DDIL doesn't use the clothes I buy for DGD

its weird isn't it...I was pleased when my mum or MIL bought or made clothes for my children..clothes weren't so cheap then. But now? I have three granddaughters and have sadly been discouraged as DIL did not appreciate the clothes I bought them. Never thanked me, rarely saw them in them. So you kind of take the hint. DIL seems to prefer clashing bright cartoon sparkly clothes...and I'm a bit John Lewis. Flattering stylish beautiful fabrics..I'd have loved to have dressed mine in them..but I was broke then. Now I'm not broke...like most things in life you just have to suck it. And tread very carefully.

My mil used to buy loads for my son. She would probably, say the same thing.

But. She shopped in sales (especially closing down sales) and we'd get a random selection of sizes that would range from the too small to the way too big and often things would be irreparably damaged. I'd use what we could and at one time would save things for ds to grow into but then we had a hugely padded jacket taking up half his wardrobe space for about 3 years and it was still to big, I just donated it in the end.
That said, there was plenty he did wear, but he was puker (medical conditions) so the chances were that he wasn't wearing something she had bought him when she saw him because we'd put it on and before we got out the house it would need to be changed.

I always bought clothes for grandchildren…. once they were up and running …. so from 12 months onwards…. my daughter has similar tastes to me … I like to be a little ‘up to date’ and that goes for babies as well . The kids always wore the stuff I bought them… some , until they fell to bits OR they really outgrew them…. I usually shopped in Next for them as I’d seen my daughter bought their clothes from there. Now they are older, and she’s separated , their clothes mostly come from Primark….and I don’t blame her! If your tastes differ so much …. just give money or , better still go shopping with her and ASK what she would like for the kids. Don’t get cross.

I seem to have struck lucky with my GC. I often buy stuff for them from charity shops - my DGS often needs a change of clothes here, so goes home with one of my outfits and I spot him wearing it again. I know what my DGD likes but only buy if they look new. I don't take offence if she doesn't wear them, but nearly always does wear my choices.

Banies do grow very quickly and you may not be the only one giving gifts of clothes, there may be a huge pile of them building up. Save your money, there will be many occasions to come when you can treat your GD.

If l buy my grandchildren clothes l put the receipt so it can be changed and ask them to change if if they don't like it. I usually give money to help out with clothes, school uniform and shoes so they can choose. The older grandchildren definitely money. Fashions change and what we think is adorable and cute our daughters and daughter in laws perhaps dont

When the elder Gdd was a few months old I remember taking a lot of outgrown young-baby clothes - some with labels still attached - to a charity shop.
It wasn’t that dd didn’t like them - she’d just been given so much, and TBH some of them - little dresses etc. - just weren’t very practical.
Nowadays she passes all such outgrown/unused things on to friends.

I'd stop buying clothes, such a waste if they're not worn. There may be another way that you can give gifts to your DGD.

What a load of fuss about a small baby and some clothes.
Not necessarily from the op, but long thread about something and nothing, really.

Everyone has their own ideas about what they'd like their baby to wear. Don't take it personally. Some mums also like to buy second hand or fewer clothes for environmental reasons.
Why don't you give them vouchers for a shop they tend to use or take your DIL for lunch once in a while and choose something together for the wee one in a local shop at the same time. You could offer to always pay for specific items when she needs them - coats, shoes, summer dresses or whatever
Find a solution that suits you both and don't let this spoil your relationship with your DIL or GD.

….she’s only 4 months old? How many clothes are you buying?!!! ???

With the current trend of knitting baby clothes being very popular, my mother (Great Grandma) knitted some really beautiful things for first grandson and my great nephew. My (now x) DIL and my niece have never used anything she produced. Sadly she was very reluctant to make anything for my other 2 grandsons. It's such a shame coz DIL(No.2) would love them. I knit copiously and, I must say both daughter and DIL are very pleased with whatever I give them, which is really wonderful! ?

I found quite a lot of bits at my mums, but just presume she was saving them, or hadn't got around to using them.

I had a similar, but slightly different situation, my MIL always accepted my gifts to her, but when she died I found them buried in a wardrobe. It upset me and I wondered just what she really thought of me. I didn’t shed a tear at her funeral and after her death. I’ve never let the family know how I disliked her.

I love the clothes my daughter and dil choose for their babies. Most are hand me downs and charity shop finds. If I see something similar to what they choose I buy it. Otherwise not. My mum bought nothing for my children but knitted stuff.

I find it easier to just put money into an account parents can access.

Perhaps they are in the wash when you visit?

It’s not the first time I have heard this. Perhaps the better option is to give vouchers for the shop they buy their children's clothing from and ask if they can let you know what they buy. Or stick to setting up a savings account for the child.
I’d love to make clothing for my goddaughter’s children. I’ve only been asked to make the christening outfits…..high was a huge honour.

Boring grey seems fashionable unfortunately
The world is grey enough at the moment - bring on the rainbows ?

I just loved bright primary colours, striped, spotted or patterned materials - layered party frocks and fluffy hand knitted stuff on my kids. My eldest daughter likes beige, grey or white - on herself, her kids and in her home - so disappointing!

I meant to say I laughed at that, love it ???

One day my daughter "innocently" asked the older boy (same age as her) if his grandma knitted their jumpers
"^Yes," was the reply^.
"^Thought so..." she said^.
I could have throttled her ?

I think my DGD stopped wear the hand knits when they got to
about 8 or 9. I did choose fashionable patterns!

Baby 4 months old ... grows so quickly ... you have seen your grand baby in them a few times ... she probably has loads ... do you see the baby everyday ? If not could well put them on those days ....don't worry ... think back when your children were babies ? Some clothes my son was too big even to put them on when he was born ... buy clothes a little bigger just occasionally

However, they refused to wear knitted items when they got a bit older

Years ago we were friendly with a family whose two boys wore matching hand-knits at high-school age.
One day my daughter "innocently" asked the older boy (same age as her) if his grandma knitted their jumpers.
"Yes," was the reply.
"Thought so..." she said.
I could have throttled her ?

I've never bought my grandchildren clothes, unless it's something my daughter specifically wants but is out of stock where they live eg a knitted jacket from Morrison's for my grandson recently.
They have a thriving second-hand "bag of clothes" scheme locally which has produced some beautiful bargains, plus hand-me-downs between friends and family.
I put money in a savings account every month instead.

My mother in law was an excellent seamstress, but she couldn’t resist a bargain, she would search the local market for oddments which could be made into nice little outfits.
I recall a brown crimplene trouser suit for my four year old, dresses with so many ribbons and yards of lace, some royal blue velvet trousers for my toddler.
She once made me a dress for a surprise, it was definitely a surprise, and not a very nice one.
She once bought the baby a camel coat, great choice, it needed dry cleaning after every wear!
She was kind, and meant well, but we still have a good laugh at photos of some of her creations!
Plus side. She made all the school dresses, and she was brilliant at alterations.