This seems to happen to us a lot. For Christmas DD got a few things that were not age appropriate. Most of the good stuff I saved.
One that really bothered me was from my cousin. She has a 4 year old so it is not like she is clueless. She gave DD some jenky cinderella spinning thing that plays music. It is for 3 and up. All it does is spin. It is the lamest thing, and it has small parts. I was peeved, esp since I spent a lot of time getting her son things I knew he liked/wanted - a crapload of Thomas the Train stuff. So in that case, I was annoyed - but most of the time I just think they don't really pay attention like a Mom would and stash it in the closet for later.
My friend just had a baby and I found an adorable pink plastic golf club set (daddy loves to golf) and I really want to get it for them. I think its age 3-4 + but it's something I'd probably consider letting DD play with 9+ plus (like just playing with the golf club or something.
Re: age appropriate gifts
If they're good gifts that Emerson will enjoy later on down the line, I put them in her closet for a rainy day.
This seems to happen to us a lot. For Christmas DD got a few things that were not age appropriate. Most of the good stuff I saved.
One that really bothered me was from my cousin. She has a 4 year old so it is not like she is clueless. She gave DD some jenky cinderella spinning thing that plays music. It is for 3 and up. All it does is spin. It is the lamest thing, and it has small parts. I was peeved, esp since I spent a lot of time getting her son things I knew he liked/wanted - a crapload of Thomas the Train stuff. So in that case, I was annoyed - but most of the time I just think they don't really pay attention like a Mom would and stash it in the closet for later.