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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Can you request “no toys” for birthday parties

249 replies

Absofrigginlootly · 12/06/2018 18:31

Just musing really with a friend about whether it’s bad form to state “no toys as presents” on a child’s party invite.....?

For context: we both try to practice toy minimalism. Both for child development reasons (research shows how less toys = more attention and creativity) and for the environmental impact of mass produced plastic toys.

If an invite said something like “presents are not expected but if you want to gift something please can we kindly request no toys. Suggestions if they may be helpful: art supplies, plant seeds, sticker books, picture/reading books”

Would you think that was unreasonable? Rude?

I’m on the fence and can’t decide Smile

OP posts:
egginacup · 14/06/2018 22:47

To be honest though, for a 4 year old girl’s party it’ll be craft sets galore rather than plastic tat so you’ll probably be worrying about nothing!

Absofrigginlootly · 14/06/2018 22:51

OP I think people reacted to your suggestion that fewer toys = 'better' development

I didn’t use the word “better”... I said:
“research shows how less toys = more attention and creativity”

I feel like quite a few posters on this thread have massively projected meaning into my posts which isn’t there based on their own issues/shoulder chips/prejudices/whatever and interpreted what I’ve said through that filter.

If I’ve offended anyone I’m truely sorry. But there are more constructive ways to address that than personal insults no?

OP posts:
MiaowMix · 14/06/2018 23:35

It's just all a bit... sanctimonious.
Worthy is one thing, but for kids' parties, really?
I genuinely can't get beyond "playsilks" 😂😂😂

Absofrigginlootly · 14/06/2018 23:51

You know, it wasn’t me who came up with the name don’t you? Smile

OP posts:
Loandbeholdagain · 15/06/2018 01:12

I've seen "no presents, your presence is gift enough!" for a child's party, which is horribly twee but not offensive.

SnotGoblin · 15/06/2018 08:17

I’ve thought more about this and I think you could get away with ‘in lieu of gifts, DD is collecting seeds for her garden’ sort of statement.

Roseandharry · 15/06/2018 08:32

@Absofrigginlootly why are you still checking into this post if you are finding some of the responses so personal and upsetting ? An earlier poster is right - you do seem to dig your hole deeper with each post. No doubt your intentions are worthy. Environmental, your believe in research re: development etc. But unfortunately I don't think you realise that the way you argue you points comes across as rude, patronising and snobbish.

Mookatron · 15/06/2018 08:37

The key word there was 'suggest'. You obviously think it's better; that's why you're doing it.

The trouble is, play silks are a toy. Anything intended for play is a toy. It's the type of you have an issue with.

If you were to say 'we're avoiding plastic' I would feel more friendly towards you (if I received this invitation).

The alternative makes it seem like you're trying to control every external relationship your child has and I find annoying because by doing that you're trying to control ME. Which of course is neither here nor there to you if you think what you're doing's best, but you did ask for people's opinions.

I'd like to add that I was in no way rude to you!

TheFirstMrsDV · 15/06/2018 08:42

“research shows how less toys = more attention and creativity”

But doesn't that research mean fewer toys at the same time? i.e. a child presented with a room full of distractions is going to find it harder to concentrate on one.

Rather than more toys over their childhood i.e. you can have an enormous selection of toys but the parent controls the access to them.
That would apply to any sort of toy or distraction. The material they are made from won't make a difference.

Bit like television. Having a television will not contribute to developmental delay. Allowing a child to watch television with no restrictions may contribute to developmental delay.

Bfaz · 15/06/2018 08:43

I asked for no gifts or if they wanted to bring something then a book please. Mostly because people ask what the kids want so I say books or Duplo, but I tend to say books to friends as duplo is expensive. We had a mixture of people bringing no presents or books. Our friends know we have very limited space at home for toys and also that were very happy to receive books from the charity shop.

Absofrigginlootly · 15/06/2018 09:09

I didn’t suggest playsilks as a present.... I said art supplies, plant seeds, sticker books, picture/reading books
I don’t consider any of those things “toys” - although several posters on this thread said they thought sticker books and art supplies are toys so I guess it’s just different perspectives? It wasn’t meant to be taken as a “gift list of acceptance toys” just suggestions if it was helpful for people - but I’ve taken all the feedback on board for the poor wording.

why are you still checking into this post if you are finding some of the responses so personal and upsetting ? An earlier poster is right - you do seem to dig your hole deeper with each post. No doubt your intentions are worthy. Environmental, your believe in research re: development etc. But unfortunately I don't think you realise that the way you argue you points comes across as rude, patronising and snobbish.
I guess because I’m not those things IRL, so I don’t really understand why I’m giving that impression.... I’m dyslexic so I do often struggle to get myself/my point across with written words

OP posts:
viques · 15/06/2018 09:29

I would be minded to go to the nearest pick and mix and get a huge bag of the tackiest sweets I could find to gift to the birthday child........I wouldn't do it, but by jiminy I'd be tempted to....

as someone upthread said presents are for the child to enjoy, not the parent to ordain.

