Dislike knitted baby gifts from family member

THE knitter? Of lovely pink jumpers? Well done if so.

if they are too small maybe donate to local baby unit to hand out when people are caught off guard

I mean they're a bit dated but surely they can wear them at home if you don't want to take them out in public wearing them?

Donate and don't give it any more headspace.
This is the sort of thing that really stressed me out when I first had my little one - but I've recognised now that the people who don't listen to your preferences/needs are actually just acting selfishly. You can be polite and grateful to their face, but just do what you need to do quietly and behind the scenes to make the problem go away.

I think they are amazing and could be paired with solid black/cream/denim bottoms. But I’m probably just weird. 😂

I'm a knitter but have never made things for babies, as I learned to knit after mine were babies and I've had no other babies to knit for! The pictures you attached aren't the latest (subtle, Scandi-style) knitwear fashion, but I wouldn't say they are garish. I really like the grey one. Real quality wool is nicer, but people often use acrylic for babies because you can just chuck it in the washing machine when they spit pureed carrot all over it!

Your relative sounds like she's set in her ways, knitting-wise. If you don't like her stuff, you are going to need to ask her not to make you any more. I only knit for people who have asked me to make them something.

Nope, I think they're lovely too. Far more individual than wearing clone clothes.

My dc only wear second hand clothes. They wear what is clean and warm. I don't understand trying to push your style preferences onto them.

I was expecting neon green and yellow or something like that. These designs are OK for babies. I agree that if you want something special buy the pattern and wool for her.

They're not my taste, but not offensive. And when mine were small I was greatful for any gift that saved me money in clothing. I'd say they were perfect for a cold day spent playing outside or wearing to nursery.

But if items are given out of season in in too small sizes, that's just wasteful.
If I was close with this family member, I'd head out shopping with them to buy wool or cotton yarn and work with them to find a pattern and sizing we both liked.

I think the pink jumper and matching hat is super cute! My mum knitted a lot of stuff for mine and my sisters babies. I got old fashioned stuff sometimes but some lovely cotton cardigans and she used to knit the most gorgeous little booties which were very tasteful and cute. The things I didn’t like or didn’t fit, we just didn’t use. She’s knitting some fab stuff at the moment for another baby in the family (photo attached). I do think providing some pics of what you like would be helpful maybe?

Oops! I am the knitter! I can’t afford the yarn or patterns but use what people give me. When I knit on the train someone always asks me to knit one for them, I do, they pay. Previously I used to sell half and give half for charity, they sell well at Christmas fairs. So pop them in a bag, give me them back and I will give them to folk that like them.

Knitting yarn can be expensive, so she might actually be pleased if you buy the wool in the colour and texture of your choice.
The actual garments are sweet for a baby/toddler and would look lovely in softer colours ( although the pink edged with white is lovely) .
I was always envious ( with a small e) of people who had knitters in the family!!

I think the things in the photo are a lot nicer than most shop bought items, and are one offs. My mum used to knit and sew exquisite clothes for my daughter which I really appreciated and loved. I’ve still got them all packed away and could never part with them.

I'd wear those in adult size! I like them! Ha ha. However, I was born a few decades ago so probably my tastes are dated as well.

I love a knitted cardigan or hat for my wee one and really appreciate that it takes effort and skill to do. My mum was a great knitter and passed before I had my daughter and I’d have loved her to have hand knitted items from her gran.

The pink and white is cute but the others I don’t like and I’d feel the same guilt so would donate and hopefully someone gets use from them as clearly from the responses some people do like them.

The pink jumper is lovely!

This is such nonsense. Everyone dresses their children in clothes they like. Doesn't mean they're in fancy outfits, maybe just a sleepsuit they like the pattern of. As has been repeated so many times on the thread, loads of babies have more clothes than they can wear because of all the gifts. Why in the morning when getting them dressed would you choose something you don't like over something you do? We even had an excess of nursery clothes.

I do feel for you. I would put them away in a black bin liner for say six months and then pass them onto a charity. They will always be useful to someone, or perhaps donate to a clothes bank. You can always say to the knitter that the children prefer to wear their own choice of clothes now and perhaps suggest a local charity she can knit for. I am a bit like that with my blankets but just donate them to any charity that will have them. It gives me pleasure and may prove useful to someone.

As someone who struggled with learning to knit, I admire people who are 'handy' in this way. Your relative has the raw talent and enthusiasm but just needs to be politely ushered in a different direction - alternative wool, patterns and sizing advice can easily be provided.

The idea of a sort of retro photoshoot for the children comes to mind. Ban soulless branded apparel and bring in handmade items knitted with love.

It's very sweet they do this, I actually like those peices! Since my husband's ex's step grandmother died there's been no knitting for my babies

I love them although, the pink and black cardigan did remind me of a pink liquorice allsort.

I was going to suggest Debbie Bliss too. Her designs are lovely, and you can.buy the books second hand as PP says. Revelry is also a great suggestion.

The person is obviously an excellent knitter and handk its on good quality yarns cost a fortune commercial rally (if you can even find them).

I agree that I was expecting the examples to look far worse. But if you dont like them, I would try to harness your relative's skills sensitively by guiding her to things you would prefer.

If I didn't like them (I do) I'd probably get wool and a pattern and ask if she'd knit a specific thing. If she refused then I'd be inclined to think oh well, she's knitting these things to please herself, not me, so I'll not feel bad about not using/disposing of.

Actually I would say your examples are very modern but I do understand your pain. Home knitted items however beautiful are outdated for little ones these days I would think. Feel that you can donate these to somewhere which will welcome them. Dont take them to your local charity shop! Start with the ones you've had the longest length of time!