Gift etiquette

[Snappy]

On christmas day i got a present from my boyfriends mam. I t was in a bag but not wrapped. I took the bag from her but didnt look inside until i got home. I always think its quite rude to dive straight in but when i left it occured to me that she might have thought i wasnt bothered! What is right? Opening it in front of her or leaving it until i got home?

[Robinia]

 I think I would have opened it there, unless it had been handed to me on the way out of the house. However, as long as you've called & thanked her for it I wouldn't worry about it.

[smudge]

I would have opened it in front of her, unless I were half way out of the door. Perhaps when you phone to thank her, you could just mention:

 

"Thank you so much for my present. I hope you didn't think me rude by not opening it before I left, but I am a bit shy of opening presents in front of people & prefer to do it when alone".

 

You may not be shy - but I'm sure she'll understand either way.

[l_h_kings]

If I'd been given the gift before christmas I think it's ok to not open it until xmas; but ummm on xmas day. I know what you mean though. I hate opening presents that i don't know what they are in front of people i don't know very well.

I find it hard to pretend i like something that i don't. I think i'm too honest!

Best thing to do is to ring and thank her; as already suggested.

[sunflower68]

Maybe its me but I always find it rude when people do not acknowledge a gift when it has been opened.  Some people do this and I always find myself asking "did you like the gift?" but now I am wondering if it is me who is the ruder. 

[smudge]

I totally agree with you sunflower. Our children & Grandchildren always thank us for gifts we buy or make for them. It's all down to good manners!