To reclaim an unwanted gift?

[PersonaNonGarter]

For Christmas, we gave DH’s 6yo niece a Lego Friends set (£20) and a nice top (£18). Both bought in advance, non-returnable.

At a family lunch at MIL’s today, BIL returned the Lego set to DH saying DN doesn’t like it and ‘could we exchange it because she doesn’t like Lego Friends’. DH was a bit confused —had forgotten what he’d given— but mumbled something about getting back to BIL. BIL left. The Lego is at MIL’s.

Can we take the Lego back? It’s non-returnable and I’ll give it to someone who wants it. DH thinks we should leave it at MIL’s or send it back to BIL. Who is right?

I can’t believe people on here are attacking the OPs choice of gift! That’s not even the point of the thread! I have young (Lego loving) children and I am unaware of the ‘controversy’ of Lego friends.

OP, I think you bought a lovely, thoughtful gift and your BIL was rude to return it in the manner he did, he needs to teach his child to be gracious.

That was so rude , my daughter got a doll and cot from my parents , she's not a doll fan but accepted it and took it home. I wouldn't dream of telling them , take it back and give it to someone who will use it and don't give anything to niece in exchange

After years of getting no acknowledgment of Christmas/birthday presents from dh's dns, I gave them each a writing set containing thank you cards... Sil responded by saying that her dds didn't need to thank people for unsolicited gifts . That was the year that present giving came to an end.

Rude AF
I wouldn’t bother
If we get presents we don’t really like, we are polite and keep them for the local Mission Christmas collection the following year.

My children were taught as soon as they could understand that gifts are a bonus, not the main event. Being with our friends and/or the people we love is the real celebration and if anyone is thoughtful enough to choose a present with them in mind, we never ever respond in a way that may hurt feelings. Was an easy lesson and they are always gracious recipients.
NO WAY would I 'replace' a gift because a child 'didn't like' it. It would just be a case of 'that's a shame' and I'd not mention it again. What's with the greediness and entitlement that a gift should be replaced in that situation. Wrong size, sure. Ungratefulness, no.

DD got 2 Catboy cars for Christmas. We took one to Tesco and swapped it for a Gekko mobile, no problem at all.
They were very rude and should have sorted it out themselves.