February 21, 2009

When to send thank you notes for mailed baby shower gifts?

Sami Jo asked:


So, I have a semi-complicated etiquette question that really doesnt need to be this complicated… hehe.

I have several friends and family whom cannot attend my baby shower, so they are sending gifts to me through the mail. Some of them said to wait til the shower to open the package, others did not mention when to open it.

I plan to just wait til the shower to open all of them. But what if some expect me to open it immediately, and because I wasn’t sure, I waited til the shower to open the gift, and they get a thank you note a month from now?

Not sure… any idea-ers?

Eduardo

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Comments on When to send thank you notes for mailed baby shower gifts?

February 22, 2009

Dj @ 7:57 am

Alani

If they didn’t say “wait till the baby shower,” go ahead and open those, get the thank-you’s out so that they’re prompt, and you won’t have to worry about them later! You’ll have plenty to write after the shower, so save yourself some time now. The ones who told you to wait obviously won’t be expecting a thank-you till after the shower.

February 24, 2009

babysisterchrissy @ 12:16 pm

Kaley

wait until the shower to open them, send thank yous out all at the same time, and let the poeople who mailed gifts that you waited until the shower to poen them all at the same time, so everyone who was there could share in the experience. They will understand, believe me. If your friends are worried that they haven’t heard from you, thinking that the package was lost, then they can call you and you can let them know your plans

tincoatr @ 12:18 pm

Maddox

Send all of the thank you notes at one time. You could always call or send an email telling your friends that you received their gift but will open them at the shower.

February 27, 2009

ginnrc @ 2:42 pm

Brittney

Send them a thank you note the same time you send out the thank yous for your other gifts which should be right after the shower.

March 1, 2009

blue eyes @ 6:22 am

Helen

Open all your shower gifts at the same time. Usually people don’t pay much attention to how long you wait to send out a thank you but they will notice if they don’t get one.

March 3, 2009

Arneb @ 9:06 am

Orlando

I think … when receiving a thank you note that they would be patient enough for you to wait and open it at your shower if that’s what you want. I’ve found that having a baby is a very busy time. (for me at least) Between showers, and classes… I *will* send my thank you cards out… but I’m hoping no one is waiting at the mailbox for them.

It might even be nice for you to wait and have someone take pictures of you while you’re opening their gift… then you could send that along, as if they attended. *shrugs* Just an idea.

But I’m a very patient person and not overly fond of etiquette. Best of luck!

March 4, 2009

Mustbe @ 7:09 am

Nikolas

Maybe send a card and say Thank you for the gift I am waiting for shower to open.
Hope this helps & enjoy your baby with he/she arrives.

March 5, 2009

Hikapakapee @ 9:06 pm

Devyn

If you just want to wait until the shower to open the gift…then wait! Send out all the thank you notes at once! It makes it a lot easier for you! Trust me…just because someone gave you a gift…they are not waiting by their mailbox wondering…where is my thank you note? Congratulations on your pregnancy! Good luck hun!

March 6, 2009

cldb730 @ 1:14 am

Antwan

I would just wait until the shower and send the thank you note after that time. Most of them won’t be waiting for their thank you note anyway. If anyone asks if you received the package, tell them that you did receive it but wanted to wait until the shower to open it. You might also let your parents or other close family know that you’re planning to open all your gifts at the shower. That way if (for example) your mother’s sister or someone asks your mother if you got it, they can explain that you’re waiting to open it.

G @ 8:44 am

Summer

Since the people that sent you the gifts already know that there is a baby shower planned, i think it would be okay to wait to open them with the rest of the gifts and send the thank you card once you’ve opened the gifts.

Thank you card that you send, whether it is now or later after you’ve opened the gifts, is a simple acknowledgement of reciept and a show of your appreciation. By waiting til you’ve opened the gifts, you can personalize your thank you card by saying “thank you for the lovely _________ that you’ve sent to me…” etc

Have fun in your shower and congratuations in your forthcoming blessing!

March 7, 2009

lonewolf @ 10:13 am

Reid

yosamijo, Hon it just makes sence to wait until the shower and open them all at once ! One big celebration. Oh by the way, congradulations !

March 9, 2009

sugarplumfaerie52686 @ 5:36 am

Nadia

i would wait and then that way you can send out all of your thank yous at one time. In the note let them know that you waited until the shower to open them becuase you werent sure. Some people wont mind, some dont even expect thank yous at all :) if they call and ask you if you liked your gift then i would just tell them you werent sure if they wanted u to open it yet.

March 10, 2009

Kittieashy @ 7:51 am

Jeremiah

I sent all mine out together. I made the list as I got them and started making the thank you cards the week before my shower. Then I sent them all out together. I found it was just easier that way. Not many people sent gifts to us bsides our parents buying our furniture and my grandparents so I acknowledged those at the time by calling them, though I talk to my mom everyday anyway. My hubby’s uncle bought us a lot of things though like 2 months before the shower. We said thanks on the phone and I sent the card out with the rest. Do whatever you feel comfortable with. Congrats on your pregnancy!!