Dc are really lucky that we have quite a few friends and family members that will buy xmas presents for them both. Several usually ask me for ideas and opinions on what to buy. Do you think it would sound rude or ungrateful if I said something along these lines to them:
-Please, please do not buy anything with lots of small parts. They just get scattered around the house and DC quickly lose interest in the toy. I spend more time on finding/sorting the parts than they ever do on playing with them.
-No large presents. They look impressive and exciting but are really impractical as we only have a small house with limited storage. We already have multiple scooters, doll's prams/buggies/cradles, art easels, play houses etc. When it needs to be unfolded and assembled every time and then dismantled again afterwards, it looses its fun factor and gets played with less often.
-Also I feel the need to remind some people to buy for both DC equally, not just in value but also in the thought that has gone into it. They do notice and it upsets both of them.
In fact IMO they have enough toys already, many of which don't really get played with very much. What my DC would really appreciate would be a gift of your time. They would love it if you took them for a day out somewhere, it doesn't have to be expensive, it could be a trip to the park/beach/woods. Or even an afternoon spent playing play-do with them or reading stories together.
Would you mind if someone said this to you and what would you think about it?