Do You Open Gifts At A Baby Shower? Etiquette, Options & Alternatives

Do you open gifts at a baby shower? It’s a question that comes up in nearly every planning conversation — and the answer isn’t as straightforward as it used to be.

While traditional showers often included a gift-opening segment, today’s parties are a little more flexible. Some parents-to-be love the spotlight and want to unwrap presents with guests gathered around. Others prefer to skip that part entirely — and that’s totally okay.

This guide breaks down the etiquette, pros and cons, and modern alternatives so you can make the call that feels right for your shower. Whether you’re hosting, attending, or the guest of honor, you’ll walk away with helpful tips and zero guilt. Let’s dive in!

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Why Opening Gifts at a Baby Shower Is Traditional

The tradition of opening gifts at a baby shower dates back to the earliest iterations of the event — when close friends and family would gather to “shower” the expectant parent with useful baby items. Unwrapping those presents during the party allowed guests to see their gifts appreciated in real-time and often sparked fun conversation and shared advice.

But like many traditions, this one has evolved. Today’s baby showers are more diverse, casual, and parent-focused. For some, the gift-opening portion still feels meaningful. For others, it can be uncomfortable, time-consuming, or feel like a performance.

A few reasons people still include it:

Guests enjoy seeing what others brought
It gives the parent-to-be a chance to express gratitude out loud
It fills time if there’s no major entertainment planned
It’s expected in certain cultures or family circles

💡 Tip: If you do plan to open gifts, consider setting expectations ahead of time in the invitation or event schedule to help guests prepare.

Reasons You Might Skip Opening Gifts at a Baby Shower

Not everyone wants the spotlight — and that’s okay. Many modern hosts and parents-to-be are choosing to skip the gift-opening segment altogether. Whether it’s a time issue, a social comfort thing, or just a vibe choice, here are some totally valid reasons to leave the bows and boxes closed during the party:

Time constraints: Opening 20+ gifts can eat up a big chunk of a 2-hour event.
Shy guest of honor: Some parents feel awkward opening gifts with all eyes on them.
Virtual or drop-in showers: These formats often don’t lend themselves to live unwrapping.
Focus on fun instead: You might want more time for food, games, or mingling.
Inclusivity: Mixed-crowd or co-ed showers may have different expectations around this tradition.

💡 Pro tip: If you’re skipping the unwrapping, create a cute display table instead so guests can still admire the gifts.

👉 Related: 25 Baby Shower Games That Are Actually Fun
👉 Planning on a budget? Here’s how to keep it cute without overspending

Alternatives to Opening Gifts During the Shower

If you’d rather skip the sit-down gift unwrapping session but still want to acknowledge your guests’ generosity, here are some thoughtful alternatives that keep the vibe light and fun:

🎀 Display Shower

Ask guests to bring unwrapped gifts and display them on a designated table. Add a cute sign like “Thanks for showering us with love!” so everyone can see what was gifted without the time commitment of opening each item.

📸 Gift Photo Thank-Yous

Snap a quick photo of the parent-to-be holding each gift (or the gift on its own) and send a personalized thank-you after the party. It feels intimate and appreciative — and works great for virtual guests too.

✏️ Thank-You Card Station

Set up a table with cards, pens, and a list of gifts received so the host or parent can jot quick thank-yous during or after the party.

🎥 Quick Video Shoutouts

Film a short “thank you” video message after the shower and send it to your guests. This is perfect if you’re doing a modern or virtual-style event.

These alternatives allow you to honor your guests without breaking the flow of the party.

What to Say on the Invitation About Gifts (If You’re Not Opening Them)

If you’re not planning to open gifts during the shower, it’s helpful to set expectations in advance — and your invitation is the perfect place to do it. Guests won’t be offended as long as they know what to expect.

Here are a few polite, clear ways to phrase it:

“Gifts will be on display during the shower, so no need to wrap!”
“To keep things casual, we’ll be skipping a gift-opening portion — thank you for your thoughtful gift!”
“Your presence is the real present! If you choose to bring a gift, it will be lovingly opened later.”

This small detail can go a long way in making everyone feel comfortable, including the guest of honor.

