To think it's shitty that Father Christmas gives boys cool (ish) toys....

[JamesFrancosDryCleaner]

And girls a tangle teaser hairbrush?

3rd year in a row DD has gotten a knock off tangle teaser from him at school fayre. 1 year I thought 'meh', second year I thought she was just unlucky...this year she said 'it's going to be a brush, why does he always give me a brush?'

First DS got a puzzle, then a car, this year an angry birds plush.

Bit shitty no?

Very shitty.

I agree.

Yes, very poor. All of the presents your DS got would have been better.

Can you mention it to any of the organisers, or volunteer next year and suggest better presents?

Were the presents wrapped boy/girl or placed in boy/girl baskets? Who does the work of shopping and wrapping for the Secret Santa?

Two seperate baskets with Elf (teacher) handing them out on boy/girl basis.

I don't know who organises it all.

My daughter did say Santa looked suspiciously like the caretaker so I suspect it's a fully inside job.

Or we've been watching too much ScoobyDoo

Having kinda been involved with parent committee things before, it is a mighty difficult - and huge - job, with the usually limited resources of money, time, and voluntary assistance, to do things like this.

As AssassinatedBeauty suggests, I’d find out who organises the Secret Santa, and consider offering your assistance next year with all that legwork.

Surely it would be easier, not harder, to give all the kids the same type toy (puzzle, car, plush, whatever) than it is to organize different things for a set number of girls and boys.

"It's a lot of work" is no excuse for giving girls something to do with appearance/personal grooming, while the boys get toys. They'd be better off not bothering at all.

Not disagreeing , Mmmmmmbop. That’s why I suggest the OP helps out next year.

Our school just lumps all the toys in one box, they've never done the boy girl thing but they do have separate presents for the younger children.

The presents are pocket money toys donated by parents in return for non uniform and you have to book a ticket to see him, not everyone goes. No ticket, no visit.

It doesn't take a lot more effort to give toys, cars and puzzles to girls too. It takes less.

Love the Scooby Doo reference

That really sucks, quite surprised! - DS Has gotten soft toys and calendars, I really just assumed girls would get the same presents. I had no idea they got different things, let alone girls getting the same stereotypical gifts.

The first time I ever went to see Santa (35 years ago!) he gave me a toy iron. I handed it back and asked for something else.

Who irons for fun?!

When my mum became head of the PTA in 1983 she organised it so all presents were the same for boys and girls. Colouring pens, bouncy balls etc.
I cannot believe that nearly 35 years later this is still an issue.

Very annoying.

This year at school fair DD pulled out a pair of cheap Christmassy earrings. She was really excited (but doesn't have pierced ears) - so I sent her back in to exchange - she then got some hair clips.

I think it'd be much better for boys and girls to get the same fun puzzles/ colouring pens etc

Sigh...it really does seem like we are going backwards. When I was a kid (in the 1990s) it was colouring pencils for all from Father Christmas...

I wonder when it starts? I only have a toddler but it seems like they all still get 'all' the toys at this age.

Next year, have her ask for one of the boy's gifts and let her explain why very loudly ;)

Or speak to the organisers in plenty of time next year. Should make their lives easier to have unisex presents anyway.

All get the same at ours,colouring stuff, choc etc. surely it's easier to do all the same anyway.

Volunteer yourself to help at the school fairs and with FC gifts so you can guide the gifts to be whatever you approve of. They will bite your hands off for that offer.