I was so relieved when we moved to Japan because people don’t typically have kid birthday parties here and people just don’t have room for a lot of toys. We still have had to deal with lots of presents from other people, mostly relatives, at birthdays and holidays, and it’s hard – it’s like a losing battle with some of them (like you describe above), who just don’t understand the downside of overindulgence.

I have bought toys over the last 9 years, but very sparingly and with care. The toys we get the most use out of are multiple-use toys – kapla blocks and other building blocks, some playmobil figures, etc. They last through multiple kids and can be used in so many ways.

Now that we are going to be having even more children in the house (number 4 this fall) I am culling through all our clothing, toys, and books because everyone can share and it would be impossible to keep track of things otherwise.

Christine

I just don’t get it. People (and this includes family) will ask me what my kids want for a holiday or for their birthdays, and I’ll say that they’re happy with a book or clothing — and it’s true. They really enjoy those things. But the gift giver almost inevitably replies, “That’s boring! I’m not getting them that.” How can you fight such a pervasive attitude?

That said, I do have a lot of fun in those “creative” toy stores where they have the dress-up stuff, Playmobil, etc. I just don’t spend much money in them!