** edited**

Hopefully I come across less snarky now😅

With my 2 1/2yr old getting over 50 new toys total from all the family, and being due with my second baby girl in 3 days, I’m wanting to lay out some rules with gifting now that it’s early on so I won’t have to be constantly going through material clutter in the future (it gives me such anxiety!).

It’s mainly just my mother-in-law (who ignored me mentioning that I was giving family a 5 toy limit for Christmas, and brings new toys every time she visits), anyway what do you guys think of what I’ve written up now? Would you guys print this or send it in a txt?—-(after kindly mentioning something in person first; and saying it’s for all the grandparents and family of course).

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Family Gifting Rules;

We are so thankful that we have people who love our kids and shower them with gifts- we recognize that you want to bring our kids happiness and that you’re out thinking of them when you buy them things and we are grateful for those intentions. Moving forward we are trying to become more minimal in material items and less cluttered as it has become overwhelming having all our family’s love in the form of toys in our home! Here are some things we feel are important for our family moving forward.

• Throughout the year only a couple quality clothing items and shoes, crafts or activities that can be done with tools from home, or experiences and classes are all okay.

• For holidays other than Christmas and birthdays-

one gift to wear (dress up or holiday-themed), a couple activities that can be done with tools from home, or any perishable items (craft supplies, play dough, glitter glue, bubbles, stickers, EWG verified bubble bath or bath bombs, organic low-sugar snacks, ect).

• For birthdays-

one gift for play, something educational, and a book, activity, or craft (no more than 3 gifts total, lessons and classes or experiences are also okay).

• For Christmas; a gift for play, 1-2 educational gifts, something they need, and a book, activity, or craft (no more than 5 gifts total, lessons and classes are also okay).

• We want everything to have a meaning and purpose, and want to avoid any bulky plastic or noisy toys unless that’s what they’re realistically intended for (such as animal noise, a siren or engine on a truck, or a musical instrument) natural materials are also preferred when possible.

• We will more than likely have a wish list on hand for any suggestions that we feel the girls would appreciate.

Remember the greatest gift is time spent with their loved ones, so reading a book, telling a family story, or going on a special outing is the best thing they could ask for.