Childrens Behavior

Teach your children good manners from a very early age. Tell them not to show disappointment or anger, when receiving an unwanted gift. This is excellent training in manners and self control.

Children

For occasions like Christmas or birthdays, train your child to open gifts properly. Have them open gifts with care and acknowledge the giver before opening another gift.

Boyfriends

There has been a sad trend in the last 10 years, of young ladies giving new boyfriends expensive gifts. This is not only very bad taste, it is not a smart thing to do. Small claims courts across the country are filled with sad tales of these young women losing credit and money to unworthy men. A funny card or single flower just borders good taste. Rims, cell phones,and car stereos are definitelty not good taste.

Appropriate Gifts

Gifts should always be appropriate for the occasion. If in doubt, ask someone what is normally given. For instance, a hostess gift might be a decent bottle of wine or fresh flowers. A business gift should be impersonal. It is bad taste to give personal items in a business setting.

Unexpected Gifts

At Christmas or any other time of year, you might receive a gift from an unexpected source. Accept the gift graciously and follow up with a sincere thank you card. Nothing more is required.

Baby Shower Etiquette

In the past, etiquette demanded that only non-relatives of the parents-to-be host a baby shower. Fortunately this has changed and mothers or sisters often host the showers now.

Keep in mind that more than one person can host the shower, too. If staying within the family, the mom-to-be's mother and sisters may want to share in the planning (and thus, the costs) of hosting the baby shower.

When it comes to a guest list, if it is not a surprise party, by all means show the guest of honor your proposed list. She may want to add (or subtract!) someone. A baby shower is generally attended by the relatives of the mom (and dad), mom's friends and close co-workers, and so on.

It is accepted to do invitations by email or by calling the guests, but many people still prefer the traditional paper and mail invitations. If the parents are registered somewhere, be sure to let your guests know.