Does anyone else's family buy toys that are not age appropriate?

I find this so annoying. DS got a Radio Flyer tricycle for Christmas last year but it is way to big for him...I can't imagine him being able to ride it until he is almost 4. I mentioned to my mom that I wanted to get him a little tricycle and she doesnt understand why being he already has one Maybe b/c he can't reach the freakin peddles.

The same thing with the wagon...it's the shallow old school Radio Flyer one which is cute but I dont feel comfortable putting DS in it and walking him around. It looks like he'll fall out especially with all the cracks and bumps in the side walk. I would prefer to have the double seated one with belts. Now I feel bad if I try to return it or buy what I want.

I am very grateful that my family buys DS such nice presents...but I would prefer for them to buy things that he can use now rather than having to keep it for 2 yrs. until he can.

Re: Does anyone else's family buy toys that are not age appropriate?

Can you set up an Amazon wish list for DS so they have a better idea of what to purchase? My family got a little better after I did that -except my parents that do not use a computer-LOL But I suggest to my mother to make her life easier I will get DS something he really wants and pick it up so she doesn't have to worry about shopping...and she just gives me the $$.
Try an Amazon and Toys R Us registry it may help!
Good luck-it is annoying though.

Re: Does anyone else's family buy toys that are not age appropriate?

All the time. DS has countless toys that are clearly labeled "choking hazard not for children under 3" he is now 21 months and has been getting these his whole life

Re: Does anyone else's family buy toys that are not age appropriate?

Anything we got that was a bit ahead could either be saved/preserved easily or it was just a matter of months before DS could use it. My niece, on the other hand, received a porcelain doll for her first birthday.

Re: Does anyone else's family buy toys that are not age appropriate?

i went through this too!!! but with my sil....she always buys this crap that is too babyish for my kids....and i just end up giving it to the poor!! it's like i know they mean well but just ask me what he wants!! althogh i shouldn't be surprised because when i registered for my baby shower they thought that was ridiculous and never heard of moms to be asking for what they wanted?!!!!

Re: Does anyone else's family buy toys that are not age appropriate?

This is why I do wishlists for my son!

Re: Does anyone else's family buy toys that are not age appropriate?

My family does, I love it. I always have a great stockpile of toys ready to open when he is ready.

Re: Does anyone else's family buy toys that are not age appropriate?

My ILs do this at every Christmas and birthday so far! It drives me crazy, not because I have them--I don't mind putting them away for when he can use them--but they expect to see him playing with eveything an wonder why he isn't and then get hurt!

DS is now 26months

1. At 18 months they gave him Candyland for 3 year old...come on! He can't play a game like that at that age! He can't even do it now! All he wants to do is throw the pieces.

2. I told them he already had a tricyle anc couldn't reach the pedals. What do they do? go and buy him another one. Weren't you listening to me? Just do what you want...

3. For his 2nd bday we asked them to get him a really simple remote control car that only has 2 buttons. What do they do? They get this truck that says for 5+ that has multy pushbuttons just to move, then all these buttons for other effects. As an adult I almost need 3 hands to do this things. DS gave up on it pretty quickly and it just sits there for now.

4. For his 2nd bdayt hey also got him that fish game where the thing spins in circles and the fishes mouths open and close and you have to get the fishing pole in and try and catch them. It says for 4+ and he has no hope of doing it now. He picks up the fish and throws them, then I can't find them. Plus, he keeps putting all the little fish in his mouth. Thanks.

I know it's supposed to be the thought that counts, but I wonder where the thought was when they picked this stuff out. And I don't appreciate the attitude when I tell you he can't play with it yet.

Ugh, my own vent over. I feel you!

PS I would like to add that wish lists are generally a good idea when dealing with this type of thing. Unless you have our family who thinks that's extremely rude to tell people what you want as a gift.

Message edited 6/10/2009 8:43:25 AM.

Re: Does anyone else's family buy toys that are not age appropriate?

For christmas my DS received a whole bunch of toys that were too big for him ~ so I put them away & have been giving them to him little by little (when he is ready)

Re: Does anyone else's family buy toys that are not age appropriate?

Yes we have received gifts from DH's family that were way too advanced and way too babyish.

Re: Does anyone else's family buy toys that are not age appropriate?

Yup. My MIL is famous for buying him little cheapie toys that are so NOT age appropriate. She recently bought him a little plastic gun that shoots ping-pong balls. Way to go MIL.

Re: Does anyone else's family buy toys that are not age appropriate?

honestly I don't mind them at all. I would just store them until he's ready. He's honestly got so many of the young toys I prefer the older ones. My brother surprised my DC with a power wheels vehicle It says for 3 yrs and up and he got it for his 1st birthday. We started to put him in it now granted he can open the door, get in by himself, close the door then get out and repeat the process like 30 times then he does the same thing on the other side. Hey if that keeps him happy and busy for now it's worth it! We did show him the peddle and he will press on it and laugh when it goes but obviously he doesn't understand the turning of the wheel and when to stop and all that. That feature is off limits until he's a little older but at least he gets a kick out of it.

I guess if your child doesn't have that many of age appropriate toys I would be annoyed too.

Re: Does anyone else's family buy toys that are not age appropriate?

My gripe is stuffed animals. MIL buys DS one for every occasion. He does not need another teddy, bunny, or monkey. He already has approx 20 stuffed animals!

How about some books or a mentally stimulating age appropriate toy??!?!!

Re: Does anyone else's family buy toys that are not age appropriate?

Posted by Lucky09

My gripe is stuffed animals. MIL buys DS one for every occasion. He does not need another teddy, bunny, or monkey. He already has approx 20 stuffed animals!

How about some books or a mentally stimulating age appropriate toy??!?!!

Re: Does anyone else's family buy toys that are not age appropriate?

yes, my MIL often "can't resist" buying her toys that she can't use yet.

Re: Does anyone else's family buy toys that are not age appropriate?

Apparently I bought Noah toys that aren't age appropriate!! I'm just buying him clothing from now on!

Re: Does anyone else's family buy toys that are not age appropriate?

ugh yes! but i don't mind stuff that he can 'grow into', it's the babyish toys that annoy me b/c what am i supposed to do with a toy that a 1year old would be bored with.

Re: Does anyone else's family buy toys that are not age appropriate?

You mean like a bike with training wheels when my DD was 2??? Ummm yeah. She's almost 4 and still doesn't ride it.

Re: Does anyone else's family buy toys that are not age appropriate?

Yes, but the opposite - Cailen was never into "baby" things - and now - forget it - Spiderman, Transformers, cars and trucks - stuff like that - and they buy him Baby Einstein stuff....

Re: Does anyone else's family buy toys that are not age appropriate?

i agree with pp about the amazon wish list...

its been working well for my own gifts for the past years... and the people who dont follow it... i end up getting alot of stuff that I have no clue what to do with

Re: Does anyone else's family buy toys that are not age appropriate?

not a mom, but crashing this board and just wanted to share.

Growing up, my grandmother bought both me and my female cousin the same exact barbie outfit each year for christmas from the time we were 5 until we were 15 !!!

At least there was always $20 attached, appropriate at any age.