Okay, gifts that make you go "hmmmm"

Pesky

Both kids just had their bdays and I swear our brothers have zero ideas of what is appropriate.  My brother and his family usually don't send anything (haven't had the money until my brother switched jobs recently).  My SIL told me my nieces (ages 15 and 8) picked out the gifts.  Fine.  Did okay for DS -- a book about the sea with the weird googly eyes that you can move around.  He's not into it now but DD likes it okay and eventually he's likely to get into it.  But for DD, they gave her this weird pseudo-worm pink thing.  First off, I would never advise anyone to get DD stuffed animals -- she's not that into them.  Second, WTH is this thing?  DD just looked confused and handed it over to me and was done with it.  Into the donation pile it went.

DH's brother was about the same.  Point in his favor is that he emailed to ask (after DS's birthday and just a few days before DD's) what the kids would like and to vet some stuff out (so we were able to nix a bead set, not a good choice considering her coin swallowing episode and DS so young).  Gave him some ideas for DD in broad categories like pretend play, princess stuff, books, most arts & crafts.  Did good with DS -- balance bike which we gave a thumbs up to before and I think he will like once we assembly it.  But for DD, a mixed bag.   Two games, one of which is for 6+ and doesn't seem remotely interesting to her.  The other is 5+ but a trouble like game I think she will get.  Then a stomp rocket set.  Uh, okay.  For DD.  Who is scared of loud noises and newer things.   She may be into it but odds are not great.  DS will love it, just won't be able to operate it at this point.

Oh, well.  At least I'll have some more stuff for donations and regifting. 

MyPunkinPie

Here are the gifts my cousin gave me after I had DS (note the S part of that): a cream colored newborn onsie with little applique pink rosettes all over it and a pool squirting game for ages 4+. We don't have a pool and are miles from any ocean.

Things that make you go WTF were they thinking??

SugarChick10

And this is exactly why I ask my sisters what I should get as gifts for their kids and I work with that list. For Christmas, one of my sisters will say "here's what's on their list," and I can go from there.

My one nephew is into crafts & Play-doh. My bday gift to him this year: a box of assorted Play-doh and a container of animal-shaped cookie cutters. He, my sister, & my BIL went crazy for it--the good crazy, lol.

stever

Weird.

The reigning champ for odd gifts to M is still my dad, but everyone else is more appropriate. At least more age appropriate.

ateytelb

Sounds like quite a variety of things! I don't really pay much attention on what kind of gifts our kids are getting, but it's been more or less appropriate so far.

gimmietimmies

Yeah, I learned long ago that some people mean well but are terrible about picking out gifts. Best at gifting in our family goes to DH and my SIL (DH brother's wife). Both manage to find things that people really like and actually use. And SIL will phone when she's making her shopping list to find out what the kids are in to and what they can't have.

Other SIL (DH's sister) wins for honest effort, but bad picks. She tends to pick things based on the price tag, but doesn't take into account the age she's buying for, or that it's on clearance for a reason. I told her if it wasn't in her budget to get the kids gifts, she shouldn't. The kids don't need tons of junk that breaks in 5 minutes, and are more than happy just to visit with her anyway. 

My mom and sometimes MIL pick things that are the opposite of someones interest or hobby (and doesn't get used), or clothes that don't fit. MIL at least puts in gift receipts so we can exchange. My mom means well, but she must think I'm huge. She brought me clothes for my birthday better suited for someone 20+ years older than me and several sizes larger. And completely unreturnable. What makes it difficult to quietly donated these items is that she will say, put on that cute top I got you. I can usually deflect, but after a few months I somehow manage to donate them. But, at least someone will benefit from her gift!!

JenniferTCU

We do a gift card exchange with DH's sister for this same reason. It's impersonal and not as fun for the kids but it saves everyone time and money in the longhaul