It seems that more than in prior years I'm getting negativty out of family members about Christmas lists for themselvees and their kids. I hadn't said a word to my sister yet about what to get her girls when I received an e-mail sent to all aunts and uncles and grandparents asking us to back off because she doesn't know what her kids want either (then she sent a follow-up explaining that it was aimed at one aunt on the other side of the family in particular). But it just makes me highly anxious and resentful of the whole gifting process. If you don't want gifts, say that. But it seems like I'm getting lists of "what not to get me" that leave few options.
DG's post on FB just sent me over the edge. You people wanted children. You planned for those children. You love those children and your extended family want to love them, too. I get it that you are stressed year round and even more so at the holidays. But get the fluck over yourselves if Grandma sends a teddy bear and little Mahkyleei already has twelve of them. She didn't have to send anything.

I just a friendly gal looking for options.

Re: s/o Christmas lists (warning: the post contains the rantings of a bitter infertile)
I didn't see the DG post and your sister was a jerk about blasting everyone instead of confronting the one.
I just a friendly gal looking for options.
We want to teach our kids to say thank you for whatever they're given, but people who give to children, especially small ones, should be aware that the gift will be played/dealt with by the kid AND the parent, and it might be nice if the gift had mutual benefit.
[QUOTE]zsa- I have no doubt that you are thoughtful with everything you do. One thought- a fun money account may not be a bad idea. College savings is one thing, but having a little nest egg for a car or a trip to Europe is also great.
Posted by 6fsn[/QUOTE]
<div>True.</div><div>
</div><div>Or get the exersaucer and slap a gift receipt on it. Make sure they know you won't be offended if you don't see it in their house on your next visit.</div>
It just seems like people feel entitled to gifts, but holy hell if those gifts aren't perfect. We should all just pass an envelope full of cash to the left and go home. I could argue that the whole idea of request lists is tacky. I know it is a practical necessity of our culture, but in summary, and in conclusion: it's a gift. Take it and be nice about it.
I just a friendly gal looking for options.
i'm always grateful anyone gives anything to the kid. to me, it's just the fact that the people thought of him when they took time from their day to either go to a store or spend time on a website is very thoughtful.
ETA: I think a dead animal would be a bad gift, too, FWIW.
[QUOTE]I am totally with you Zsa. And I don't know anyone who thinks a live animal is a good idea for a gift, so I'm not even going to worry about that. <strong>ETA: I think a dead animal would be a bad gift, too, FWIW.
</strong>Posted by AuntFlo[/QUOTE]
Bwahahahahahahahaha!
I only offer "do not want" if people ask. (Like I got asked if DefConn needs a ride-on toy. He has three...and only one ass. We don't need another).
But if I get duplicates or something that just won't work for some reason, I just try to return it. Wal-mart took almost everything back that I returned last year (he got three ride-on toys for Christmas last year...We returned 2 and then he got 2 more for his bday, which we kept...Why? I don't know
I have said no to certain things when asked too. The easel for instance. MIL kept trying to insist and I'm glad I put my foot down because he wouldn't have enjoyed it anyway.