Well-meant gifts - Page 2

[Shannie77]

My DD is 2.5 and so far our families are really good about getting us things that we actually need or fit with out ideals. There have been a few people who have gotten us things that I have returned or taken to Goodwill. One of them was a Bratz doll. I just don't have room for 10 battery operated puppies/ singing animals etc. I let DD play with those types of things until the novelty where's off.

We have a small house and I have a rule that all DD's toys need to have their own special home. When we run out of space it means we need to do a purge. So far I just get rid of what DD isn't using or things that I don't really want her playing with. My mom did this when we were growing up, and I don't remember it being much of an issue. She would let us have a look at the purge and very rarely was there much that we wouldn't part with.

[Umpqua]

I know this is somewhat OT but I thought I would share. I have 7 nieces, plus my 2 boys. The gift exchange gets pretty out of control each year. After exchanging this year, we decided that we are going to sponsor a family in need next year in lieu of exchanging gifts. We are all on board with it and the kids are really into it too.

My SIL (who has 5 DDs) has dealt with SO many gifts over the years and has wanted to do something like this for a long time. Having 2 of my own now I get it and would love to limit the number of gifts my sons receive while teaching them to give something back to those who need it.

[twinergy]

Originally Posted by Plarka

I like the idea of wish lists, I was thinking of next Christmas doing that, is it not rude?

I think it can go either way depending on how you do it. DH and I have talked about keeping our own wish lists anyway, mostly because I hate shopping and need all the help I can get. It also saves time. So I was thinking of asking other people if they also have wish lists to make my shopping easier then maybe they will also ask for our wish lists in return. I wouldn't push it on them if they didn't ask because that would be rude. As for the kids, maybe have them send a letter to Santa then photocopy it to give to people, or take a picture and upload it to the Flickr account. I think relatives would like to see this kind of thing anyway.