AIBU to not want more toys from in-laws... suggestions of present ideas welcome.

[PrudeyTwoShoes]

My in-laws are usually good at asking what we want for Xmas and birthdays.... and are even better at ignoring the suggestions. Last birthday I asked for furniture for DS1s new 'big boy bedroom' but was given a bunch more toys (that we don't need and just fills the house with junk) as it wasn't exciting enough to watch him open. In fact every year I've said no toys as we have enough... and end up with a bunch more. Usually large things that aren't played with and just take up space (train table when he was two, huge dinosaur thing last year).

So MIL has asked again what we want for Christmas... and I've said 'anything but more toys'. She said she wants to get him some to open and is now asking what we want.

The only thing I can think to suggest are subscription boxes for them both, but any other suggestions of present ideas would be appreciated, preferably not a load more plastic junk. Boys will be 4.5 years and 7 months at xmas.

TIA

Either accept they will be get toys and no one else buy toys or ask for clothes in a size up

Books, or bath toys (which will go all slimy fairly quickly and need replacing often)

It's so frustrating because it's just a waste of money! And you get duplicates. I don't understand the obsession of spoiling kids for self gain! Grandparents are ridiculous

Ask them for garden toys , they are grandparents of course they want to see your kids unwrap something exciting not a jumper or a wardrobe .

Tickets for a day out they can enjoy together? Disney on ice? Legoland? They get a quality day out to look forward to & no junk for you? Win win?

Or a subscription box of some kind? Kiwi crate? Baking subscription? Sell it to them as DC will have something to open on the day if they wrap up the first, then something to look forward to for the next couple of months too

My bil buys mountains of toys for my kids. There's no stopping him. I just accept it and I don't buy toys anymore at all, nor do my family. My kids are always so excited for what he might bring... We do a big clear out before Xmas / birthdays to make the space . It clearly makes him happy to do it and I think it must be exciting for the children so I just go with it now 😂

I think this too.

Something that can be added to over time - eg lego sets, playmobile etc
Books
Actual games that can be played together - Orchard Games do loads for little ones, or junior version of something like monopoly
Craft kits that can be done and then the leftovers disposed of.

What about a Toniebox?

My sil has asked for experiences or money towards them. So things like zoo animal adoption and days at places amongst other things

Something to keep at PIL’s house for the kids to enjoy when they visit. 😎

This. YABU, selfish and ungrateful.

Garden toys or annual pass to a local attraction
day out at Lego land?

How about toys that then stay at the grandparents’ house? It means that they keep the ‘junk’ and the kids enjoy the toys more because they don’t have them every day!

ignore this. YANBU, you are being sensible and respectful of the planet. Ask for a family pass to a local zoo or attraction.

Clothes and furniture are gifts for the parent, not for the child.

There's a pleasure in giving, and the philosophy behind gifts is giving something that will make the recipient happy.

So yes, an experience or something like Playmobil or Lego. You don't need to suck all the pleasure out of Grandparents' treating the DGCs that they love dearly.

Suggest toys that are easy to pack away small, but look impressive when ‘out’. Lego, marble run , etc. Flat things.

Suggest things, don’t leave it to chance.

As grandparents they do want to give something that the children will be excited about on the day.

That's what we do. Things I buy for my DGCs are often (assuming that the child is happy to do so) left at my house. They're here at least once a week, so they enjoy having their own toys here

“Respectful of the planet”? 😂 What a load of bollocks.

No, what she’s doing is asking for presents for her. Clothes and furniture are not presents for children.

Sorry but I do think YABU. Furniture isn’t a present for him - it’s an essential that you should be providing.

(and I’m writing this as a parent, not a grandparent).

If they ignore suggestions then don’t bother giving any. Just regift any presents that aren’t convenient at the earliest possible opportunity.

Get then to open a bank account for the kids and let them put money in for them. Worked with mine as they get to say to the kids how much is in it for when they are older

If they want to give something fun to unwrap, then all the vouchers/subscription suggestions will be ignored.

I suggest something that is fun but gets used up like playdoh or plasticine, putty, pens and pencils, stickers. Maybe a fun but useful item for your older one like personalised water bottle, backpack, lunchbox, fun dressing gown, slippers.

Dressing up is also great and not plastic (well I guess it is polyester but at least not lumps of plastic and easier to store!)

Baby much trickier but realistically they will be most interested in the wrapping paper. Maybe water colouring books or mats (will be brilliant when a bit older). Or bath toys/buggy toys as those go manky so tend to need replacing between kids IME.

Excellent suggestions here!

Also lego. It holds its value and can be sold on

My MIL was always doing animal adoptions, kids hated it and I honestly can't see what a 7 month old would get out of it.