Presents with batteries

[angelcat3]

You're giving a present that takes batteries but batteries aren't included. Do you put some in before you hand it over or just present it as it is?

Ditto Jenny my mum said 2xAA and 3xAAA needed. Obviously a remote control car, so i bought extra!

If it was a present i was handing over, i'd give batteries to the parent rather than wrap with the gift.

Yes, I wrap up a pack of the correct sized batteries. Otherwise it'd be really disappointing to open it and not be able to use it if you don't have any in! It's just a little touch but I think it's thoughtful.

All children's presents I gave this year that needed batteries had the required number of batteries in a roll of paper sellotaped to the packaging. Children have no patience and want to Play With The New Toy Now so it's just less stressful all round to have the batteries on hand. I wouldn't fall out with someone if they didn't do this for my DC though, it's just an extra courtesy.

I would always give the batteries with the gift. It avoids the child getting a much wanted present they can’t actually play with until their parents get to the shop.

Also I wouldn’t want to foist unexpected cost on the parents.

I would try to remember batteries but could potentially forget or not notice they weren't included. I would never grumble (even to myself!) if someone had been generous enough to give a gift but forgotten batteries!

I was a bit annoyed but MIL won't have even noticed it needed them

Before DC I used to buy gifts for other children without even thinking about whether batteries were needed or not . It just didn’t occur to me. Now I stock up and also include batteries with gifts.

Usually I check and put batteries in the parcel. I managed to forget his year with my friends DD7's present. I sincerely hope she isn't judging me for it

I give batteries with kids gifts.
But also stock up as people don't do the same for d's or buy Poundland ones which last 30 seconds!!

But what if the presents aren’t right and need to returned? If they’ve been opened (some you have to literally tear into to do so) and batteries inserted then no chance of returning :(

Surely people just give the batteries alongside the item, not actually open the toy and put them in?

returning requires a) the receipt & b) a local branch to return to

I think we’re overthinking here

Wow I didn't know this was a thing. I have never been given batteries alongside a present or included them. I shall consider this in the future! every day is a school day on mumsnet!

Oh no, I never thought about including batteries will do in the future I promise!

But what if the presents aren’t right and need to returned? If they’ve been opened (some you have to literally tear into to do so) and batteries inserted then no chance of returning

I'd not expect it to be returned unless faulty and then the person would have to ask me to do it as my card purchase and receipt.

There are more issues than just batteries if the parent tries to return the item as they don't like it etc.

*But what if the presents aren’t right and need to returned? If they’ve been opened (some you have to literally tear into to do so) and batteries inserted then no chance of returning

I'd not expect it to be returned unless faulty and then the person would have to ask me to do it as my card purchase and receipt.

There are more issues than just batteries if the parent tries to return the item as they don't like it etc.*

I think that if you get a duplicate they might want to return it! Some people are embarrassed to tell you that they’ve already got the item and would rather go and and swap it without having to ask you for the receipt!

I am surprised that people say they’d open the toy up to put batteries in - it seems like a terrible waste of 2 people giving the same gift does the same thing and opens it to put batteries in.

I’d always try to remember to include batteries - generally I try to buy a gift that doesn’t need them, or has them included as it adds a lot to the budget if you suddenly find you need a whole load of batteries for presents!