To not buy my son more toys for his birthday?

[Chocolateheaven123]

My son turns 2 in a couple of months. He's the 1st grandchildren for both sets of grandparents so naturally he was spoiled for Christmas. We also bought him quite a few things, which just kind of built up without realising. We've kept a few things back for his birthday. On reflection after Xmas, we've decided not to buy him more toys. He has lots, most of which he hasn't looked at yet. Not a major issue in itself as a some of it is stuff like Toot Toot, Happyland, M&D food cutting set, etc so he can still get plenty of use over the next few years.

For his birthday, we've kept back an Oball track set thing, a Happyland plane, a wooden toy clock and BigJigs Learn to Count thing. DP and I were chatting earlier and we really don't want more toys when he really doesn't need them so we're getting him:
New swimming stuff (needed)
A Clean Kanteen stainless steal drink bottle (toddler one) as we're also trying to reduce plastic
An annual pass to a farm/zoo
A new thin raincoat for the spring.

And MAYBE a DVD player or tablet for the occasional long car journey (still undecided on that). We've also gotten him a balance bike in the sale.

Just to reiterate, my mum went WAY overboard on presents for Christmas and will for his birthday, plus he has a couple of generous uncles, great grandparents, etc. Who will want to buy things for him. ILs are great and will get things like clothes, PJs, books, etc.

Anyway, chatting to my mum earlier about his birthday and she asked what we were getting him. Explained he's got so many toys and instead we are getting him more practical stuff and she went on and on about he's a toddler, we should be getting him toys, etc. She wouldn't listen when I explained he doesn't need more toys and we'd prefer he had stuff to DO (farm, stuff to go swimming) as he's a very active toddler. She's text me twice this afternoon 'joking' that I'm a mean mum and he's hard done by

But it's got me wondering if maybe we should be getting him toys etc? AIBU to get him more 'practical' stuff he needs, not 'fun' things?

I've learnt from experience that they'll buy whatever they want.

Give it a couple of months after and any toys he doesn't use, sell on Facebook (or similar) and put the money into his savings or things he actually needs.

Give him the things you kept back from Christmas. He’s too young to have a clue what’s even happening. You’re overthinking this.

just give him the stuff you kept back for his birthday, no need to buy anything else, ask everyone else to buy one of the practical things on your list, or money for his bank, or a voucher,I'd keep the tablet idea for next Christmas

Blimey - if I am honest I am shocked by the amount you plan to give him

I think he’ll be overwhelmed on his birthday too.

If people insist on gifts or really want to buy something. I tell them he can never have to many books. Has a January birthday and it feels like buying for the sake of buying

The stuff you have kept back is more than enough.

Get the farm pass as it is a good year round activity.

Otherwise save your money and get him summer / outdoor things that seem to suit him in 6 months time. But wait and see what he is in to then. Or put money in his savings.

And don’t discuss details with your Mum.

My parents have bought my two children premium bonds on their birthday every year, along with one or two 'token' gifts. Would that be something that you would feel able to suggest?

Sounds like he's got plenty. DS will be 2 in about a week and we'be already decided and asked family not to get him anymore toys for now (I'm sure they'll still get him little things)

Like yours OP, he got loads for Christmas and already had a lot of stuff so we're hoping to 'do' more things with him, trips and days out etc instead.

Blimey - that list of what you've kept back from Xmas & are still planning on getting him for his birthday is LOADS - especially for a 2yr old!

Honestly what you originally put away was loads !! Mine are reception age and we bought power ranger stuff on eBay second hand. We earn good wages but I know they will only want them for a couple of years and less waste etc. For christmas Lego and stuff that they will get years out of. Paw patrol was a silly craze that I spent a fortune on and now they don't bother with it

I don't buy toys for mine. The family and friends can do that - I let them buy whatever they like. I buy the sensible stuff. I don't have to tell anyone what else to do, but my son doesn't get overloaded with toys. Win win.