Christmas Toy requests

My SIL has been putting out lists of "acceptable" or "preferred" Christmas gifts every year since her daughter was born. On these lists are also things not to buy. I think this was encouraged by my MIL because she asks for suggestions for what to give for Christmas.

So now that we have Jake, my MIL is requesting the same of us. She distributes these lists to other family members. I find it kind of rude. It's like registering for Christmas. I understand she wants suggestions for her christmas shopping, but I just find it odd to put out a list of what to buy and what not to buy for your child for christmas.

I'm trying to decide how to address this. I already tried blowing her off by saying that anything age appropriate is fine but she is insisting on more specifics.

Does anyone else find this odd? Oh and I posted here instead of on Parenting because I want to hear opinions from people who don't have kids yet. How do you think you would feel if you received one of these lists? And do you think you would want to do something like this for your child?

Re: Christmas Toy requests

We usually ask for the same kind of list from my SIL - mostly because she is SO picky with what we get the boys (they are 6 and almost 2).

She's been known to return stuff that SHE doesn't like, so instead of risking getting something that will just get returned for store credit, we get stuff off the list.

I totally understand where you are coming from, but I think most people appreciate some specifics for what to get.

Boy, your SIL is ruining everything for you isn't she!!

Re: Christmas Toy requests

well I love suggestions so I would probably like it. But the whole concept is a tad weird.....lol

I know I always ask my BIL and my sisters and my friends what their kids want, so I get ideas. Have never been given a list though. I know a lot of them prefer they buy the toys and tell us to buy things like books, clothes that sort of thing.

Re: Christmas Toy requests

This year my 12 year old niece made a Toys R Us wish list. And I thought how weird that kids get to register for their holiday presents!

I usually ask for a few suggestions on what to get the kids. I like to make sure I'm getting something they like. I'll usually hear from my sis or sil that they have enough of something and the kids don't even play with the stuff they have so not to waste $. Or I'll hear there is a certain "new" character they like.

But I've never been given a list.

eta spelling

Message edited 12/4/2005 9:49:54 AM.

Re: Christmas Toy requests

Whatever happened to "It's the thought that counts"? Geez! My mother already went out and bought Jared Baby Einstein toys and alphabet stuff without asking me. I would be annoyed if my MIL gave me a list like that. Don't you think it's fun to go toy shopping for kids? You get to play with everything before them!!!

Re: Christmas Toy requests

I just LOL because Fortunoff now offers "holiday registries"...they sent me an email about it.

As for the list, I think it's fine for immediate family only.

I don't even have kids, yet. But, I've always said that I hope people give our kids cash that can be saved in an account. But, once we have kids, I'm never going to mention it again.

I think it's okay for your MIL to ask for a list for *HER* use. It's NOT okay for her to ask you to write a list that will be distributed to everyone.

Keep us posted!!!

Re: Christmas Toy requests

Well, this is tough because I always ask everyone what they want for Christams and often even ask them to give me a list, but this seems very different. I think I would feel very strange if a grandmother/mother gave me a list of "acceptable" gifts for the kids.

Personally, I wouldn't give her the list. I would just say something like, the kids like x, or she's been asking for x and y.

Re: Christmas Toy requests

We get this kind of list from my MIL and FIL - for them!!!! I kid you not!!! Last year I ignored it!

Re: Christmas Toy requests

Posted by mrswask

We get this kind of list from my MIL and FIL - for them!!!! I kid you not!!! Last year I ignored it!