To think that Lego is a good Christmas present?

[MarioandLuigi]

MIL phoned yesterday and asked what DS would like for Christmas, I said I would think about it, I asked DS and he showed me some more Lego he would like (He is a Lego Nut and I dont have a problem with it)

MIL rings back this morning and I tell her what DS has asked for, her exact words were 'Oh Lego, its not very educational is it, maybe I will get him some books instead'

I then replied back that DS would like them and would now kind of be expecting them, to which she replied that I should buy them if I wanted to buy presents like that.

She said it in such a sneery tone, anyne would think I was asking for crack.

I know lego isnt as educational as a book, but I do think it helps certain skills, like following instructions and imagination etc.

AIBU?

mybaby - my DS1 started off (around 4) with my DHs Lego. It's a lovely thing to see them building their own inventions together

Your MIL sounds like a controlling nut, but you say she does this every year. Well don;t play the game next year, tell her that as she never buys what he wants there's no point in asking him as he'll only be dissappointed again come Christmas day or his birthday.

YANBU. I used to build scale model houses out of Lego, and now my spatial awareness is very very good!

I seem to remember that there was a prog on tv not so long ago in which 'educational experts' voted lego as one of the most educational toys, after stacking cups or something. Books are good, but lego is fun.

OP: Your MIL is (apologies) a dozy old boot who needs a damn good talking to.

Lego is the one toy she can give that will not:

1. Wear out
2. Run out of battery
3. Ever, ever, ever, get boring

It will:

1. Be something new every time your DC plays with it
2. Encourage development of fine motor skills
3. Help develop spatial awareness and basic engineering skills
4. Help with maths, science, and design concepts (we even used Lego Technic in my GCSE Design and Technology lessons, over twenty years ago)
5. Be just about the best value for money present she will ever buy.

That is all

Start planning for next year's phone calls from UMIL now.

"What would DS like?"
"Oh some educational books please"
"That's not much fun is it? I'll get some lego instead"

Or alternatively if you're feeling wicked
"Some crack please, he's addicted and it's quite expensive"