That MIL has bought DS an expensive Thomas the tank Train set after I told her we didn't want it?

[TheDevilWearsPrimark]

She has wanted to buy him one for a while. I told her we would prefer Brio, or even a cheaper one that isn't branded.
This morning I got a delivery of a full train set and various trains and accesories.
He is delighted of course, and loves it but I am angry she has spent too much money and gone against our expressed wishes.

Am I just ungrateful?

YABU and ungrateful. If your son has never seen Thomas he won't even know it's branded and to be honest so what?

OK, you don't get on with your MIL, and this is just the latest in a long line of grievances. But on its own this doesn't seem to me to be such an awful thing to do - she's a Granny, she's allowed to buy her grandchild a present just because she feels like it.

It might contain all sorts of hidden meanings to you. But it's ds's present and he'll just think 'hurrah!'.

YANBU
I hate all the Thomas plastic sets. I specifically loved the quality of Brio. And was happy that some of the other wooden sets fitte - most of ours is Tesco - brilliant.
I would have been really narked if my mil had done this, esp when you specifically said.

Does any adult really like branded toys? Or plastic, flashy lighting toys with American accented sound chips? I've given in on them though - like Cod says it's a losing battle - the kids love them. In an ideal world they'd be playing with tasteful Fairtrade wooden toys handcarved by indigenous craftsmen using renewable energy sources - but they'd still prefer Thomas/Iggle Piggle.

Relax and embrace the tat!

ahh but this really isn't about the TT toy is it.....

Cod ,it is just inappropriate to bring that up here.

I notice you didn't post any advice on that thread, so obviously just lurked.

yes .
she is his grandma spoiling is her job.

i think although i see what your saying is to just let it go ...lifes to short...its nice tht his nanna indulges him-maybe she will continue to add to it over the years-thomas isnt so bad ....well not as bad as those tellytubbies.

sometimes you just gotta look at things and weigh up is it worth it?#

sit back watch your ds play happily with his new toy and thank god it wasnt your pennies that paid for the fat controller ....chin up hun x

i disagree presents for presents sake are exciting and indulgent ,,,,my children have no nanna and would love a mystery parcel .....

Message withdrawn

I'd take it as a lesson that your MIL won't listen to anything you say and will do her own thing...often in collucsion with the grand child (i.e tell the DCs that they are getting this great present cos then even if you don't like it the child would be disappointed as now its been mentioned etc etc), I know a MIL like this and she will not listen to anything her SIL ever says. He is an even tempered man but even he says she drives him mad by never taking any notice of people.
Back to your MIL:
She obviously really wanted to buy this toy for him.
My MIL always buys things with terrible tunes and talking plastic tat but I know she thinks they are great so I just let them come, then pretend I have run out of batteries!!!!

Such is life

I dont think YABU from the POV of having your wishes ignored, or wanting something that can be added to at less expense than a branded toy. Fair enough. Hopefully other cheaper toys will be compatible.

lennygirl I never said Brio was lovely and twee, just that I like it as it is not related to a 'theme. I can just imagine him getting into his thomas set and asking for backpacks and plates and bedding etc, which is something we have tried to avoid.
Brio is a brand but doesn't have a whole load of commercial offshoots and licensing from the brand.

My mother is a loving grandmother and buys the DC lots of lovely gifts but asks first, or takes my wishes and ethics into consideration at least.

Annoying, yes, but probably better for your mental health not to get too worked up about it.

My ILs just sent a Winnie the Pooh jumpsuit for my baby. I hate everything Disney but just rolled my eyes and chucked it on the pile for a day when she has explosive diarrhea.

strikes me that your MIL could arrive with non branded, fair trade, economically sustainable, community produced by indigenous tribe - and you still wouldn't be happy

branded toys do affect children's expectations and encouraging brand awareness sells more stuff

my ds doesn't watch tv but can recognise certain brands that are available as toys, clothing, etc, and will spot them and ask for them if he sees them on food in the supermarket

it is a manipulative way to sell stuff to children, so I do see your point about branded stuff

Isn't the take along thomas set plastic rather than wooden?

I was lurking on this thread just to be nosy as we're looking into getting ds a wooden set for his birthday.

scottishmummy read the whole thread before you judge me please.

I think it's rude that she bought one seeing as you asked her not to. How forceful were you?

Nothing you can do about it now unless you are prepared to go and buy one you prefer and let your child have two?

It is wooden, I thought that was 'take along' you push the trains around rather than wind them up or somesuch.

Message withdrawn

i have - its an observation not a judgment.you clearly don't get along with the MIL make comparisons about Your mum and her. you get the hump when she wont obey your express wishes

take a step back - your son loves the pressie
she is the granny and interested
don't fret about trivia about who bough what

lennygrrl (a Hole fan by any chance?)

You are right, he likes it and now it would be mean to take it away. I guess I can deal with the Branded aspect of it, but I certainly won't be buying any overpriced tat to go with it.

I do think yabu

we have bought 2Thomas trains set for dd2 because the sets go well together, they're not too expensive (when did Brio get 'cheaper'? not in my world. Brio is more insidious than Thomas ime)

why because he has one branded toy will he suddenly want a Thomas backpack? are all your toys chosen around making sure that your kids don't ask for anything else?

it's impossible

scottishmummy I would be annoyed whoever had bought it, especially after my well expressed reasons for wanting an alternative.