If You Do Open Gifts: How to Keep It Fun (and Not Awkward)

If you decide to include gift opening as part of the baby shower, there are a few tricks to keep it engaging for your guests — and low-pressure for the parent-to-be.

✅ Keep It Brief

Set a time limit or open a select few presents if you’re short on time. You don’t have to open every single gift at the event.

🪑 Get Comfortable

Set up a cozy chair for the guest of honor with a helper nearby to pass gifts, collect wrapping paper, and jot down who gave what.

🎤 Add Commentary

A fun host or emcee can keep the energy up by making sweet or funny comments as gifts are unwrapped.

📸 Make It Photo-Friendly

This is a great time to capture cute candid photos. Bonus points if there’s a baby shower balloon arch or backdrop behind the chair!

🙌 Thank You Game

Have each guest write their name and a message on a gift tag or note card so you know who to thank later — no more “mystery onesies!”

👉 Related: Baby Shower Favor Ideas Guests Will Actually Love
👉 Add even more fun: 50 Adorable Baby Shower Cake Ideas

How to Say Thank You After the Shower (Without Stressing)

Whether you opened gifts during the party or not, sending a thank-you afterward is a must — and it doesn’t have to be complicated. Gratitude goes a long way, and guests appreciate even a small gesture of acknowledgment.

✉️ Handwritten Thank-You Cards

Classic, personal, and always appreciated. Include a short note mentioning the specific gift and how you plan to use it.

📷 Photo Thank You

Snap a picture of your baby with the gift (or with the gift in the nursery!) and send it via text or email with a short message.

🎥 Video Message

Record a quick video expressing thanks and send it to guests individually or as a group. This is especially great for virtual showers or long-distance family.

🛒 Supplies You’ll Need

Make it easier on yourself with:

Cute thank-you card sets
Address label stickers
Personalized stamps
Gift tracking notepad or spreadsheet (linked to the budget planning post)

👉 Also see: When to Host a Baby Shower (And Who Should Throw It?)
👉 Need food ideas for your thank-you brunch? 17 Delicious Winter Baby Shower Food Ideas

❓ Baby Shower Gift Etiquette FAQs

Do you have to open gifts at a baby shower?
Nope! While it’s a long-standing tradition, many modern showers skip this step entirely. You can display gifts, open a few, or thank guests later — whatever feels right.

Is it rude not to open presents during the shower?
Not at all. As long as you communicate the plan in advance (like on the invite), most guests are completely understanding. Focus on creating a comfortable experience for everyone.

Can you open gifts after the baby shower?
Yes! Many parents choose to open gifts privately and follow up with personalized thank-you messages. It’s especially common at co-ed or drop-in showers.

What’s a display shower?
A display shower is where guests bring unwrapped gifts that are set out on a decorated table. It’s visually fun, saves time, and still shows off everyone’s thoughtful presents.

Should I bring a gift even if the registry isn’t shared?
Yes — even something small like a board book or onesie is appreciated. If there’s no registry, check out this list of thoughtful baby shower gift ideas that are sure to be a hit.

How can I say thank you without writing 30 cards?
Short, meaningful thank-you notes or video messages are perfectly acceptable. You can also batch your thanks in one group message if your shower was informal.

🎀 Final Thoughts: Do You Have to Open Gifts at a Baby Shower?

At the end of the day, the best baby showers are the ones that feel good for the guest of honor and make guests feel welcome. If opening gifts isn’t your thing — skip it! If you love the tradition — go for it. The key is setting expectations and finding little ways to make everyone feel appreciated.

Whatever format you choose, you’ve got plenty of options to keep things thoughtful, fun, and memorable.

👉 Need more planning help? Don’t miss:
Baby Shower Planning FAQs
How to Tastefully Share Your Baby Registry Without a Shower

📌 Save This for Later!

Planning a baby shower and wondering what to do about gift opening?
Pin this guide so you’ll have all the modern etiquette tips and fun alternatives when you need them most.

🍼 Thoughtful tips, easy ideas, and zero awkward moments — yes, please!

Do You Open Gifts at a Baby Shower? Etiquette, Options & Alternatives

Why Opening Gifts at a Baby Shower Is Traditional

Reasons You Might Skip Opening Gifts at a Baby Shower