to ask my parents not to buy DCs Christmas presents....

[Solola]

... but to buy them a trip to the theatre instead?

Quick background. I have 3 boys age 5, 3 and 1. Between them they have an enormous amount of toys, mainly bought by my large family. We have a pretty small house and I have got to the point where I really don't feel that there is anything else they need or would appreciate right now.

Just had a couple of birthdays and when people asked for present suggestions I was having a v. hard time thinking of anything without people wasting their money buying things that are rarely played with.

So, I was thinking that perhaps I could ask my parents to buy them an experience like a trip to the theatre (something we can't normally afford) instead of a toy? I was thinking something like The Lion King for my 5 year old and The Gruffalo for my 3 year old.

But - AIBU? A lot of the fun of Christmas for children is opening presents. Just a couple of tickets in an envelope is not the same.

Am I being far too sensible and boring?

I think 3 is old enough for the theatre. DD (3) would give her right arm to see the Gruffalo. They're set up for small children, it's not Richard III at the Globe!

As a (step)grandparent, I always ask my stepson and his partner for ideas on presents. Their daughter has 4 sets of grandparents as her mums parents are divorced too, and they live in a small apartment, so space is a premium and she gets double the amount of presents. We would rather get something than just put money in a card, so it is much easier to get something that we know is going to be appreciated and not duplicated.

I think that's a great idea, and I agree that you parents could take them too they may enjoy the time with them. If your worried about them not having something to open you could ask them to get something little to open some sweets or a little toy or something silly that doesn't matter too much.

YANBU.

I have already told my parents and brother and sister (as they love spoiling our boys!) that we simply do not have any room for more toys. I have said we would like some clothes, but actually a trip to the theatre might be nice.