Tips for Predicting What's Inside Wrapped Holiday Gifts

Christmas celebration

In the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia, the customary time to unwrap Christmas gifts is Christmas morning, although plenty of households let each person open one present on Christmas Eve. Waiting can feel like the hardest part, since curiosity about what is inside the packages builds and you may want to make a guess. A few techniques can help with this, and the whole process can be fun even if it feels a little sneaky.

Using Your Senses to Make a Guess

You are not supposed to open presents before Christmas, but you can still form some ideas about what they might be. To make an educated guess about a well-wrapped package, rely on your five senses. Start with size. A small box might hold jewelry, while a small, flat box could be a gift card. You can try the shake method as long as you do it gently. Hold the package up to your ear and shake it carefully. If you hear nothing at all, the contents are likely soft, such as clothing or a stuffed animal.

If there is no box, you can press on the gift to check whether it feels soft like a bathrobe or something similar. Give it a sniff as well. Perfume or a scented candle could be inside. Medium-size boxes might contain games, shoes (shake to listen for parts) or electronics. When the gift giver did not place the present in a box, the wrapping itself may reveal its shape. A guitar-shaped package, for example, contains ... well, you know. Oversized packages could hold bicycles, comforters, appliances and even furniture.

Playing Detective

If you still cannot figure out your Christmas present, think carefully. What did you ask for? Hopefully you kept your list, and you can use that to compare it to package shapes and sizes. Keep in mind that some clever gift givers will attempt to mislead you with double-wrapping and double-boxing. If you live with the gift giver, try to keep track of any packages being delivered and see if you can take a peek at the return addresses for clues.

Sometimes, you can get people to confess what they got you by asking a few well-thought-out questions. Asking something like, "Did I tell you that I wanted that purple sweater for Christmas?" and observing how they answer can be quite informative. Do they avert their eyes or not answer your question directly? You might catch them off guard and get an answer by asking, "How much did that purple sweater that you bought from Kohl's cost?" They may answer you without even thinking.

The Right Time to Open Gifts

It's important not to open Christmas gifts too early. In addition, it is always best to read the card first, to acknowledge the gift giver and to show the person some appreciation. Avoid reacting in a way that shows disappointment. You may not have wanted bright yellow socks, but you don't want to hurt anyone's feelings. You can always regift an unwanted item later.

Children should open all their gifts together instead of stopping to play with one of them. This slows things down, and they may forget to say thank you. Do not ask people if they liked a gift you bought because there could be more hurt feelings and discomfort if they don't. Also, never ask where they purchased your present. That is a red flag that you are planning to return it.