Instructions

Things you'll need:

• Two or three chairs
• Painter's tape
• Pen and paper
• Camera (optional)

1. Designate an area for opening presents, prior to gift opening. Put a line of painter's tape on the ground (if the party is outside, use a piece of yarn, or something similar).
2. Have the birthday child sit in a chair on one side of the tape, next to the presents. Place an empty chair next to her. Have the guests sit on the floor on the opposite side of the tape.
3. Place a chair next to the birthday child. Now, point to a present at random. Have the gift giver bring the present to the birthday child; have the guest sit down in the chair next to your child while her present

Tips

• Plan on gift opening taking approximately two minutes per guest.
• Ask a friend to take a picture of your child opening each gift, while your child's friend is sitting next to her. (The photos are fun to include with the thank-you notes as well).
• Be prepared to add an extra chair if there are siblings that have brought your child a gift.
• Delegate the task of keeping track of gifts to a friend or relative in attendance, so that you will have a list to refer to when writing thank-you notes.
• Children who are able to read sometimes enjoy the challenge of reading their cards out loud. If your child cannot read, or doesn't wish to do so, designate a friend (your thank-you list person can multi-task) to read the cards prior to each gift being opened.
• Have someone in charge of separating trash and gifts after each child's turn, so that nothing gets misplaced. Keep an eye out for gift cards!
• Young children who are new to the birthday party scene may not fully understand why they aren't receiving a gift as well.
• Explain to the children that when they leave, they will be receiving something special (a balloon, party favor, etc.)
• Say something complimentary about each gift, so that each guest feels special.
• Don't forget to tell your child to thank her guests!
• Consider your child's age and the number of guests when determining whether or not to open gifts. You may want to save gift opening for later in the day if your child is four years old or younger, and/or if your child has more than twelve guests. In addition, keep in mind that some children are uncomfortable being the center of attention, and may prefer to open their presents after guests leave.
• Some children may feel too shy to bring a gift up to your child. Tell the guest that she can either stay in her spot while her gift is opened, or offer to go up with her.
• Prepare your child for various circumstances prior to the party. For example, if your child receives a gift that she already has, have her think about how much fun it will be to have both toys to play with when a friend comes over to play. Or, simply tell her that she should thank her guest, and that the gift can be exchanged at another time.
• If you find that children are becoming too antsy while sitting, give them another option, such as coloring at a table, or playing a game of "I Spy" with another friend.

Some other great resources:

• Advice on opening gifts.
• Birthday party etiquette.