Is it OK to ask for 'NO TOYS this Christmas?? I know, it's too soon...

[Sophiev73]

I know it's too early in the year but dh's loaded relatives are already talking about buying up massive toys for my ds1 (2 years) and ds2 (3 months). We have NO ROOM for any more toys. Can I say no and give an alternative such as money, clothes or a charity gift? Or is too-many-toys something I should accept?

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how about putting money into a savings account for when they're 18?

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write a list

there must be some small things which would be useful

e.g. CDs, DVDs

then subtley suggest some ideas

People LIKE giving presents, don't offend them

Suck up to them now and they will leave your children vast estates in the future

Thanks. Was beginning to think I was horrid neglectful mother... Like the idea of crafty presents = cheap, as that's what everyone will be getting from us!

We do lists. Makes life much easier.

Could you ask for swimming lessons or gymnastics/ballet lessons for the other one maybe - for next year? Or clothes? Your rellies might be glad to contribute to something more useful than another Fisher Price noisy toy!

Not ok, imo. Agree with mp.

meant older one not other one!

Ha ha will have to make sure huge vats of money come our way... Then we can buy a BIG HOUSE and lots of toys.

lol 'other one'. Yes, that's what we call him too... OK will get a creative list together.

bit late in here but we're in the same boat, sort of.

this year and probably for more to come my parents are buying an annual pass to a local farm / playground - they can also add their names on it so we all can go. they will also put a token present under the tree.

Don't see why not. We always say "NO SOFT TOYS!!!"

crafty presents are always good, clay, paint and stuff will keep for ages.

I think rellies like to spoil the children a bit, and saying no toys is taking a bit of the fun out of it for them.

I would make a list and actively manage what they buy - or tell them 'one toy each'.

Then I would buy very little myself for them and put money in their bank instead (or sponsor a child, or whatever charity thing floats your boat).

Tell them that for every new toy that enters the house, you'll be taking an old one to the charity shop. So they better choose some good ones!

Or, "how wonderful that you want to buy them more toys. We have no room in our house, so can we keep them at your house for when we visit?"

Oh yes, one toy in, one toy out

I also kept loads of toys in the garden over the summer (esp, wooden ones) and most of those are played with to death and ruined (hurray!) so I can now bung them out knowing that they were enjoyed while they lasted

Do like the idea of 'one in one out' like a toy nightclub. Will definitely try that one if all the messages fail...

i am an aunty that spoils
dont like to be told what to buy but i do buy pratical prasents
when niece was born i spent £300 on a cot and £50 on a mattress
love buying her outfits
for her christening i had photos done of her blown up onto a canvas (sister doesnt know)
a personalsd guest book in pink
a name picture
a doll

and she is only 5 mths old (i have boys aged 9 and 10) but we only have her for a short while as she is dying (been given months) so i will carry on spoiling her