when a gift is presented at a farewell reception for a coworker should it be shown to audience?

I agree. I haven't seen an instance where someone received a gift like that, and didn't display it.

She shouldn't show the gift. But he, receiving it, should have opened it and made appreciative noises and shown it to everyone saying something like "aw you shouldn't have" or "that's really nice" or "so long losers I'm off to retire in Florida"

BTW in all the offices I've worked in you just put money in an envelope and one person goes and buys the gift... so you don't know what was bought unless they show it.

I dont see the point in displaying it.

What is it your expecting?

Obviously the present was bought by the co workers. So they already know what it is. And its not like the person recieving it is going to open it up in front of everyone and say they hate it.

You already know what it is. The person can open it later. Whatever is good for them.

Only thing i would expect out of the scenario, is just a speach from the person leaving etc.

Did you want to see her reaction to the gift or the crowds reaction to the gift. I dont think she needed to display each and every gift recieved...acknowledgement of the gift and perhaps a thank you note is all that is politically correct in that matter.

I think she should have displayed it. That very strange of her not too and rude. Some one should have told her to show it...or at least asked to see it in front others so they could hear and tell her they want to see it too.

obviously they didn't like the gift, what do you expect when you give a pen to someone?

well yeah, i would say they should. i would want them to. but theres really nothing you can do. lol they probably didnt even think about it. you shoulda been like, show us. or something like that. :)

Yeah, it's kinda thoughtless for her not to.

yes, that should be shown because that is given to her because of her honest.