Grandsons first birthday present rejected

It would have been different if you had already bought the present then it would have been a rejection. My DS has a very big house and three children under 5 but he always asks for things with not too many bits which can get lost around the house. I would not have dreamed of being like that but I have to respect their wishes and always ask for suggestions which is the easy way out as they always have an idea which can be bought online.It works quite well as we always get to give the most wanted present and see the delight when it is received. This Christmas it was Baby Born for the eldest.As someone else has said the box often gives as much pleasure as the present and is something they enjoy with siblings.

Faye, one or two of those suggestions are rather text book and not about people with feelings.

But it’s not a rejection is it ? You making it into one by your upset it’s just a sensible solution that it’s not practical to have two big presents maybe the other grandparents got in first or maybe you’re more approachable please don’t let it spoil your enjoyment of your little lad or make you anti the in law parents
Love comes in all shapes and sizes big isn’t always best
Have a lovely time at the party x

granafone, I can understand why you are hurt, but I'm sure your son and DIL are just trying to be practical and are probably worried about hurting you.
We wanted to buy our DGD a swing and agreed with DIl and DS, that it would stay in our garden, as their garden was small and DGD is here frequently. Everyone happy all round.
I find it's always best to check first about big toys,before buying.
Also I always remind myself, DGD is not MY daughter, so I always check that her parents are happy with my suggestions and respect their wishes.
Are you more upset about DIL's parents present being accepted over yours, than the actual "rejection" of your present?.
Ask for suggestions, plaster a big smile on your face and enjoy the party.
It's awfully hard being an MIL?.

If you go to MN and type in presents for one year old in search, you’ll find lots of brilliant ideas of all sizes and prices and opinions in how well used they were.. I like to buy something that I’ve thought of myself but then check it out with parents in case of duplicates. I have to say that in general big presents never seem to win the value for money award or pence per minute of play as we call it. I never buy anything that requires batteries.

Why not give the toy voucher to the parents to choose something for him?

If they have a small house and you want to buy sit and ride toy I can understand their point.
My daughter has the same problem with space in her house and garden
I would always suggest you ask the parents first. They are the ones who have to find somewhere to keep it.

Excellent post Faye, sums gift giving up perfectly.

If he is likely to spend time at your home as he grows up then you could keep it for him. We have some of our grandchildrens' toys at our house when they come round.

Granofone the present is for you and your dreams ! a one year old will have no thoughts of what is good bad or ugly he ll probably play with the box anyway he certainly won’t know you ve bought it or remember it in a weeks time
Big is not necessarily best and as others have said if you have toy vouchers have another search the variety is endless
Enjoy your little ones first birthday don’t spoil it for yourself

Rules of Gift Giving for MILs :

•Consult with the parents, especially DILs, and GC as they get older.
•Buy only one gift for each child (one for birthdays and one for Christmas).
•Buy equivalent value gifts, (if you get something on sale don’t feel you then have to buy that child something else to make up the $$ value of the other GC’s gifts).
•Don’t tell your GC Santa has left them presents at your house too.
•Remember you have had your turn at being Santa for your children.
•Don’t try and outdo the parents of your GC, it’s their turn now.
•Do not have favourites.
•Do not favour your DD’s children over your DS’s.
•This is not a competition with other GPs.
•If you feel you would like to buy your GC something during the year buy pjs, or something practical. Do not buy toys.
•Do not spoil your GC.
•Again consult with the parents.

If you see him often can the present be left at your home? Just a thought.

Farmor15 The train has buttons to press, making different noises on the side it has great reviews it is the Vtech Push and Ride Alphabet Train just looked again and it comes apart so will mention that to son just wanted to get something special for his first birthday

There are lots of smaller toys suitable for 1 year old. From my experience with grandchildren, the toys with buttons to press, making different noises and flashing lights are very popular. You can get books with sound effects, which they love. I can appreciate the problem of too big toys in small house, especially if they know that other relatives and friends will give presents.
Try not to be too disappointed, it’s only his first birthday and there will be plenty of others.

Our DIL does not want too many toys as they have limited space so for GC 2nd birthday I have bought story books to wrap up and a years entry to a local wildlife park, which they are very pleased with. Children today seem to be swamped with so many toys, but it is giving them your attention and playing and reading with them that builds a good relationship fof the future. I have GC who live abroad and I am lucky to see them twice a year, I know it is hard when both sets of Grandparents are not treated equally.
Do try not to see what you give as a competition who gives the biggest/most expensive present, children do not see it that way and a pack of cards can give as much pleasure as a train set. Why not buy a small gift to wrap and give as a present and let the parents spend the toy voucher when there is something your GC needs or really wants.

They probably think the ride on kitchen is too big too. But maybe they can't be as honest with the other grandparents.

Children progress so quickly that the walker will be redundant in a couple of months. Maybe something for the future summer months like a paddling pool?

I am sure your son did not mean to hurt your feelings, but if they are short on space, was being practical. If you have a toy voucher, I am sure you could choose something less voluminous, or maybe several toys for the value of the voucher. Hugs, I can understand why you feel hurt, but doubt it was meant to be hurtful, if that makes sense?