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Original poster

Too many gifts

17 replies

QuinnTwinny · 05/12/2014 01:59

Hey, new on Mumsnet because I wanted advice on this.

Basically my son has a massive family. On my side he is the only child under 16 so obviously great-grand parents/aunties etc, love to spoil him. However, it means he ends up with an obscene amount of presents. I obviously can't ask people not to buy him a present but would it be acceptable to possibly put some of the lesser used toys into storage and then bring them out, in a few months, when he's bored of the others? I've had several family members ask me about putting money together to get him a bigger gift, that seems like a great idea, but I know we will be overloaded, yet again, due to the sheer size of our family. I know it must sound like a first world problem but I am genuinely worried, now he's getting older, that he will end up getting far too spoiled.

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Redglitter · 05/12/2014 02:07

My SIL used to do that. The girls got Santa presents at home along with presents from their mum and dad and people they wouldn't see on Christmas Day. Then they'd go see her family and there would be loads more then come to us and get even more.

She would remove quite a number of gifts once they'd been opened. Quite honestly the girls were so overwhelmed with things they didn't notice a box load disappearing. Then over a period of time shed introduce new ones and take away others. It worked great and the girls felt like they were getting new ones regularly

fuzzpig · 05/12/2014 06:49

Definitely make the most of the offer to have a combined larger gift.

It's probably too late for this year but in future could you ask some people for gifts like tickets to a show/sport event, or an after school club?

chanie44 · 05/12/2014 06:50

I put the my children's gifts away and give them to then throughout the year.

I may 'buy' the gift from them to regift and put the money into their savings account.

TheFantasticMrsFox · 05/12/2014 07:09

Perhaps suggest that relatives put money into a savings account for him and just buy a small token gift? good luck with that one, my DP's looked like I had asked them to gift wrap DS a turd
I just figure that as he gets older his wants will be more expensive and I'm sure he would be thrilled with the money later on for driving lessons, to buy a car etc.

harverina · 05/12/2014 08:44

What age is your ds?

This year I am helping with this issue by not buying the dd's much from us. All of the 'big' presents are being bought by their grandparents and aunts/uncles so I have filled their stockings and bought them a couple of smaller gifts - dd1 is getting dressing up stuff and dd2 a shape sorter. The rest is coming from family. They don't know who it comes from at this age anyway :)

Original poster
QuinnTwinny · 05/12/2014 09:49

He's 8. I literally just had a call from one of his grandparents, she has got him his own golf clubs and lessons. Perfect gift and made me feel slightly better as she is the one who usually buys a ton of presents for him. I think for the rest of them I will just have to put some of them away for later in the year. It sounds really daft but it seems to get worse every year. It's ridiculous.

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nocutsnobuttsnococonuts · 05/12/2014 09:59

I would also say try and ask for experience type gifts. this year my mum is taking us all to see the new tinkerbell film and lunch. last year we did the pantomime. then just a small gift to open. dd still talks about the pantomime but cant remember what toys she got last Christmas...

Original poster
QuinnTwinny · 05/12/2014 10:19

That's a good idea. We are already going to the panto this year but for next year it's definitely great advice! I don't think my gran and great aunts have bought him a toy yet (always clothes and a toy!), so I'm contemplating saying to them I'll get them a booster pack for the Skylanders game he's getting, for them to give to him? Or would that maybe be rude? It just seems smarter to get something that goes with other stuff he has.

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MsAspreyDiamonds · 05/12/2014 10:57

You could ask for vouchers or cinema/theatre tokens so you can take him to see a show/film later during the year or buy stuff when he needs it.

I have asked my family to contribute towards his child trust account instead. They were ok with it as they could see the long term benefits. That or premium bonds as they could win the million pound monthly bonus!

Original poster
QuinnTwinny · 05/12/2014 11:04

He already has significant savings due to a family member passing away. Premium bonds also! I do like the idea of cinema vouchers. I also balk at the cost when we go so vouchers would make it slightly better and he loves the cinema.

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ElfontheShelfIsWATCHINGYOUTOO · 05/12/2014 11:09

I wish we had this problem, I get upset at how little my dc two very wealthy aunts get my dc and they have no dc of their own, my dc are the only GC in both families Sad.

They will put so much effort into getting the cheapest thing possible, or passing off gift to themselves - recycling for my dc, totally un suitable stuff...or zilch and it leaves a nasty taste in my mouth, but they love getting pleasure from them....

I think its wonderful your family spoil your son.

In this situation you can also buy lots less yourself for him, and put the money away, and also YES rotate toys....dont buy any other toys in year and buy little for bday.

Next year well ahead of time I would send out a senstive email to thank everyone for being so incredibly kind but there were some present duplictaions and some that didnt get played with, would anyone mind you either sending out a list, to prevent this and/or, putting money into savings....and or, buying theatre tickets, experiences, lessons and so on.....

ElfontheShelfIsWATCHINGYOUTOO · 05/12/2014 11:11

magazine subscriptions?

You have never have enough money!!! still put into savings unless he was literally left millions Smile cars, house deposit, uni fee's....year out travelling...

Original poster
QuinnTwinny · 05/12/2014 11:20

He's a very blessed boy and I'm very lucky for such a wonderful family, I don't want to sound like I'm complaining! I like the idea of a magazine subscription, he gets a Dr Who comic every week so that could be good.

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PandasRock · 05/12/2014 11:25

As a clubbing together gift, you could maybe ask for a Merlin pass? (If you are close enough to attractions to visit!) as that would then provide a number of days out over the year. We get them most years, and go regularly to all the different attractions.

marne2 · 05/12/2014 11:39

I would try and encourage family to give him money or vouchers.

My dd's get quite a bit ( from me rather than family ) and in previous years I have packed half of it away and then get it out after 6 months when the other toys are not getting played with, it saves me buying during the year.

WD41 · 05/12/2014 12:11

Something both my mum and MIL have done is given me a clarks voucher as part of DD's Xmas and birthday presents in the past. Think that's brilliant as it cuts down on the amount of physical stuff she's given, is helpful to me obviously and they feel they've also given something useful.

DD is only 3 though, this might not work as well for an older child

Original poster
QuinnTwinny · 05/12/2014 22:57

Thanks for all the suggestions and opinions, greatly appreciated. I think for this year I will put aside some of the excess presents. As for next year, I LOVE the Merlin Pass idea, honestly brilliant! I was contacted by my auntie tonight, wanting advice about what to buy ds, the amount she wanted to spend was perfect for a magazine subscription, so thanks for that idea!

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