Grandparents and Gifts

[cnbpa3027]

I think that people ask because they want to know. I would never offer up a list if it wasn't requested.

My MIL will always ask for a list and then never get anything off of it. My mom will ask and go right onto Amazon to get it.

If they have ideas for what to get, my parents will ask us if it is something bigger or a little different. My MIL won't, and twice now she has gotten things that we would have said no to because we had plans to buy something similar.

I always feel bad giving people specifics because I don't want to force people into spending a certain amount of money, but I usually know my audience and modify the list accordingly.

[stacylynn]

I keep an Amazon list for my 4 YO daughter and I add things to it throughout the year. My mom and MIL have both asked for the list for Christmas ideas. There is a range of things and prices on her list and we have told them several times that they are all just ideas and that the list doesn't need to be stuck to 100%.

[lepeters]

I wish I could tell my MIL what we want/need. This is her first grandchild so she is super excited and while I was pregnant was buying him clothes none of which are my style. For Christmas I tried to hint that he still needed a jolly jumper because we don't have one. I doubt she got the hint so I bought one when it was on sale just in case. Obviously it is nice she wants to buy him stuff but I don't want a bunch of stuff he will never use. It's a waste. She does the same thing with me and my husband never asks what we need or want just buys us random things that we never use. I rather she save her money.

[peachey]

I do not feel it's rude to tell people if they ask.

Otherwise it's a gift so if it's not something we need or will use I say Thank you and store it until I can pass it on guilt free.

My MIL and SIL are great, I keep an Amazon list and send that along with a list of more vague items like books about construction, or puzzles.
They both do well with that, my Mom needs more help so I usually tell her something very specific. In both instances it just depends on the person and your relationship with them.

[vshumway]

Both of my kids have an Amazon wish list and I direct people to that who ask. I let grandparents know what they need (they ask us to let them know). Usually MIL just bring me shopping with her and asks me to pick out toys and clothes. She said she would rather do that and make sure that it is something we want and like.