Inlaws are giving my daughter a vacuum cleaner for Xmas. Grrr.

[Daffolil]

My partner has given me the heads up that our one year old daughter will be receiving a toy vacuum cleaner for Xmas from is mum. I have a lot of respect for her, she is remarkable woman in many many ways, but how on earth do I keep a lid on the fact that I think it's a really unimaginative and limiting gift!? (To her credit she's bought another one for her grandson too).

If she has bought one for her grandson too then really, what is the issue??

Sounds like you are looking for things to be annoyed about tbh.

If she's bought one for her grandson too, I don't see the issue.

My two love pushing toy hoovers around. Don't see the attraction myself but I'm not a toddler.

One year my very much missed mil bought me a real hoover that I asked for. Better that than her picking out something else we had very didn't tastes.

Strike out fail, different tastes that should read!

My DD had one when she was little and loved it. Used it with her other kitchen/house role play stuff. Her little male friend had one too.

Many young children love role play games. Its not even as though she has only bought it for a girl - her little grandson has one too.

My two boys loved their toy vacuum cleaner (aged 3 &1). They argued over it a lot when it was new. They still play with it a year later.

I might have taken your point if she'd only bought it for your daughter and not her grandson too. But maybe she just thinks they will like it.

My youngest once got a vacuum cleaner because she really wanted one. It's only limiting if the suggestion is that it's only for girls and that girls should only get domestic appliances. Can't see anything wrong with the present.

Kids love to copy. If your DD copies you OR your DP hoovering I don't see the problem. If MIL had refused to buy one for a boy and only for girl that might be another matter.

Our toy vacuum cleaner has been a long favourite with DS and DD. They love to "join in". Personally I think it's a great present.

Is there any background to this OP that might shed more light on how you're feeling?

Personally don't see the problem. Children (boys and girls) love copying their parents, that's why toys like this exist.

Don't be ridiculous it's a great toy.

My son, now 14, was obsessed with hoovers and his most prized gift was a toy vacuum cleaner.

No problem - toy vacuums great for both girls and boys. Just as in our house mums and dads do the vaccuuming! ( more dad actually )

It's roleplay. I bought my grandson one to go with his kitchen.

My son loved his. Unless its followed by an iron etc I would be OK with it. Hopefully when her grandson gets a spaceship your DD will get one too!

Santa brought one for my son when he was 2 and he loved it. Still plays with it aged 3 and loves to help me and join in around the house. It's a great present

What's the feminist issue here? She's bought one for her grandson too

Thanks, this is my first child and I hadn't picked up on the role play thing. I will receive graciously on my daughter's behalf.

It's a perfect give OP, just when they start to walk they love to have something to push or roll along. I don't understand your negativity about it.

Feels a bit like you're trying to make this a feminist issue, when it's really not

DS loves his lawn mower. He brings it inside and pretends it's a vacuum cleaner.

Seems like the dullest game ever to me but each to their own.

She's displaying her feminist credentials by buying the same for the grandson, IMO. I'm sure they'll both enjoy their vacuuming!

My boys loved their toy Dyson at that age! It's fine, and at least she's not being sexist about it.