I’ve already donated most of my kids (early) Christmas presents

[Anonymous]

My kids have received gifts from 2 sets of grandparents, and they’ve already been donated. My boys are 4 and almost 3, and they didn’t even blink an eye at the gifts or pay them any attention.

The grandparents insist on toys, not experiences. They asked for an Amazon list which I provided with LOTS of options and price points.

I set the gifts aside for a couple days to see if they’d notice them or play with them or ask for them. It’s been a few days and they haven’t.

I’ve donated them on Buy Nothing and the recipients are thrilled.

Anyone else already frustrated with gifts?

[Anonymous]

The discussion on this thread touches on this:
https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/845860.page

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My kids have received gifts from 2 sets of grandparents, and they’ve already been donated. My boys are 4 and almost 3, and they didn’t even blink an eye at the gifts or pay them any attention.

The grandparents insist on toys, not experiences. They asked for an Amazon list which I provided with LOTS of options and price points.

I set the gifts aside for a couple days to see if they’d notice them or play with them or ask for them. It’s been a few days and they haven’t.

I’ve donated them on Buy Nothing and the recipients are thrilled.

Anyone else already frustrated with gifts?

They sound like they won't miss the toys. I'd never heard of Buy Nothing so thanks for that.

[Anonymous]

My MIL insists on "experiences", such as already-purchased vacations in places they select during my busy work times. I'd rather get some books.

[Anonymous]

I'm confused. Did your kids actually open the gifts?

[Anonymous]

You sound horrible, OP. When their grandparents stop giving them anything at all, you'll be back on here complaining about that. Way to teach your kids it's all about getting what they want. Why not teach them to be gracious instead? Horrible parent, horrible daughter, horrible DIL.

[Anonymous]

I donated gifts when the kids were young, but I see no reason to be frustrated about it. Be thankful that someone wants your kids to be happy. If you want them to have certain gifts, then buy them for them. You made people happy by donating them. I don't see a problem.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm confused. Did your kids actually open the gifts?

+1

Also confused. And did you make Amazon wish lists of things you told the grandparents to get but that you didn't actually want your kids to get?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You sound horrible, OP. When their grandparents stop giving them anything at all, you'll be back on here complaining about that. Way to teach your kids it's all about getting what they want. Why not teach them to be gracious instead? Horrible parent, horrible daughter, horrible DIL.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm confused. Did your kids actually open the gifts?

+1

Also confused. And did you make Amazon wish lists of things you told the grandparents to get but that you didn't actually want your kids to get?

This is the crazy part. She MADE the Amazon list. Grandparents bought things and then she donated them. Ummm.......

[Anonymous]

Best thing out of this whole thread is my new awareness of Buy Nothing.

[Anonymous]

You’re truly a horrible person, OP. Just remember, you reap exactly what you sow.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You sound horrible, OP. When their grandparents stop giving them anything at all, you'll be back on here complaining about that. Way to teach your kids it's all about getting what they want. Why not teach them to be gracious instead? Horrible parent, horrible daughter, horrible DIL.

I hate knowing that I share the planet with people like the OP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My kids have received gifts from 2 sets of grandparents, and they’ve already been donated. My boys are 4 and almost 3, and they didn’t even blink an eye at the gifts or pay them any attention.

The grandparents insist on toys, not experiences. They asked for an Amazon list which I provided with LOTS of options and price points.

I set the gifts aside for a couple days to see if they’d notice them or play with them or ask for them. It’s been a few days and they haven’t.

I’ve donated them on Buy Nothing and the recipients are thrilled.

Anyone else already frustrated with gifts?

What experience did you want them to buy instead?

[Anonymous]

So you take the time to make a list for the grandparents and then you test your children (who are 4 and 3, so out of sight out of mind) by putting the toys away to see if they ask for them. And then, if they don't ask for them, you give the gifts away.

Seek therapy. That is a whole lot of passive aggressive behavior that is taking up a lot of your mental energy.