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Do you have family members that love to greet your child with a new toy? Every time they come over, another truck, doll, or book is left at your house. Your children are so excited and play with it for a few days or weeks, but it’s quickly forgotten when another new toy shows up.
Your family member’s love language is gifts, there’s no doubt. It brings them joy to see your child’s eyes light up when they bring them a gift. As appreciative as you are for family members that love to bring gifts, your house is getting flooded. How do you tell them to chill out on the gift giving without sounding ungrateful?
1. Change for piggy bank
Instead of using the money to buy toys that are taking over your house, talk to family members about bringing change for your child to save. They’ll love hearing the coins fall into their piggy bank! It also provides you with a great opportunity to teach them to save money.
If you get some backlash on giving money instead of gifts, I have a compromise for you. Have your child save enough money to pick out a new toy with that family member. It will be an experience everyone will enjoy. If your gift giver is a grandparent, they’ll love to take part in teaching your child such an important life lesson while still providing a “gift” in a way that you’re happy with as well.
2. Toy Subscription Kits
Most of the time, gifts from family members are something they found while out shopping and thought of your child. It could be a doll, a truck, a stuffed animal, a new outfit, or a book. While these are sweet ” I was thinking of you” gifts, anything other than a book doesn’t have a whole lot of educational value for your little one’s developing mind. Play kits are a great way to “hand pick” the toys your family member is bringing!
There are a few play kits out there depending on the age of your child. For infants/toddlers, we’ve really enjoyed Lovevery. Their kits come every 2-3 months depending on age and are 6-10 toys that are designed for your child’s developmental stage. Their toys are beautifully made and are very durable. My guy is VERY rough on toys and hasn’t broken a thing from his play kits. Each kit comes with instructions on how to introduce the toy to your child and what skill it will help them accomplish.
3. Gift of Snacks!
My son is only 2 and already eats us out of house and home. I’m thankful he’s a great eater, but I tend to always run out of snacks before our planned grocery trip. Luckily, my mom tends to bring over snacks when she comes to visit. It’s still technically a “gift” for the child, and my child gets more excited over goldfish than a new truck. The best part about an edible gift? It’s eaten and takes up room in your child’s tummy instead of your house!
4. Gift an Activity
Have your family member surprise your child with a new game or activity instead of a toy. They get to spend quality time with the family member and the physical product is non existent, or small. This could be a deck of cards, chalk to play four square (remember that game?) outside, a new dance to teach, or an experiment to try. Of course, there’s the chance grandma brings paint supplies and before you know it your dinning room table is now a lovely shade of pink.
Just like any toy, an activity is going to be heavily dependent on your child’s age. This option requires more thought for your family member to come up with an idea or plan, but they still provide the gift of play! If you decide to give ask for an activity instead of gifts, provide a few ideas for your family member so they aren’t left completely clueless and resort to filling your house with large board games.
5. Ask for gifts to be left at their house
If you visit your family member’s home often, ask that they only give gifts at this time and they be left at their home. When you’re visiting, let your children know that the toys are for playing at grandma/grandpa’s house. Giving them a heads up that the toys aren’t coming home beforehand will ease the fight to take something with them when they leave.
Your family member might get an idea of how cluttering all the toys are when they have to stay at their home. If not, you’re still getting the win of not having them clutter their home!
Setting boundaries with family members can be hard, especially when the behavior is well-meaning. Ease the conversation by already having your desired solutions ready to go. Involve them in the decision process and make a plan together so it is something you both are comfortable with. If your family member agrees to your new plan, it will be easier to stand your ground if random toys start showing up again.
Are there any toys you’re excited for your children to receive from family members? Let me know in the comments!
