Gifts from in-laws - not always appropriate

mysweetpeasWil&Wes wrote: My in-laws are always giving Wil gifts that are not age appropriate. Does anyone else have this happen? I know that I was fairly clueless about children's gifts before I had my own, but come on, can't they ask the store clerk for help?? I don't mean to be rude. It's the thought that counts, right? But they always give us things that he can either choke on or clothes that are way too big OR too small!! Get this - when Wil was first born, my FIL gave him a bootie and cap set by Petite Bateau (expensive stuff!!). The boots were infant size (which he never wore because they fell off all the time) and the cap is 18 months!! When I opened it, I said "oh great, he'll fit into the hat later" and my FIL was like, no that should fit him now. And was sorta offended that I said later. Wil is just NOW wearing it!!

I have learned to just put things away for later, but I often find myself not using them at all because my in-laws like expensive things and they just aren't always that practical for a kid. My MIL gave him a $40 jean jacket when he was ONLY 3 months! It was so stiff, I couldn't stand it on him. Plus they get things at unique stores where I can't return them. Oh well. Sorry to sound selfish. I should be more greatful.

A&A'smommy replied: that would aggravate me too I don't have this happen to us because my parents always ask and alyssa is the third grandchild on dhs side... I would just deal with it I personally do not do well when it comes time to say something so someone else might have better advice...

ammommy replied: That's a hard situation to be in. Would your DH talk to his parents and say something like "I know it's impossible to buy for little kids, do you want some suggestions?" That's what I finally had to do with my stepmother. She was actually grateful for the help.

DansMom replied: One relative gives electronic toys above his level that are fairly annoying. One of them, even I could not operate properly. I'd slide in a card, and the voice would keep yelling "Slide in a Card!! Slide in a Card!!" And if you walked away without turning it off, the voice would yell "Yoo HOO!! Are you There!!" I kid you not---this was a gift to a one year old. We finally tossed it because all it did was create frustration and annoyance. The same relative gave my 7YO nephew a gameboy. My sister was not happy, because (a) she wanted to give him a gameboy in a few years, and ( b ) she's seen other boys and how consumed they get to the exclusion of other things. Sure enough, my nephew will cry and carry on when it's time to put the gameboy down, and they have to make a discipline issue out of it, setting limits and such.

Celestrina replied: Frequently my MIL gets Ben toys that only light up and play sounds or music. Rarely does she get him something educational. I know she means well, but he needs more than just flashing lights and noise.

~KARA~ replied: My mil does the same thing!!! I dont know how she ever bought toys ore clothes for her own kids sometimes!

mysweetpeasWil&Wes replied: I think sometimes they pick out things THEY would like to wear themselves. We get really cute clothes from Paris sometimes or boutique baby shops, but they never fit right. They're totally not practical. And it's not only that, they buy one thing that is 3 mos and another that is 24 mos, AT THE SAME TIME! And then they expect him to wear both! I shop at Old Navy and get Wil the same looking stylish clothes for under $10! My FIL sent us some mini Ugg boots with real lambs wool and such, and of course he sent them way too late because Wil doesn't fit in them, they fall off anyway (and I'm scared to lose the $50 baby boots), plus we're now going into summer!

My DH would NEVER suggest anything to his parents. We just have to go with it I guess!

ammommy replied: Well, look at the bright side. You can make a lot of money at resale shops Sorry, I know it's a serious question. Just trying to find some positive!

mysweetpeasWil&Wes replied:
No that's very true!!!!! I don't mean to talk trash about my in-laws. They are great people and they can spoil Wil with expensive gifts if they so please. But here's another one that I find funny...My MIL bought us the Peg Perego car seat...and this is why...she actually said this, "oh it's Italian, okay NOW I like it!" It was if that's ALL I had to say and she was fine with it. Didn't matter about the safety reasons...just that it was Italian. My MIL is from Holland and always thinks items made in Europe are best. Now I agree in some things, but you know, American made ain't that bad! She gets on my nerves...can you tell?

gr33n3y3z replied:



sorry but reading all of these post is making me laugh

MyBlueEyedBabies replied: I totally understand, for Christmas Matt (who wears a 2T) got an $80 vest from janie and Jack and $35 boots...problem being they were 0-3 month sized. We had to rush and exchange them for the right size...he still only wore the vest a couple times and the boot still have the tags, I'm too paranoid they will get ruined. THe nicest clothes my kids have are childrens place, and those are typically bought on sale

mysweetpeasWil&Wes replied:
I'm with ya Lisa...I have quite a few things from Janie & Jack with the tags still on them! Just saving them for the next kid I guess...hahaha LOL! Children's Place is the best! Target is great too...but my in-laws would, god forbid, NEVER EVER shop there. My MIL is impressed that Wil has Calvin Klein overalls...little does she know I got them for $7 bucks at Marshall's!!! HA!!

Hillbilly Housewife replied: Oh I AGREE! My MIL got some second hand clothes at a discount store for my kids.

Not that there`s anything wrong with discount stores - I shop there ALL THE TIME.... but you don`t give someone something used for Christmas.