dozens of unwanted presents

meester

DaisyFlower wrote: »

How very ungrateful, what a spolit child. Manners and appreciation don't cost anything.

They are unwanted by me, not him. Of course he was very happy to open them, I just can't see them getting used.

There is no way he can realistically appreciate them all. Numerous sets of lego, board games, etc, he can't use them all.

How many toys can a six-year-old realistically use?

Mrs7ones

How awful.....

Give them back and explain to the parent of the present-giver that you don't want your child to have the present they went to the bother of buying..... just watch the expression on their faces... bet they'll love you!

suebesue

meester wrote: »

They are unwanted by me, not him. Of course he was very happy to open them, I just can't see them getting used.

There is no way he can realistically appreciate them all. Numerous sets of lego, board games, etc, he can't use them all.

How many toys can a six-year-old realistically use?

Why don't you get all the lego together and put it in a large box so he can create to his hearts content (have you seen the cost of Lego...it's not cheap) and kids love to use their imagination (maybe you can have a go !)
And with the other stuff, why not put some of it away for a while and do a rotation with toys he tires of ?;)

pandora205

I think this is quite a problem for children and parents, as they do receive so much these days, especially if you have large parties. Children of this age obviously enjoy receiving and would be distressed if the presents were given away.

I'd let him play with everything he's interested in. The Lego sets aren't a problem as they can be combined (though at this age he might need a bit of adult help to get the most from them - some are very technical). Art materials can also be combined (felt pens, etc.). Board games are fun but again often need adult help.

It might be worth keeping discarded gifts in their original boxes/packages for storage and seeing which aren't used over the next year. In order to encourage him to use stuff, I'd put 50% away from view so that it could could be brought out during holidays etc. The key to the rest is storage, as an untidy heap of stuff doesn't encourage play.

If there are items still not used after a year, you have your prizes for next year's party - pass the parcel, and other old fashioned games. They won't remember who gave what, so that shouldn't be an issue.

pig_let_cool

my mum used to keep all the boxes in pritine condition so when we got bored of toys she would sell them again, or atleast give them to a charity shop as they are worth more with th box.

Toys are expensive, but new toys and favourites are what a child want so maybe get rid of some of his old stuff to make room for his newer toys that he will notice to diseappear?
my 3 year old brother doesnt notice his stuff going unless he comes with us to the carboot and sees us selling it, but once we explain he can have new nice toys with the money he is fine with it. as i said kids like new.

System

i hope the parents who like everyone else are paying high food/fuel bills and may have struggled to buy the gifts in the 1st place never find out how ungrateful you are! maybe next time have a smaller party just a few select friends rather than showing off to most/all of his class.

frugallass

meester wrote: »

Piles and piles of junk.... He's never going to use it all.

so why didn't you specifically say 'presents not required' on the invites or even 'ungrateful mother thinks your gifts are junk so don't bother wasting your money'

MrsTinks

I think this thread has strayed far enough from the OPs question so I'm going to close this thread - just remember: Be nice to other moneysavers....