Stupid presents for grandchildren

My 22 yr old son is very much into Lego still. He recently bought the Lego bonsai tree and it is a lovely ornament.
Lego is very much in fashion again now, especially for adults [ I am sure my son keeps them in business ) I can't see the problem with buying something they would like?

To me the point of giving presents is to give the recipient something she or he wants and will be pleased with.

Obviously, at our age, we consider a lot of what an 11 year old would like rubbish, but so what?

If you really don't want to give her what she asked for, ask again, if there is something else (not made of plastic,
objecting on eviromental grounds is probably more understandable than on what it costs) she would like instead.

Incidently, as a child I greatly preferred the grandmother who gave me toys she knew I would like and play with, to the grandmother who gave me what she thought I should have - usually a 10 shilling postal order she and Grandpa specifically stated had to be paid into my Post Office Savings Account AND what I eventually bought with the money from Grannie and Grandpa had to be the subject of a letter to them, over and above the thank-you note!

I’ve never liked the idea of ‘asking for’ gifts for birthdays or Christmas. I still buy for the smallest grandchildren, but the others get the dosh, and I don’t care what they do with it! I do buy a ‘wee minding’, but so often have seen them being delighted with what they have spent the money on, which is often something I would never have bought for them in a million years!

I always try and make sure that my presents are just fun - nothing educational! When they get to teens I give them money.

I usually buy things that one can use. Luckily my DD is not a spendthrift and often buys used toys and clothing. When I visit, I usually observe what is "going on" and make my decision according to that. Living in Germany, English books are always a treat. The latest gift is glass espresso cups and saucers. Instead of a bottle or a sippy cup, the little one has been taught to drink out of a schnapps glass instead of a bottle or a sippy cup. A few weeks ago, we brought a huge cardboard box which has been a huge entertainment. Gifts do not always have to cost the world. Sometimes one has to think "outside the box". I remember when I worked in a supermarket, the poor grandparents came with lists of wishes that their GC could hardly afford.

I buy what is suggested or we club together if something very expensive is wanted by my Granddaughter. My Grandson now 11 years old is a Gamer like his Dad & Nan before him so always wants money to put towards a game he really wants. he saves his money till he has enough so no problems.

Sorry but why ask them if your going to criticise

Last Christmas one of my granddaughters wanted an apple iPad, quite expensive, then the accessories made it very expensive.
I have warned her that it was a once off!

I’m in my 60’s and absolutely love doing Lego! Last Christmas my husband bought me the bouquet set and then, a bit later, also bought me extra flowers to add to it - roses, sunflowers and tulips!

This year I’ve already dropped hints that I’d like the Boutique Hotel! At £174 it’s not cheap but will provide many hours of enjoyment!

Surely the recipients’ choice is paramount ? You can’t expect gratitude for buying something that you’d like

I love the Lego bouquets. I bought myself one a while ago but haven't built it yet.

Lego are doing a lot more sets with adults in mind.

I particularly like the ship in a bottle

I bought my adult daughter a Lego Bonsai tree. She loves it and it’s lovely!

I always ask my DDs what their offspring would like, and try to get it for them! Saves wasting money on things they don't want.

Yes to fun presents of the recipients choice and any Lego is wonderful (in my opinion)!

I have one tattoo, Sara1954, and I was surpised how little it hurt. But ear piercing hurts like h**l.

I buy my DGS wooden toys and cars etc., as I don't like buying plastic. My daughter has found that as he grows out of them she can sell them for almost new price, whereas the plastic toys have to be given away.

I used to teach Dyslexic/dyspraxic students and I'm sure while it may take her a bit longer, your Grandaughter while get immense joy and pride from her kit.

Wait until she requests Lego Hogwarts! Result was fantastic and it took my 12 year old 10+ days over Christmas. Cost was **!
Lots of skill needed.

When I can't face buying what they want, I give money! This year my daughter asked for really expensive dressing up kits for her 3 year old. I just couldn't justify spending that sort of money on them plus it was more than I was thinking of spending so I gave her £25 towards it and bought a little present for her to open.

If my DS and partner are buying a 'big' present for one of the boys, I sometimes make a contribution to it. Youngest DGS has a very fancy (ie extravagant) gaming computer to which I may have contributed a joystick!

I only give my G/children £30 each for birthdays and christmas.
They do what they want with it.

I don't buy them presents anymore. Money for the oldest grandson and Smyths toy voucher for the younger ones. They love going in to the superstore and spending their nanny present until it runs out. Mind you it's bad enough visiting the store to buy the gift card couldn't be doing with the shopping bit! The place is vast with racks of stuff. But they get what they want.

Water meadow, LEGO is not tat, I don’t blame your granddaughter for wanting the flowers they are beautiful she can always put them in her own bedroom. I in fact have bought them for myself and done the bouquet, bonsai, cactus, and the orchid. I have done many more, and just finished The Scary Night. I find it very therapeutic and I am 70. Maybe you should watch your granddaughter build it and watch her delight.

My son used to be obsessed with Lego, a few years ago I bought him Tower Bridge, and I’m getting a few good ideas for this Christmas, I like the ship in a bottle.

Nellie54 - just googled the Hogwart’s Castle. It looks amazing - eye wateringly expensive, but money well spent on your DGD.

Millets 64, I am glad you like Lego. Hope you manage to get the Boutique Hotel. I finished mine and it was lovely to do. It is well worth the money. Hope you enjoy doing it as much as I did.