Am I being a meanie ?

[OhdearNigel]

DD will be 22 months at Christmas. We are not buying her a present as there are friends that we will be exchanging "children's" gifts with, MIL and SIL will give us a bunch of gifts and we also have family that will give her stuff. She doesn't really play with many toys anyway, her favourite things are her doll's pushchair, colouring, books and playing with Jcloths & brooms (for which she will only countenance the real thing). We get books from the library. So with the assorted gifts she will have a mountain of stuff she probably won't play with

We were discussing presents at work the other day and our not buying her a present was met with astonishment. She's not even two yet so doesn't understand the concept of presents and I don't see the point in buying presents for the sake of lining ELC's purse.

DH and I also do not exchange gifts for similar reasons.

I see your reasons but I would personally have to get her one little thing. Probably a book (that's not my... might be good?) as it's nice to have a good collection even if you use the library usually (I work in a library :)) But that's just me :)

Not mean at all. At this age, if she has some things to open, she'll be happy. And even then she'll probably prefer the nice shiny wrapping paper, and the box, over the present itself.

Ponty, we have a massive stash of books at home as well - I have over 300 just in cookery books and DD already has a collection of about 100 books for varying agegroups :D

I see what you're saying, and you are technically right.

However, I personally couldn't not buy her a prezzie to enjoy ripping open. Even at 22 months a child can appreciate a sparkly package that noisily tears open to reveal a treat beneath. Go on, go on, go on.....ye will, ye will, ye will.....

or clothes that she needs?
or some chocolate?
a new colouring book?

I do understand where you're coming from though. :)

Oh, ok then - in that case what about a pretty t shirt or dress that she will get loads of use out of anyway?

We've not got much for my stepsons. Their two Grandmothers go overboard (as would my mother if allowed) and then there's what their mother gets them. It feels a touch mean but I'd rather save our money for things throughout the year.

get a large box, fill it with balloons (helium or normal)
wrap the box. job done. if you can find some with her name or age on ... or in assorted colours.. had a great laugh with a group of preschool kids with this idea..

Totally get where you're coming from! I'd get her one of the (economical) suggestions above, to have something to open/point to in later years and I'd take what I would like to spend and deposit that in her savings account. My 21 month DS is already inundated with toys etc. at the moment (youngest in family/circle of friends, so lots of hand me downs as well as new stuff) and we think he'll be happier with a nice nest egg then with x boxes of lego/duplo when he's 18+. :-)