Elsasalterego · 15/06/2018 11:44

I've sat and read this post all the way through putting off work.

OP, really try not to take peoples responses so personally. You do sound a little over-sensitive. Your initial query was fair enough in AIBU - and you will always get people who will fire out their initial reaction- sometimes that will come across as rude but thats the way mumsnet is.... remember they don't know you, they aren't seeing the whole of you.

People in RL aren't rude to our faces and in many cases that’s because they see the person as a whole. So even if there is something people don't like about us, there may be something they do like and so they don't want to cause offence. Here on mumsnet people are only seeing the things you put out there, not the whole picture, and if they don't agree with you they are happy to comment on what impression it gives of you as a whole. Remember they are not saying what you are like- just how this snapshot of you gives the image of you as a whole.

I think this thread became more than just your initial query. It seems you fanned the fires of peoples disapproval with some of your responses by not taking on board some of the suggestions you were being given. Based on the snapshot I have seen of you, and from reading between the lines, it does seem as if you do have issues mixed up with the giving of toys. If your mother was, and is, obsessed with giving toys but also emotionally abused you then this isn't massively surprising - perhaps you subconsciously equate them in some way- but for people that don't have those issues, seeing a child's joy at receiving gifts outweighs all the negatives of the nature of those gifts. Many people are commenting that they agree with your principles, just that perhaps a child’s birthday is not the time to be enforcing them.

You've had some great suggestions for wording of your invite but your responses have not really shown that you have taken any suggestions on board, just that you have becoming increasingly upset at the criticisms you have received. Remember, people do not know you, they are not criticising you as a whole, just saying what they think based on the information they have. Let’s be honest, the people who receive your party invite may not know you either and surely it’s better for someone on here to say that your wording makes you sound over-privileged or weird than for someone who you will know throughout your child’s school career to think the same thing?

My idea would be to re-read all the positive, constructive replies you have received. Think about what people have suggested. Some have suggested you contact everyone at the beginning of the school year, and some have given suggestions for wording (I like Breadwidow’s). But most importantly do not take this personally. Do not take this as a reason to go off mumsnet, it sounds like it is a useful place for you. If you feel the need, change your name and start afresh but remain part of the community. Maybe you can post on the relationships thread and allow people to help you further explore your relationship with your mother and how this relates to the way you are bringing up your daughter. Bringing up kids is hard for us all and we all want to get it right but there are no right answers. You asked what people would think and people told you. People in RL would still judge you just the same, they just wouldn’t say so.

Btw I don’t think it was you people were laughing at you with the playsilks- I snorted out loud when I read that first wanky description from google! Most of us gave our kids scraps of material but had no idea what the term meant, or what open ended play even was.

Reading through through all the posts I had so many different reactions throughout... but mostly 😮 to the woman who spends £20 per present and buys her kids duplicate gifts from them- what I could do with that kind of cash!!!

And just from my experiences, my kids have waaaaay too many toys. But they don’t play with them much. What they want is me to be hands on with them- whether it be to do arts and crafts or play board games with them or for me to cook with them or be in the garden or whatever as long as it is with me. The last birthdays involved them excitedly opening one present at a time (they had to write a thank you card for each one before opening the next). Then all the gifts got put in a big carrier bag to put upstairs. The bags are still full although they took out favourite gifts. Any still in the bag in about a month will be shoved into the regifting cupboard or may be taken to the charity shop. I know it’s a waste but they enjoyed that time opening them so much and there’s no way I would take that away from them. Oh and just to add, my DD age 6 is super imaginative and her teachers say she is doing great, despite how many toys she has. Don't stress it. If you're having lots of input with your kids, then that's the most important thing, not how many toys they have.

