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Vent: A 51 pound package just arrived

Smuches4uSmuches4u member
in Northern California Babies

As many of you know, I'm on the outs with my father.  He's not really existant in our lives for various reasons and he's got this idea (always has) that he's in a competition.  Not really sure with who, but he's always got to out do the "other guy".

I spoke with him briefly on T-Day at which point he gave me warning that a large package was coming for Mason's Xmas Present, heard he liked trains, yadda-yadda.

My first guess was an electric train set.  Okay fine.  I liked it as a kid, DH had one and we can set it up once a year.  I'll deal.  Right?

Wrong!  It's the deluxe train table.  We live in cramped quarters as it is, and have no space for this monstrosity.  Yes, it's generous & thoughtful for my son, but the man has been in my home, he's well aware of our limited space.  WTF am I supposed to do with this thing?!

I'm so freaking peeved.

Now I've got to make a call to graciously decline such a large gift and I'm stuck with the return process through the online vendor.  Merry F'in Christmas!

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Re: Vent: A 51 pound package just arrived

  • leverbyleverby
    I'm sure there are many in the world who wished they could be inconvenienced by a large gift for their children.
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  • Smuches4uSmuches4u member

    Yes, there are many and I'm seriously considering donating it.

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  • fricksgirlfricksgirl member

    Whatever to that first response.

    J, donate it.  Or send it back and get the money and sign up for some fun lessons or put it in a "fun fund" for you & M or something.  Someone who is supposed to be close to you giving a gift that is obviously ostentatious or inappropriate for where you live is just inconsiderate.  I'm standing proud with you on this one.

      

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  • Smuches4uSmuches4u member
    If there was a way to keep it without it becoming a fire hazard, I surely would.  I know DC would love it, but it's just not realistic for our home.
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  • kbrodie06kbrodie06 member

    is there any room under a bed for it, can it be set up to fix under a bed when done? Good luck!

    Kristin

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  • Smuches4uSmuches4u member

    Bigger than under the bed.

    I'm sorry to be snippy, but when I say there's no possible room there really isn't.

    We've actually considered a similar item from Santa ourselves, but the space limitations always win.  Every angle & scenario has been considered at previous birthday's and holiday's.

    I really wish it were a different case.  I would love to keep it.

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  • f&s2006f&s2006

    I'm sorry I am clueless as to what your childcare/family/etc situation is exactly, but would putting the train table AT your father's house or any grandparents house the LO visits often be an option?  Or donating it to LO's daycare (if applicable?) 

    That way he still gets to play with it on occasion...  

     I didn't have space for the jumperoo we were given and it went straight to grandma and grandpa's house...  Stick out tongue

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  • mrs.moosiemrs.moosie
    Is there a favorite local library that you and your family like to go to? Maybe you could take your LO there and have him donate it to the library, that way you guys can go back and visit it and play with it. And he can feel like he helped/ donated. And you guys get the tax write-off. And maybe if you want, you could still be honest with your family member about the situation.
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  • fjarilfjaril

    I'm sorry your holidays are starting off with hassle. There have been lots of good ideas and I hope you can figure something out that doesn't cause more stress.

     

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  • gsbabygirlgsbabygirl

    Maybe donate it to a women's shelter?  Or the library was a good idea too.

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  • MeritageMeritage member

    I think returning it to an online vendor will be a huge PITA and the return shipping costs likely won't make it worth your while.  I love the idea of donating it to a place you all visit often like the library or even his school.

    I'm sure you've already thought of this and there likely isn't any room, but I have a friend that keeps her train table in the garage.

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  • kittylovekittylove member
    I am sorry the gift wasn't a better one. I also vote you donate it to his pre-school or library. My MIL is queen of awful gifts. She got Riley a dancing and singing Hot Dog for Halloween. She thought he would like it, and he did the first 200 times in a row he made me play it.  Then at nap time it took a nap in the garbage can outside, and hasn't been seen since.
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  • carmengcarmeng
    This would have annoyed me too, especially if he knows that you have limited space. Is there a way to talk to him, be honest and see if he'll arrange for a return. I'm thinking that it may create more problems down the road if you return it without discussing it with him first. GL!
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  • tiki_ttiki_t

    I don't know how far from you that he lives but... Here's something that my SIL did when my mom kept buying presents that were too big for the house.

    SIL got wise and said, "Why don't you have it at your house for when we come to visit so we have toys to play with so we don't lug it back and forth? That way it is extra special." Yeah, that worked. Now any time my mom buys something too big, it lives at her house. Hahahahaha!!

    I also like the museum and library donation idea too. 



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