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

We usually buy something small to unwrap on the day and then transfer money to the parents towards annual passes to favourite attractions.

You need to accept that they are going to buy toys because they want the children to have something fun. No small child wants clothes.

You need to offer up toy ideas that work for you. Smaller toys that can be stored in wardrobes, craft, playdoh, paints - things that get used up. Alternatively ask for something like character PJs or hat, scarf and gloves set with a small toy of the same character. At least they will be used and the family will see it as something the child enjoys.

I recall one Christmas when we got our friends' children pairs of house socks with cat paws printed at the bottom. This resulted in 3 children aged 2-7 crawling on the floor for the entire evening pretending to be cats. They were absolutely delighted with these socks

Alternatively, go the other way. My in laws were never satisfied until they had spent a lot of money so we would pick something the DC wanted and would enjoy that was as expensive as they would pay. Less stuff but they felt like they, had "wowed" and spoilt their DGC.

If they won't listen to suggestions just say thanks and then donate it later, you aren't required to keep everything that was a gift.

i always think of things we need or were going to get eventually anyway

this year one set of grandparents paid for zoo pass

the other got a tonies box - not gonna take up much space

our flats TINY so cant have loads

Do you have a tonies box?

I was going to suggest this. Such a good gift (or a yoto). And then each birthday and Christmas they can add to their collection of stories. It's worked really well for us.

Most played with things in our house are magnatiles, duplo, play mobile and wooden train track which are great as lots of potential to sort future years presents, e.g. More pieces, battery powered trains, linking sets like one I got to link duplo and train track and duplo and Marble run. Also all items can be chucked in their own big box for easy storage/easy for kids to tidy up

@Paradeofrain, other family members prefer to gift money so we can put it towards a day out etc. so it's just a in-laws thing. I absolutely LOVE my in-laws and would go as far to say that we have better relationship than I do with my own parents.

I've messaged today and suggested Goo Jit Zu and Lego sets for older DS. I've sent sensory filter sticks and an indoor tuff spot type thing for sensory play for my youngest.

We already have a Tony Box so could also ask for a character for that 😊

Thank you

Suggest they can buy toys but they must stay at their house for them to play with when visiting. See how they like having loads of plastic crap lying around!

I’d ask them for one of those colour in house/boats etc from Hobbycraft, they can buy all the art supplies to decorate them and you can presumably recycle them once the kids have finished with them.

I always ask what they've put on their lists and then confer with parents which bit to get.
Everybody gets A box of mixed Sweety's that I mix myself.
I do cash in an envelope if they are older (kids love cash) or a toy from their list. Then 1 piece of random tat that no self respecting parent would ever buy. Which is usually the star of the show because kids love random crap