Unless at a wedding (which gifts should never be opened in front of the guests) I would open it in front of the person. I guess I've never thought about it much, but I didn't realize that it's different in other cultures. When I give a gift, I always want the person to open it in front of me. I love giving gifts and I want to see people enjoying them, or give them the option of returning it if I don't think they like it.