I do indeedy lurve my MIL. And she's a good person. And she spoils us and we're apprecitive of everything they give Buffy.
So, she asked recently what Buffy wanted for Christmas, implied question being about toys. I explained that I think we'd get a lot more milage out of things that grow w/ her...blocks and pop beads and whatever than trendy toys.
MIL asked more questions so I explained more...that I don't really like electronic beepy things for her at this point--it is hypocritical, seeing how nerdy the Mr. and I are, but I'd rather push her away from techy toys until her own creativty and imaginatio are more apparent. ANd I don't like to much 'screen' type stuff for her right now--eventually sure but now, eh, I'd rather her have things she can touch and manipulate.
And that I'd really like to avoid marketed characters for now--she'll have plenty of time for those once she's old enough to 'get' them and they also 'date' her toys--a 8 YO will play w/ blocks but not w/ 'Dora' blocks.
(I didn't get preachy, I promise. I just answered questions that were asked. but I *do* have some relatively strong opinions on the subject...and I have put some thought into things)
MIL made nice 'agreeing with you' noises. About how she was 100% behind all of that....
ANd then told me ALL about the 'toy' she bought Buffy. A marketed character (I've already forgotten which one) electronicy beepy projector thing for the side of the crib.
WTF did she ask if she had already bought the antethisis of what I was talking about?
I mean, I'm not going to fight it--this isn't the hill I"m going to die on. I don't care that much--the only reason I told her about what I prefer is because she kept asking.
But really, if you're going to get her whatever you want, why convince me to spend 20 minutes expounding on my philosophies in order to ignore them?
I bet she got it in pink too. If she did, I may return it out of sheer pinkness :-P