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Original poster

How to deal with unwanted birthday gifts

48 replies

Eskimoexpress33 · 28/10/2025 14:38

I know this is a very insignificant problem, I just want some advice from others as to how to deal with the following situation.
For our toddler's birthday my partners mum got our son an absolutely massive easel. We are limited on space in our house and there is essentially nowhere to put it as it doesn't fold away and we have no storage like garage/shed etc. Every room is already filled with storage boxes and toys. I have explained this to my partner and he doesnt understand it and doesnt want to ask his mum to change it/tell her this as it might upset her. So now I feel bad/ungrateful, but ultimately is it a space issue . How would you deal with the situation?

OP posts:
LaserPumpkin · 28/10/2025 14:39

Charity shop, to be honest.

AlPaccacino · 28/10/2025 14:40

Keep it at her house

BadgernTheGarden · 28/10/2025 14:40

Can you dismantle it and put the boards on a wall?

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HoppityBun · 28/10/2025 14:41

You’re going to have to make sure that this wretched easel is always getting in your DP’s way.

Original poster
Eskimoexpress33 · 28/10/2025 14:41

AlPaccacino · 28/10/2025 14:40

Keep it at her house

I thought about this too but she's a hoarder and has no space at hers for it (also this thing is huge!)

OP posts:
strawgoh · 28/10/2025 14:43

Put it right by your DP's side of the bed.

FuckoffeeBeforeCoffee · 28/10/2025 14:44

I hate people who do shit like this. Charity shop it.

Naanspiration · 28/10/2025 14:46

Say thank you very much then disappear it.

eBay, Facebook marketplace, vinted.

Or even better, it's an amazingly generous donation to a charity shop.

TardisDweller · 28/10/2025 14:46

Ah see my ds used her easel for years (mainly for spellings and maths after a while), it really was worth keeping, it is a shame it doesn't fold up though. Would your dh be prepared to ask if it can be exchanged for the same thing but one that folds, so it shows you like her idea, but want it to work for your home? Then it could be folded and popped behind a door or something when not in use. Otherwise it'll have to go!

Needmorelego · 28/10/2025 14:47

Do you know which shop it came from?
If it's still sealed in it's box then the shop might exchange it for something else even though you don't have the receipt.
Although personally I'd be honest and just say "It's a nice gift but it's just too big. Is it possible to exchange for something else?"
(If you've opened it though them it will have to be charity shop or sell online)

NuffSaidSam · 28/10/2025 14:49

Do you have a garden?

Painting is best done in the garden anyway...

Original poster
Eskimoexpress33 · 28/10/2025 14:51

I do really like the idea of having one as I know it will be used and is great for creativity etc. I know she got on Amazon and had to assemble it, so doubt it can be returned!

OP posts:
HenDoNot · 28/10/2025 14:55

He wants to keep it, so what is your partners solution for storing this then?

Maybe stick it in front of the TV, or next to his side of the bed, or in his car to be lifted out whenever your child wants to use it (in about 3 years time).

TardisDweller · 28/10/2025 14:57

If it can't be returned or exchanged could it be taken apart and hinges added to make it foldable?

Icecreamandcoffee · 28/10/2025 15:02

If it can't be returned. Definitely get DH to add hinges so it folds. At least then it can be folded up and put away. If not, it's too big and donate it and get a folding one. If charity shop won't take it a playgroup, nursery or school nursery might take it. They tend to have painting/ drawing/ things on easels out as a continued provision so it would get lots of use there.

Ncforthistopiced · 28/10/2025 15:04

Do you just need a general declutter ( from the description you gave ) throughout the house? Do you have a garage/ attic to store it for now? Easels can get years of use.

Dollymylove · 28/10/2025 15:35

Car boot sale, good way of declutterjng and getting a few quid back

MrsPrendergast · 28/10/2025 15:37

Either give it away, sell it or make sure its in DPs way ALL THE TIME so he gets pissed off with it

MidnightPatrol · 28/10/2025 15:40

Just to say you have my sympathy, as every family member likes to buy my kids the biggest items possible, and we live in a tiny house.

If it was one relative it would present a problem - but it’s about 8 of them.

Thecarstairsitreallyhurtsmegirl · 28/10/2025 17:31

Could it be slid under a bed ?

TartanMammy · 28/10/2025 17:39

This might not be popular but when my ds was a toddler we sacrificed our dining table to make way for easel and train table and more space to play. We have a really small house and it was the best solution at the time.

Now they are a bit older we have a dining table again and less big toys that take up so much space.

clinellwipe · 28/10/2025 18:14

This is giving me flashbacks to MIL giving us a GIANT Christmas edition Peppa Pig for our 1 year old when we lived in a tiny two up two down house

Arlanymor · 28/10/2025 18:17

Under the bed?
Behind the wardrobe?
Behind the door?
Mount it on the wall?

I have lived in a lot of small places and am very used to finding extra storage!

Vaxtable · 28/10/2025 21:42

If he won’t give it back to his mum then store it his side of the bed and he can ore round it

SeemedClear · 28/10/2025 21:44

Put it outside to be used.

Easy enough to cover with plastic if it is likely to be damaged by the rain.