Anonymous wrote:Donate all but a few so you have something to show when she comes. Say the rest broke.

I disagree about the "she was trying to be nice" stuff. If she knows you don't want it and she got it anyway that is not trying to be nice. That is passive aggressive. It's not worth getting angry about, but you don't have to feel guilty for thinking it is not appropriate and donating it to people who can use it.

I agree with this PP. This situation reeks passive aggressive, and it's no wonder you're rather annoyed, OP.

Oh you poor, poor, thing! Your kids got a gift from your mother and it might break! Oh my god OP! The Baby Jesus is surely weeping in heaven because of your suffering.

You sound ungrateful. I hope next year you get NOTHING.

I'm confused as to why your kids play with dishware?

Use for ketchup etc, put some away or donate some if you want as its unlikely you need that many.

You are an asshole, OP.

This is not even worth the energy needed to be annoyed by.
A grown-ass woman cannot figure out what to do with some bowls?

Anonymous wrote:Can you find other uses for them? One beside your bed to hold your rings, one near a bathroom sink for the same purpose? Useful for holding dips and condiments, as well as olive oil for dipping bread into.

Great idea. I have odds and ends dinnerware around my house for similar purposes.

I'd keep them. If you don't have use for them now, you may in the future.

Just use the bowls for the types of things PPs described. Your kids won't be 4 and 2 forever. If during normal use some of them break, so be it. It's actually a smart idea to get kids used to being able to handle such things. A 4YO should be plenty capable of using ceramic items. Some accidents happen but for the most part he/she should be well beyond the dropping things stage. Or you could use them yourself around the kitchen or other rooms to hold earrings, coins, etc.

Anonymous wrote:Goodwill...

Yes toward your mom, OP.

and just donate the bowls.

We have some small ramekins, probably a little bigger than what you received, and my kids 3& 5 love them. I would use them for ketchup, hummus, anything to dip in. when they chip/break, toss them.

Can you find other uses for them? One beside your bed to hold your rings, one near a bathroom sink for the same purpose? Useful for holding dips and condiments, as well as olive oil for dipping bread into.

Donate all but a few so you have something to show when she comes. Say the rest broke.

I disagree about the "she was trying to be nice" stuff. If she knows you don't want it and she got it anyway that is not trying to be nice. That is passive aggressive. It's not worth getting angry about, but you don't have to feel guilty for thinking it is not appropriate and donating it to people who can use it.