is it rude to request that people not buy toys?

Question

with a million pieces for your child's birthday? my house is overrun with 34627 toys with 3562652 pieces. thanks!

Answer 1

It's your house and your child, so you have the right to make requests, although they have the right to buy what they want as gifts. Instead of saying what not to buy, why don't you make suggestions of what kinds of things you WOULD like your child to have, for example, "He could really use some more books in his age range." If it's a big issue and your kid already has enough toys, why not consider choosing a charity that friends can donate to instead? What a great lesson for your child!

Answer 2

When i attend a childs bday i always ask the parents what the child needs. I think if family and close friends are attending it wouldn't be rude to politely say you know what he/she could really use a new summer outfit, a book to develop learning, this new movie that just came out etc

I do it cause the dora toys are beginning to overrun my house i can't take it aaarrrrrrrrrgggggggggggg

Answer 3

No it is not rude, I tell them that if they want to get my child something, get a gift card so they can pick out some clothes or other things besides toys. For my daughters 6 th birthday, I told them that she was going to Florida and the some spending money would be a great gift. Everyone was ok about it and she got tons of cash to buy whatever she wanted. Surprising enough, she only spent $20.00 of toys, she had $250.00.

For her 5th B-day we were doing her room in spongebob and I asked everyone to bring her something for her room and gave a little list of examples. People would rather get something they need, then something they want.

Answer 4

Depends on how it is addressed and said. I generally clean out the old bring in the new. We donate to hospitals and such often. I have written and requested savings bonds or educational gifts. Most people want to give your child something they will use. A phrase like I know you want to buy a toy for so and so but what they really need is savings bonds for college or educational toys for helping his reading and math.

Answer 5

I think its rude to say "Clothing only please". But "No Gifts" is not rude at all.

I have wanted to do this but instead, last year I went in my sons room and took out everything that has missing pieces, or that he no longer plays with. I put everything in boxes, and after all the presents are opened, I took the old stuff to the goodwill. It is a good tax donation and after all the new toys are opened, they dont even notice the stuff thats missing.

I have done this for a while, every birthday, christmas, etc. Now my kids are older, they tell me that they no longer play with somethign and they put it in the garage for me to dontate.

Answer 6

Yes, speaking from an etiquette POV, it's rude. You are never supposed to say anything that would make it appear you are expecting a gift.

Having said that, if people ask, you can certainly make suggestions of appropriate toys that would be highly appreciated. I think you can also quietly mention to family members and closest friends your bazillion-tiny-pieces-problem and ask that they help you out if they can. ;-) This is why I always put gift receipts in kids' presents! LOL!

But don't put anything like "please no gifts with small pieces" on an invitation to the whole class or something like that. That's just tacky tacky tacky!

Answer 7

It's not rude but provide an alternative.. 5$ into a college fund, clothing, books, supplies.. something.

Guests have to feel welcome, toy is just a safe bet.

As for the millions of toys, you could always give away a few or sell them, I'm sure your toddler doesn't need a million toys

Answer 8

I know just what you mean!
When people ask you what your child might like for his/her birthday, you could suggest a book, a DVD, a great set of bed-sheets with your child's favourite character on them, pyjamas, a cool t-shirt or hat, or maybe a boardgame. What these things have in common is that they're not noisy and they don't have a million pieces! :-)

Of course, it depends what ages your kids are...

Answer 9

No, I don't think it is rude. Having a huge Rubbermaid bin filled with Legos, I can understand. Maybe if you give people an idea of something bigger to substitute instead of those kind of toys.

Answer 10

My sister has made that same request and at first the family did not understand but we just talked to her and it makes alot of sense because not only does your home not look like a romper room but your child also appreciates what they have.