amitymamaThe Attachment Parenting Community

meredith · 08-05-2004, 11:25 AM

We actually are one of those weird families that throw parties for our kids and specify on the invites "no gifts, please." They have enough family and close friends that will buy for them no matter what I say, and I don't have the room to store all those toys!

But if family asks, I always suggest money directly deposited in their savings account. They also have investment accounts for college that they can contribute to. Last year a relative bought some stocks for Alex, and I thought that was very cool - it wasn't much (maybe $50 at the most), but it will be a great learning tool for him when he gets older.

Rachel · 08-05-2004, 11:39 AM

Well since the only people that come to my kids birthday is family and maybe a couple of VERY close friends I honestly let them know what each of the keeds NEEDS or might have interest in.

The standard answer for Alicia is "well she has all the toys she could ever want since she has her brothers but she could really use winter clothing"

For Austin he ALWAYS has a list of books or type of books or GC to book stores or goodwill (he loves their book section since they are all just 25 cents on certain days)

Treyvon is the artist in the family so we usually ask for arts and crafts supplies for him and clothing

Gracie · 08-05-2004, 12:31 PM

I tell them no gifts please. Our birthday parties consist of family and one close friend. I can't fathem having a party with 10 kids and all those new toys. Where in the world would I put all the toys that pile up especially since most just get ignored after a week?

For grandparents, they just seem to know what my boys are interested in at the moment.

I say they need nothing. If they press, I still say nothing.

The grandparents have made contributions to their college funds at times. I think that gift is a little for me as well.

Pinkmommy you crack me up. I'll invite you to my next birthday party....and I'd like a Jag.

Korwynne · 08-05-2004, 01:03 PM

Lindsey just had her party this past weekend. This year was fun for me, because developmentally, she's out of the toddler stage and started into preschool - We got games, art kits, etc.

We put together a "wish basket" at a local store with some things she liked, assorted price ranges, and she also had a toys r us registry. When people asked, I told them we'd done so.. we've got relatives all over the country, and it really made it easier for them as they've got no clue what the kids already have. Plus, aside from Lindsey's my little ponies, I'm trying to avoid plastic, noisemaking toys... I told my SIL that and her response was "we saw this cool "the dog" toy.. when you pat it's head, it barks" (umm.. wouldn't that require batteries?). Most of my family has NO idea what playsilks are, cant figure out why a wooden tea set is preferable to a noisy Disney princess one, etc...

I didn't tell anyone we'd done so unless they asked

By far, her favorite gifts were her my little pony nightgown that a friend of mine brought, and her new wooden castle from Mommy and Daddy.

freedomlover · 08-05-2004, 01:10 PM

He loves them, they are one of his favorite activities, they are easy to find, they don't take up much storage room.

For my 11 yr old I say "anything to do with horses or art would be appreciated"

For my 14 yr old I say "he likes tshirts"

The close family knows the more quirky things to get them all.

Brandy · 08-05-2004, 01:17 PM

If it's family, I am honest with them and tell them how many gifts of toys we've had to de-clutter in the last couple of years. Three kids + Christmas and birthdays spoiled with toys + 2 bedroom condo = gifts being donated to Goodwill!!!!!

When family members ask I've started suggesting memberships, like to museums or that they pay for a class at the the community center for the kids. My mom has been buying us Disneyland passes for the past three years and the IL's bought us our beach parking pass. They are really starting to understand that these kinds of gifts are appreciated and used way more than the junky toys they were buying us and I was giving away.

If it were friends asking, I would suggest art supplies for my 4 yo and almost 2yo and Yu Gi Oh cards for my 6yo (you could buy two packs for under $10).

meredith · 08-05-2004, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Brandy~Mama~2~3
When family members ask I've started suggesting memberships, like to museums or that they pay for a class at the the community center for the kids.

Oh, this is a great idea! We have so many cool museums and stuff around here - and both the kids love to go.