How do you politely request friends, and family not to buy a child clutter?
It seems to be quite a tradition to buy large quantities of unneeded items for children. I have a fifteen week old daughter, and I am sure that I have only seen the beginning of the onslaught. I am considering tactful preemptive options to help stem the tide of gifts.
I have a family friend who includes a message that reads something to the fact that the child has all he needs, and that books, and donations to a college fund (best gift) would be appreciated. This has caused a small social disturbance, and people seem offended. I find the sentiment refreshing, and buy the child a book, a bond, and perhaps a small toy.
I am attempting to phrase my desire for minimal clutter, my dislike for the importance people place on things, and to direct the need for tokens of affection to take the form of learning devices (predominately books), and proper saving vehicles.
Should I attempt to convey these feelings? Or should I just return what I can, and donate the rest? I don’t think I could throw out unwanted items at the rate my wife’s cousins family does, even if it does save them the social awkwardness of dealing with the matter head on.
If I do attempt to convey our wishes, then how can I word them as softly as possible?
1) My daughter has all the possessions all the things she requires.
2) We have a small home.
3) My mother-in-law is a compulsive shopper, and hoards items beyond comprehension. Clutter is not wanted in any shape, or form as it causes stress on my wife.
4) Please keep all gifts smaller than a breadbox. Books are most welcome, as are contributions towards my daughter’s college fund (best gift).
At any rate it never ceases to amaze me how people spend so much money on items we don’t want, or need.
I have a family friend who includes a message that reads something to the fact that the child has all he needs, and that books, and donations to a college fund (best gift) would be appreciated. This has caused a small social disturbance, and people seem offended. I find the sentiment refreshing, and buy the child a book, a bond, and perhaps a small toy.
I am attempting to phrase my desire for minimal clutter, my dislike for the importance people place on things, and to direct the need for tokens of affection to take the form of learning devices (predominately books), and proper saving vehicles.
Should I attempt to convey these feelings? Or should I just return what I can, and donate the rest? I don’t think I could throw out unwanted items at the rate my wife’s cousins family does, even if it does save them the social awkwardness of dealing with the matter head on.
If I do attempt to convey our wishes, then how can I word them as softly as possible?
1) My daughter has all the possessions all the things she requires.
2) We have a small home.
3) My mother-in-law is a compulsive shopper, and hoards items beyond comprehension. Clutter is not wanted in any shape, or form as it causes stress on my wife.
4) Please keep all gifts smaller than a breadbox. Books are most welcome, as are contributions towards my daughter’s college fund (best gift).
At any rate it never ceases to amaze me how people spend so much money on items we don’t want, or need.