around it. I can understand if you have a cute little favor with a thank you note. Perhaps thank everyone again individually on the way out....which one does anyway. I still think it's nice to take the time to do this. People go out of their way to attend and spend a few $, so a thank you card is not too much trouble showing your appreciation. For anyone not attending and sends a gift.........I hope the bride is sending out a thank you card.
Not to make this long. Years ago, I gave my neighbor a "new baby" gift for the grandson. When the baby was one year old, I gave a 1st birthday gift - more for our friendship - I never received a thank you from the mom for both occasions . When her second son was born a year after that 1st birthday - I did not go out of my way to give a gift.
Both my dil's did not want a baby shower. Not into parties and don't care about being the center of attention. They registered. Immediate family/friends sent a gift at home. Thank you cards were sent out immediately after.
The clean wrap on a table is nice - people can browse them if they wish.
I think it's nice the gifts are opened. People can choose to "look" or talk to each other. If a party is a few hours, opening them does not take up too much time especially for a small party. Clear wrap for a large party.
There is no right or wrong anymore. I find that anything goes these days......as long as the person the party is for is "happy"......not much concern for the guests. Who makes up all these rules/new rules anyway? Follow your heart......and don't let busy/laziness or someone else's rules get in the way.
If you have a few people, I can see someone opening the gift as the guest hands it to them personally. No need to display them in the end........but really - it's your circle of people and and it should not be a problem regardless of someone's personality.
Just my opinion