MIL gives crappy little toys and we don't want them. What would you do in this situation?

Question

My dear MIL is, shall we say, famous for buying the crappiest of crappy "toys" at the 99 cent stores and places like that. Then on top of that, she will ALWAYS ask whatever child (or parent, depending on the age) if they liked the toy, play with it, and if they knew who gave it to them (then reminding them right then and there)...in front of everyone, no less. It only used to irk me slightly, as it wasn't happening to me, that is until my hubs and I learned we're expecting out first child in January.

Now, I'm completely aware that I'm way ahead of myself here, but the looming possibility of ending up with oodles of crappy, lead-filled, potentially dangerous "toys" constantly thrown our way concerns me. Plus, it's not even like we can take them, say thank you, and then they magically disappear.....especially since she likes to make a point of quizzing folks on the random gifts they have received.

I know I could, for example, tell my Mom to save her pennies and not buy our child stupid little crappy things, and she'd be cool with that. Now, I know full well, my husband or I, could never tell my MIL this (in a tactful way, of course!) as it would hurt her feelings.

Am I completely out of line here? How would you handle this situation? Help.

Answer 1

Lucky for you, you will have a few years before you kid will actually have to answer your MIL's questions ... in the mean time, when she gives you these lovely little treasures, donate them to goodwill. You and your child may not want these toys but I am sure some kid somewhere else would be happy to play with them.  

Answer 2

LOL! My MIL was similar, she always sought out the bargains and loaded up on the crappiest stuff for the kids. The thing is, the kids loved the c**p! I used to cringe when they'd walk through the door with the cheapo stuff I wanted to immediately toss out. Fortunately, because it was so cheaply made, it didnt last long. If you just keep telling her 'sorry, the stuff broke', maybe after a while she'll get the hint that you will toss it after a day or two, and she'll stop wasting her money.

Just an additional tidbit- my MIL (who I do love dearly, despite all her quirks) is very, very ill (heart transplant) and does not have much longer to live. My kids treasure the memories of their Nanny giving them these little trinkets and gifts. As crazed as it made me at the time, looking back now I realize there are much bigger things to worry about.  

Answer 3

I would say thank-you, pretend you're very pleased with what you have recieved, and then throw them away or keep them in a special bin where no one plays with them, but their there if your MIL ever asks about them or something.  Don't give them away, because, think about it, if you don't like them, why would the person you give them away to like them??

:)

Answer 4

punch her in the face.

Answer 5

I'd say thank you and act pleased.

Then later I'd either throw them away or give them to charity. Or put them in a big box and "save" them

Answer 6

If that is the worse situation you have to deal w/ when it comes to your in laws, you will be very fortunate.  Not all people are wonderful at giving perfect gifts, so I would recommend just being gracious towards her and tolerate it.   Pick your battles.