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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to open and build christmas presents

59 replies

Elouie · 11/11/2013 15:12

My DCs will be getting lego and playmobil for xmas. I love the idea of them unwrapping an open and in tact present, however, I can see arguements as to whose I put together first.

It's not DHs strong point and to be fair he'll be in charge of making dinner, so am almost considering opening them and building them before wrapping...

AIBU to think this could spoil it for DCs, what do you do???

DCs are 5 and 3

OP posts:
beachyhead · 11/11/2013 15:14

I thought the idea was for the children to build them Grin or have you bought things outside their age range?

isitsnowingyet · 11/11/2013 15:15

Yes - it would spoil it for them. Surely that is the whole fun part? I wouldn't imagine many people 'open and build' their children's toys - but I may be wrong!

KungFuBustle · 11/11/2013 15:15

What do they enjoy about Lego the most? Building or playing?
Are the Lego sets age appropriate? What kind of Lego is it?

eosmum · 11/11/2013 15:15

Playmobil - yes. Lego definitely not, thats the idea of it.

suziesmummy · 11/11/2013 15:15

I'm in the same predicament. DS is two and has a fantabulous marble run that looks a bit shit in the box. He also has loads of happyland. Once he opens the wrapping it all has to be undone which takes ages. DP won't let me set it all up for him though Sad

SpookedMackerel · 11/11/2013 15:17

Playmobil, definitely yes.

But surely the point of Lego is building it ?

Lilacroses · 11/11/2013 15:19

Agree with others, playmobil can be extremely fiddly and annoying so I bet loads of people make them before Christmas morning.

Clearlymisunderstood · 11/11/2013 15:20

I agree that the whole point of Lego is the building of it.
I will be building my dds wooden kitchen ahead of time as it'll probably take bloody hours and it's not fun on Xmas day to open something that you can't play with

Original poster
Elouie · 11/11/2013 15:22

Yes you would think that would be the point with lego (although I'm quite pleased DS isn't bothered about the building part as I love doing it!), but the main interest is playing with it afterwards and specificaly the figures.

To be honest what would I do xmas day if I built it all before hand Grin.

The only reason it had crossed my mind was because I saw an article on it and I though, a) could that be helpful and b) do I really want to do that.

It seems most think like me (apart from the buying inappropriate toys part Smile)

OP posts:
Beastofburden · 11/11/2013 15:23

Help the 3 year old with the playmobile. Assume its the 5 yo who has the lego?

The actual final built lego product is always a tiny bit crap compared with a toy that is ready built to look like that. So if what you want is a harry potter castle, better to buy a plastic one, than have a wobbly one made out of bricks that looks sort of OK when you squint.

The point of lego is you are so proud of yourself cos YOU made it. Not mummy, YOU.

Plus you are supposed to go off-piste a bit with lego.

So opening a lego kit that somebody else already constructed- what's the point? you just want to play with it yourself, don't you

Back in the day they didn't all come as kits that had one predetermined outcome. You got bricks and you had to work out what to build. Much better IMHO.

Our lego archive is gigantic and is the only reason I want grandchildren....

Beastofburden · 11/11/2013 15:24

ha ha xpost with OP and I was right about playing with it

mrsjay · 11/11/2013 15:26

maybe you should ask santa for your own lego Grin

we used to build up some things for the DDs play mobile barbie shite houses and animal hospital stuff as it is fiddily and annoying so they could play with it christmas day but lego i wouldnt dd1 used to be into bionocles and it would be daft for me to make it for her

Matchthecase · 11/11/2013 15:27

I wouldn't with Lego. No experience with playmobile. I do open things like ride ons/scooters and put them together, also dolls and things like that I take all the packaging (and those annoying twist tie things that are always held on with super strong tape) off, and wrap them so they are ready to play with. Much nicer I think.

Original poster
Elouie · 11/11/2013 15:28

See when presented with the box of mashed up lego kits and asked 'build me something mummy' I just can't, I have zero imagination. I can't make up pretend stories either, that's DHs job.

But building lego that has instructions is my idea of heaven (perhaps I should just buy it for me instead). I did consider just getting the mini figs that go with the particular set as they will be what gets played with most, but it's at the top of his xmas list so would hate to dissapoint him.

To be honest, if DD (3) was presented with the lego, she'd probably have more chance of building it, but the playmobil will be for her, and she probably will enjoy helping me put it together, I can just see myself pulled in a million different angles with 'have you finished it yet?'.

OP posts:
ConcreteElephant · 11/11/2013 15:29

We unpack Happyland, and anything with ridiculous amounts of wires and packaging, remove all that stuff and pop the toys back in their box. Otherwise DC see the toy but can't play with it for another 20 minutes while we shred our fingers trying to get it out! Also means there's less rubbish on the day.
We've made kitchens in advance and a dolls house. Depending on the age of the child I'd do the Playmobil but I wouldn't put Lego together, isn't making it 99% of the fun?

Original poster
Elouie · 11/11/2013 15:30

Oops x posts mrsjay I think you're right.

OP posts:
LEMisafucker · 11/11/2013 15:33

make the playmobile but not the lego - am so with you on the lego wiht instructions, tis my idea of heaven :)

Lavenderhoney · 11/11/2013 15:37

Lego, it is meant to be fun to build- so your 5 year old, if its for him, will want to build it with some help.

Play mobile - I would build that as a 3 yr old ( assuming its for them) will just watch anyway as its quite fiddly. It says on the box how long it should take. What one is it?

I would also get something that is done already, like a truck or fire engine as if your dh will be busy in the kitchen, its just you.

However, if gp are coming, they might want to help, so leave it for them to put together with dc and you.

kiriwAnyFuckerwa · 11/11/2013 15:38

OP - what you need to ask Santa for is this :o

Original poster
Elouie · 11/11/2013 15:39

LEMis I'm so glad it's not just me Grin

Right I will consider the playmobil when it arrives and prepare DDs doll so it comes straight out of the box, but will leave the lego for DS (me obviously) to build on the day.

OP posts:
Beastofburden · 11/11/2013 15:40

ahhh I still have photos of DS1 aged 4 I think with a massive lego funicular railway we made running from the kitchen table right down to the floor, based on a seaside holiday.

Another time we made a lego machine to transport flour from a pot on the floor up and over into a bucket, based on something he saw in a playground on London (they have posh playgrounds in London).

It took him AGES even with help but he still remembers it.

Original poster
Elouie · 11/11/2013 15:42

Oooh kiri yes that would be perfect, I will add it to my list, along with spa days and home gel nail kits (just to add I'll probably get none of these, but some walking boots instead!!)

OP posts:
Beastofburden · 11/11/2013 15:42

Now kiri that is exactly the kind of lego kit that, to me, sums up what has changed since my time. What I am used to it this

www.amazon.co.uk/The-LEGO-Technic-Idea-Book/dp/1593272774

Original poster
Elouie · 11/11/2013 15:43

beast was that without instructions (shudder)!!

OP posts:
passedgo · 11/11/2013 15:45

YABU. Get your own lego kit!