advertisement
On BNET: Cure a bad mood with YouTube
Sign up | Log in
new post » see more posts »
  • people are very kind and bring gifts for dc's bdays. small space and if i dont like them, i give them away. problem is sometimes the worst/bulkiest ones come from family who comes back and looks for them wdyd in this situation?

    21 replies [ Reply | Watch | Options ]
    04.30.08, 07:53 AM [ Flag ]
    • Why not say something like - we are trying to build a great library for dc so would love books as presents!

      [ Reply | Options ]
      04.30.08, 07:54 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
      • i have tried. they like giving big plastic junk.

        [ Reply | Options ]
        04.30.08, 07:54 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
        • np- I was very clear with all family about this from the get go. We have no room, so if we get something big for dc, I want to be the one to pick it out. I never feel guilty when the stuff they bought is gone--they knew the deal.

          [ Reply | Options ]
          04.30.08, 07:56 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
    • i had the same situation, i was so bummed when toy r us stopped taking stuff back without a receipt! everyone new i lived in a small apartment & i would tell them over & over not to get huge toys, what do they expect??

      [ Reply | Options ]
      04.30.08, 07:55 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
      • so you just returned and that was that?

        [ Reply | Options ]
        04.30.08, 07:56 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
        • ds is 4 now, but we lived in the city until he was 2. i remember after his 1st b-day & christmas i returned a lot of stuff at toy r us, got credit & then spent it a babies r us for stuff i really needed. but toys r us is really strict now, BRU will take stuff back if it is from there.

          [ Reply | Options ]
          04.30.08, 07:58 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
      • ^^if you think you may move eventually or have more kids see if someone will store some things for you. my mom kept some things in the attic for me, now we have a house & 2nd ds & i get use out of the older stuff...ride ons & bug toys

        [ Reply | Options ]
        04.30.08, 07:57 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
    • i seriously don't think this is your problem. they are sort fo rude to blatantly look for the gift. what if it broke?

      [ Reply | Options ]
      04.30.08, 07:57 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
    • they look for the toy they gave? ugh. Can you keep it in the storage bin in basement and bring it up when you know they're coming over?

      [ Reply | Options ]
      04.30.08, 07:57 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
      • for something i value, i'm fine with that. but for a big, ugly plastic toy that nobody likes, i just feel like that's kind of silly. i'm not a packrat, fwiw, but i understand i'm valuing space over family harmony

        [ Reply | Options ]
        04.30.08, 07:59 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
    • I guess you have to politely accept them and say thank you, but I agree with or that you can cut them off at the knees with suggestions of books, stickers, etc. that db may like. When they come over and play with the large toys, tell them, "thank you os much for this incredible truck, it's great, but I think we'll need to limit the big toys for a little while, since space is so limited. I've just been buying lots of great books for John for his birthday -- he REALLY loves books and stickers!"

      [ Reply | Options ]
      04.30.08, 07:57 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
      • would you keep the stuff then?

        [ Reply | Options ]
        04.30.08, 08:00 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
        • I guess I would keep as much as I could "reasonably" accomodate, and try to store the rest either in the basement of your building if there's storage space, or even suggest diplomatically that "wow, this toy is so great! Let's bring it to grandma's we go over there today!" Then, when it's time to leave grandma's that night, suggest to your mom that maybe she can store it for you, so that db will have a fun toy for when you visit and since your space is so tight at home. I would return what I could in no way keep, and hope that relatives aren't rude enough to inquire about it at a later date. If they really do ask about it, you can make up an excuse. I know it's frustrating, but I just told myself "I have a toddler, and this is a time in my life when my house will be cluttered and crazy with toys, and I'm going to embrace the mess as being wonderfully chaotic." Also, I have a close friend who is so sad that she has so few surviving relatives, and such a small number of relatives for her son, who I think would LOVE to have family shower attention on her child. So, I try to put it in perspective and think, "I know it's an absolute mess, but isn't it wonderful that so many people love our child and family and want to share in this special time."

          [ Reply | Options ]
          04.30.08, 08:05 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
    • Tell them it broke.

      [ Reply | Options ]
      04.30.08, 07:58 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
advertisement
advertisement
Click Here

Boards Help

Abbreviations
More Boards Help

Site Feedback Thank you for your feedback about the new site. We are paying close attention to your comments and we will incorporate them as we make improvements to the site. Please continue to report problems and offer feedback on the Site Feedback Board and visit our Site Talk blog for answers to some of your questions and updates on specific issues.