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Original poster

Is it cruel to give my kids practical presents?

37 replies

hidinginthenightgarden · 09/08/2019 11:25

Like most kids, mine have too much stuff they don’t play with. I’m really keen on not adding to that pile. For my daughters birthday (turning 4) I want to get her some play doh and a bath toy, and then a bean bag she can put all her soft toys inside and a canopy to make a nice quiet corner in her room, a new dress and maybe some flashing sketchers. Am I being a bit harsh? All this stuff will get used and she will get enjoyment from them but mostly they aren’t “toys”. Other family members will get her toys.

OP posts:
1busybee · 09/08/2019 11:28

We do that often! They have so much stuff it’s rificulous. Two of mine are older and we use birthday Christmas to stock up on things for their hobbies which are essential to the hobby but not to life!!!!!

RubbingHimSourly · 09/08/2019 11:37

Mine used to get to plan a day out......we still do it to an extent. DD is getting a 2 night stay at Alton towers for her 21st !

Chanellta · 09/08/2019 11:39

I think that's fine, not harsh at sll

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Pinkout · 09/08/2019 11:41

Absolutely fine, not cruel at all. No point wasting money on more toys when they already have enough.

Screamanger · 09/08/2019 11:41

Not harsh at all. My family were always giving practical presents. Especially when I was older. at 14 I got a air rifle, 15, a axe and 16 a chainsaw!

Equimum · 09/08/2019 11:44

Our second child is about to turn four and is getting a ‘big boy’ bed with duvet covers that are a bit nicer than I would normally buy, and a big box of craft stuff (pipe cleaners, google eyes, coloured feathers etc). We would normally buy these bits over time, but we have bought a box full so it will still feel like a treat, and he would never normally have so much choice at once. Other people are buying him Playmobil etc, and we already have loads of toys from his big brother.

HypatiaCade · 09/08/2019 11:47

I think it's a great idea, especially you can buy a more expensive/luxury version of it, than you would otherwise buy them.

IAskTooManyQuestions · 09/08/2019 11:51

My family were always giving practical presents. Especially when I was older. at 14 I got a air rifle, 15, a axe and 16 a chainsaw!

Just checking - do you live in London or rural Scotland ?

backing away slowly

Original poster
hidinginthenightgarden · 09/08/2019 11:52

Thanks ladies. Going to carry on!

OP posts:
lunar1 · 09/08/2019 11:54

When my eldest Turned 9 he got his bedroom done, he loved going to IKEA and wandering round with the Ikea staff choosing all the bits for his PAX wardrobe. He still referrers to it as his best birthday.

PixieLumos · 09/08/2019 11:54

They’re still nice presents. I know someone who is using a 3 year olds birthday money to buy them a wardrobe...

DevonUkelele · 09/08/2019 11:54

*My family were always giving practical presents. Especially when I was older. at 14 I got a air rifle, 15, a axe and 16 a chainsaw!

Just checking - do you live in London or rural Scotland ?

backing away*

Or remote Canada?

HappyParent2000 · 09/08/2019 12:05

No, my 4 year old is getting a day out in York for his birthday.

He will have a fantastic day no doubt!

HappyParent2000 · 09/08/2019 12:06

I we will also do a bed for the 5th birthday and practical presents are a mainstay.

A child can have too much plastic crap but never enough memories and experiences.

Pipandmum · 09/08/2019 12:09

When you said practical I thought ‘school pencil case, winter coat’ etc. which I could see as being disappointing and a bit mean. But What you are getting is fun practical so good.

IvanaPee · 09/08/2019 12:10

Not harsh at all. My family were always giving practical presents. Especially when I was older. at 14 I got a air rifle, 15, a axe and 16 a chainsaw!

👀👀👀

paap1975 · 09/08/2019 12:13

Do you remember what you got for your 4th birthday? She won't either. In any case, I think what you are suggesting sounds perfect, especially if she'll be getting toys from others

OneRingToRuleThemAll · 09/08/2019 12:17

Those presents sound great. I love fun practical presents. When I was a child we had one present to open on a birthday, and my children get the same. It's thoughtful but reduces waste. so your pile sounds like a real treat.

adaline · 09/08/2019 12:37

Sounds perfect to me! Much better than loads of tat she won't play with or use.

Screamanger · 09/08/2019 22:58

At the time I was living in Somerset!!

Screamanger · 09/08/2019 22:58

I guess we were a outdoors type family

GeorgiaGirl52 · 10/08/2019 02:09

Practical is the best way. In my family we have a Christmas tradition. You get "something to wear, something to read, something you want, and something you need."

pikapikachu · 10/08/2019 02:14

Sometimes an experience gift (say tickets to the cinema) is more appropriate than toys and "stuff"

Fuma · 10/08/2019 02:33

Screamager, yesterday:

ElizaPancakes · 10/08/2019 02:35

She's going to be 4. I think you're overthinking.