Do you think it's ok to ask for NO toys?

**Grace3** · 05-01-2009 07:48

My son's birthday is coming up soon.

DH and I were discussing his birthday party and Dh asked if I could tell people not to buy toys on the invite.

The kids receive to many toys and most of the toys are not suitable. One present DS received at christmas was a robot which has a gun and shoots.

. I've hidden this away hoping he forgets about it.

What do you all think, is it ok to ask for NO toys?

Gracie
xxx

**Livvey** · 05-01-2009 07:58

I think it is, and will most likely be doing it in the future! Especially when it comes to the suitability of certain toys (ie guns), you are the parent and have the right to say 'no'. My DS is 9 months old, and for Christmas he received so many toys that three of them are still in the cupboard in their boxes! I understand other peoples need to buy gifts, and that's fine, but sometimes they just don't use their brains.....how much junk does a 9 month old need?!?

**subaruforestermum** · 05-01-2009 08:01

I think I would say something like,

Since christmas has only not long past,
'ds' has so many toys he cant play with them all that fast,
So instead of toys of which he has too much,
Many some books, puzzles or such..
I hope we do not offend,
But he needs to make believe and pretend.

Or you know, something like that. I dont think it's a problem, people do it for all sorts of things, and there are even people out there who dont let their kids play with commercial toys, so I dont see a huge problem with it, since christmas has just gone....

As long as you have an idea of what they can get him, when they ask...

**Grace3** · 05-01-2009 08:09

Thats the thing, they have so many books and heaps and heaps of puzzles.

I personally would prefer clothes, pjs, swimmers, hat etc...

Plus we don't have anymore room for more toys.

Thanks gals, atleast I won't feel so bad asking for no toys.

( I did have my Aunt last year tell me, its not about what I want, its about what he would like and all kids deserve a toy as a gift

)

**Mell** · 05-01-2009 08:13

Yep i think that is fine. For DS2's 1st birthday i asked everyone for clothes as he didn't need any more toys.

Everyone was fine with it.

I love the idea of putting a little poem in the invites

**WorkingClassMum** · 05-01-2009 08:15

Originally Posted by subaruforestermum

Since christmas has only not long past,
'ds' has so many toys he cant play with them all that fast,
So instead of toys of which he has too much,
Many some books, puzzles or such..
I hope we do not offend,
But he needs to make believe and pretend.

...

Very well worded!

I have just sent SMS's to my family about DD's birthday stating "No Toys" (I'm a bit blunt).

The few that have contacted me have been told a small 9ct Gold charm for her bracelet B/w $15 and $20.

One Sis and my step-mum are getting her a scooter (hers just broke), and a sis in Sydney is sending a voucher to a bookstore.

DD has too many toys, heaps from Christmas not yet even started to be played with, and also plays endlessly with DS's toys!

**subaruforestermum** · 05-01-2009 08:17

Originally Posted by Grace3

Thats the thing, they have so many books and heaps and heaps of puzzles.

I personally would prefer clothes, pjs, swimmers, hat etc...

Plus we don't have anymore room for more toys.

Thanks gals, atleast I won't feel so bad asking for no toys.

( I did have my Aunt last year tell me, its not about what I want, its about what he would like and all kids deserve a toy as a gift

)

Well you can make a little poem to fit what you want them to get, or something....(was just using it as an example

)... Plus can kids really ever have too many books...

What about playdough and those sort of crafty things, do they have much of that??? Cos you could suggest that too, paints etc, as they arent really classed as 'toys'....

But even still I dont see a problem with asking for NO toys...as long as people know that you are talking about books as well.. SO you will have to stipulate what he needs...

**Grace3** · 05-01-2009 08:24

Thanks everyone.

SFM - I like the idea of a poem

I have playdough stacked away in the cupboard we have that much as well and I even put some under the wishing well tree this year at chrissy, we just had so much of it given to us.

As you said I will work out suitable things the kids need for when people ask.

**amandaw** · 05-01-2009 08:35

I think you can ask and strongly suggest, but also need to not be offended if some choose to - in the big scheme of things, it is their choice as present giver (and getting 1 or 2 presents from those who don't like 'instruction' is definitely better than 10 presents

)