Putting gifted money in DSs bank account?

[PanettoneSeason]

DS turned 1 recently and was given so many beautiful cards and gifts by friends and family. Some family gifted money instead as they were unsure what to get which was also lovely.

He’s 1. Realistically, he needs nothing. He has more clothes, books and toys than some children could ever dream of. So instead of buying him toys etc with the money that was gifted I’ve put it all into his bank account. It can be used at a later date if there’s something that he needs or if not, any gifted money will build up and he can use it as he wishes when he’s older.

Have I made some kind of major parenting faux pas here?! My DM is absolutely affronted 😳 apparently what I’m supposed to do is buy something with the money and let the person who gifted the money know exactly what was bought - or better yet, a picture of DS playing with/wearing said item 😬😳 I’m honestly a bit baffled by it!

Everyone received a personal handwritten thank you note - it’s not like I didn’t acknowledge the gifted money at all! Would you be offended if you had given a money gift in this situation?

I'd be choosing something I'd bought and saying that is what the money was spent on.

I’d start a private pension with it.

The money in the bank account won’t attract much interest at all.

If I gave money as a gift to a small child and discovered it was dispensed into a savings bank, I would feel pleased that they had a sensible parent making provisions for the child's future and not spending it on plastic tat when he doubtless already has plenty.

Savings accounts don't exactly inspire rapturous excitement in toddlers but your child will be very pleased in about 18 years that you took this step.

Everyone received a personal handwritten thank you note - it’s not like I didn’t acknowledge the gifted money at all! Would you be offended if you had given a money gift in this situation?

I wouldn't be offended at all, you've done the right thing as far as I am concerned and you've sent personal handwritten thank you notes, I'd be more than happy, your mum is wrong in my opinion.

Put the money into Junior ISA with organisations like Hargreaves Lansdown or Vanguard etc ?

I have a 5yo and 3yo and a small but generous family.
We put cash gifts in the Santander account paying 3% between £1.5k and £2k and they have an inheritance and regular savings into a Scottish friendly S&S ISA.
Tbf this time the 5yo had things that she wanted with her birthday budget so I bought them, but if we can't think of anything we do the savings. I love a PP's idea of zoo membership!

I do the same. My nan died about 9 years ago with no will so my mum gave me £5k which I put into
An account for DD all her gifted money goes there and I have a DD payment into it every month. She's nearly 10 now so is the richest person in house 😂