PirateWeasel · 15/06/2018 11:59

I'm 100% with you on the principle of this, and if I got your invitation I'd be like "Woohoo, this woman speaks my language!" But I can understand why parents who don't follow the same principle would be a bit taken aback at being instructed what to buy. It's the sort of principle you can maintain day-to-day and at Christmas with your own family, but children's birthdays are probably the one time you'll have to accept that your kids will receive some plastic stuff. It's only once a year, and it's the thought that counts.

Roseandharry · 15/06/2018 12:32

@Elsasalterego YES!!! This 🙌🙌🙌🙌

Absofrigginlootly · 15/06/2018 13:00

Elsa thank you for your very considered response. Smile

Here on mumsnet people are only seeing the things you put out there, not the whole picture, and if they don't agree with you they are happy to comment on what impression it gives of you as a whole. Remember they are not saying what you are like- just how this snapshot of you gives the image of you as a whole.
I have to disagree with this a little...people have said this is what you are like. They’ve not said, “it makes you sound like” or “you are giving the impression of”...... they’ve said “you are up your own arse/selfish/pretentious/a snob/weird/odd/self indulgent/over privileged etc”

It’s not worded as constructive criticism or gentle pointers - some posters have just been out and out nasty and overly personal. And I don’t personally believe that just because it online it’s something one should just expect. I wouldn’t be horrible to someone online any more than I would be to their face in real life. So yes I probably am over sensitive, I just don’t understand it I suppose. I always try hard to make the world around me a better place, and take that approach with me wherever/whatever I’m doing. I’ll probably get called sanctimonious again for saying that, but I don’t know of another way to write it.

You’re probably right in that there are “ishoos” and negative associations between receiving stuff and negative emotions - because with my DM the deluge of stuff came with conditions attached and existed within the context of being suffocated and controlled more widely. I hadn’t really made the connection that way before so thankyou for that, that’s really helpful and definitely something I’m going to away and reflect on.

OP posts:
Aworldofmyown · 15/06/2018 13:10

At 3.5 I would just say no need to bring a gift.

A friend of mine suggested that people who wanted to buy a gift for her childs birthday donated some money. With which they bought toys for a local hospital.

AprilShowers16 · 15/06/2018 13:15

For my sons parttI just wrote ‘gifts not necessary but please bring a plate for food for the buffet’ or something similar on the invite. Some people brought gifts some didn’t. Are these strangers you’re inviting? I would imagine given your sons age that you know most people you’re inviting in which case they probably know you and have noticed your toy philosophy themselves or wouldn’t be offended by your invite because they know you’re not wanky etc

MummySparkle · 15/06/2018 13:18

I try to give sticker books / arty stuff for my DCs friends birthdays. I wouldn't find it rude.

Stickerrocks · 16/06/2018 15:07

I do hope you didn't think I was being rude when I laughed at how daft other people are being taken in by the marketing behind "play silks" and the ludicrous prices being charged for them. I had noted that you were doing what the rest of the world does and recycling fabric. They just sounded so thoroughly worthy.

HoppingPavlova · 16/06/2018 15:16

I would think it very rude and you would probably end up with a toy anyway as i always involved my kids in buying for their friends. I can’t imagine trying to explain that philosophy to young kids when they don’t understand why they can’t get the toy they want for the gift. That would have made my life harder and pissed me off so by the time my kid got to the party I would be a pissed off mum who thought you were a rude parent. Secretly I may also be pleased that your kid had a toy to play with.

Absofrigginlootly · 16/06/2018 16:38

Stickerrocks not at all Smile you didn’t say anything rude or unkind. I was referring to the people making very overly personal comments and insults

But I agree that a lot of the “Waldorf type” toys have £££££ price tags! Shock

OP posts:
Stickerrocks · 16/06/2018 16:49

I imagine that it's the same people who buy them as get those rainbow things and write blogs about how they changed their child's life with a bent bit of wood!

Smellyjo · 16/06/2018 16:57

I think 'how do you parent' type questions like this are always sensitive and provoke a lot of strong opinions. Not saying that I think it's ok to be insulting, but many people do. From what I've read in the thread, lots of people feel judged by your beliefs and in turn are judging you. I don't see that you are intending to make anyone feel judged, it's just that sharing parenting opinions automatically reveals our judgements that we all have habits of making.

Fwiw, I respect your philosophy- I was terribly uncomfortable with having a wedding list, but then I listened and discovered that many people in my life were also uncomfortable with not having direction on what to buy, and I decided to go with their wishes over mine rather than impose myself on them. Not always the right thing to do but maybe you should canvas opinions from some of the people who may be coming to the party, rather than MN'ers who can get a bit angry behind their screens.

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