Gifts/Toys for birthday

Resi · #1 July 13th, 2009, 10:59 AM

I'm going to sound like an ungrateful b*itch but I don't care because it's my child and my house. Oliver's birthday is coming up and I don't want him getting anymore plastic toys. Every time he puts a plastic toy in his mouth it makes me cringe. I have a house full of plastic crap because of MIL & SIL buying them and handing toys down. I don't mind hand me downs but I don't want to keep getting tons of these plastic toys. I want to request that no plastic toys be given for his 1st birthday. I don't even care if they get him toys. His birthday is to celebrate the first year of his life. Is there a nice way to ask that no plastic toys be given? Can I request books, wooden toys, or cloth toys only if they want to buy him something? I already know that he will most likely still get them.

Or should I just chalk it up and return what we get? That might work for now but what about when he is older? There are certain toys I don't want him to have like video games.

CandaceDianne · #2 July 13th, 2009, 11:22 AM

I dont think its rude at all. People who receive the request may think its odd, but you know what...its YOUR child, not theirs.

That's just my opinion, though.

Nami · #3 July 13th, 2009, 11:35 AM

Not rude at all, it's your son and what you want goes, period. Just say how it is, you really don't want him to have them then suggest the books and things. I know if someone requested something like that to me I'd do as they want, but then grandparents never listen and think they know better(most anyways).

*Mrs.J.2011* · #4 July 13th, 2009, 11:40 AM

Not rude at all IMO.. if I were going to a birthday party and the parents specified something like that I would absolutely respect their wishes! I'm the type that prefers to give books and clothes anyways.

**Jenn** · #5 July 13th, 2009, 11:41 AM

If you don't want him to have certain toys than you have every right to request that. I know I'd much rather someone tell me what they would like than get something they have to return. I'm sure people will still get you what *they* want anyway because some people are just like that but in that case just return it. My cousin's son just had his 2nd birthday and instead of having to tell everyone over and over what kinds of things he might like she made a wish list on Toys R Us so people could go there and check it out! Maybe that might not be a bad option?

How is Oliver feeling today? Better I hope!

Resi · #6 July 13th, 2009, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by **Jenn**

If you don't want him to have certain toys than you have every right to request that. I know I'd much rather someone tell me what they would like than get something they have to return. I'm sure people will still get you what *they* want anyway because some people are just like that but in that case just return it. My cousin's son just had his 2nd birthday and instead of having to tell everyone over and over what kinds of things he might like she made a wish list on Toys R Us so people could go there and check it out! Maybe that might not be a bad option?

How is Oliver feeling today? Better I hope!

A big part of it is not wanting people to waste money on something he doesn't need or I don't approve of. I hate to return things because then I feel guilty. I know he is going to have some plastic toys because it's too hard to get around all of them. But he doesn't need 10 of the same thing. I think less is more.

Last night was rough. He had a hard time going to sleep. I think he was over tired because his naps were only 40 & 30 min each. Last night he cried in his sleep off and on every hour. I could not tell if he was sleeping, half awake, or all the way awake. I tried to comfort him by nursing or with his paci. I also snuggled him but nothing seemed to help. He would fall back asleep and then do it again and again and again. I was a little worried that it had something to do with the fall but he seemed to be okay during the day. Maybe it's his teeth or maybe from being over tired. Poor baby. I felt bad leaving him this morning because he didn't want to go to my mom. Monday's are always the hardest. Thanks for asking.

KatiInCT · #7 July 13th, 2009, 12:06 PM

What about calling the birthday a "Birthday Book Bash.... Come share your childhood favorites with our future book worm." If you make it fun as part of the theme it won't seem as exclusive of what you don't want but more inclusive of what you do want. Just my :twocents:

Plus I *heart* children's books and love finding other people's favorites.

Resi · #8 July 13th, 2009, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KatiInCT

What about calling the birthday a "Birthday Book Bash.... Come share your childhood favorites with our future book worm." If you make it fun as part of the theme it won't seem as exclusive of what you don't want but more inclusive of what you do want. Just my :twocents:

Plus I *heart* children's books and love finding other people's favorites.

That is a good idea because Oliver loves books. His favorite thing to do is sit with me while I read books and he turns the pages. I also love getting him new books.

#9 July 13th, 2009, 12:40 PM

I was going to suggest a themed birthday as well, like wooden (can include books cos they come from trees!).

I'll be the same when it comes to Kirsty's birthday, our house is small and we don't have space for loads of toys, nor do I want people to buy a heap of toys, I would rather she got clothes & books. It's difficult to find the way to suggest it to people though, but they would understand. I'm sure they would rather get something you are happy with than not.

Resi · #10 July 13th, 2009, 12:43 PM

Maybe I can put something like.. " Gifts are not necessary but if you would like to bring one we prefer books, eco-friendly wooden toys, or clothes".

Mars · #11 July 13th, 2009, 03:19 PM

You got some great suggestions to go for themes! I think that should work out well!

#12 July 13th, 2009, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Resi

Maybe I can put something like.. " Gifts are not necessary but if you would like to bring one we prefer books, eco-friendly wooden toys, or clothes".

I think this is the perfect way to do it. Some people won't understand why you don't want plastic, so I think "Eco-friendly wooden toys" is the right way to state it.

Mod-LadyCoconut · #13 July 13th, 2009, 05:28 PM

It may be awkward to put a 'no no' list on an invite or something but I know if I got one I wouldn't be offended. I think you should try to spread it by word of mouth and even before the party just kind of vent to MIL and SIL about how you don't like plastics because of XYZ and hopefully they'll apply that knowledge to their gift giving. I think the book theme is a FANTASTIC and fun idea!