Tis the season for laughter and cheer, joy and snow, and if you have kids .. toys, toys, toys, and more toys. I am extremely fortunate to have a wonderful family that treats my son as if he is a Prince (this also happens to be his nickname from my mom). As much as I appreciate the love and generosity, Christmas is now the dreaded time of year for my husband and I. All it means is we need to rearrange the house to fit more toys, try to reorganize, and now there’s going to be MORE STUFF for us to clean up from our living room floor every night. I know I can’t flat out tell people not to buy things for the boy (they would NEVER abide), however I can at least set some guidelines right?

Stuffed Animals are the enemy. They do nothing but collect dust and sit in a pile in his room. I know this is VERY hard considering my three year old is obsessed with animals (and pretends to be a different animal everyday) but please refrain from picking up the new FAO Schwarz animal line from Toys R Us.

Stocking Stuffers. Or as I like to call it “small junk”. He doesn’t need a stocking in addition to his gift. Its not about QUANTITY, please don’t get him a bunch of little junky things we’re going to step on or have to wear a biohazard suit to use because its made of chemicals and BPA. Save the $7 or $10 and use it towards a Starbucks.

Living gifts are NOT okay. I don’t care if it is a fish, if I have to feed it or clean up after it.. it’s not welcome in our home. I have enough things to keep alive (including a dog), we don’t need anything else. If you choose to get this item, it will stay at your home and he can visit it on occasion. Hope you enjoy your new friend 🙂

Age appropriate items only. I know that really “cool” car building kit seems awesome but its meant for a 10 year old, not a 3 year old. I have enough stuff and limited storage in my house as it is, I’m not keeping items for 7 years. Please make sure the gift is not something I’m required to store and give at a later date… I’m not that organized. It will probably end up being re-gifted or donated.

Toys that make an obnoxious amount of noise. This includes but not limited to drums, guitars, or any other musical instrument, and those toys that require an on/off switch. You’re really just setting up a big disappointment here .. think of how bummed he will be with a toy that is supposed to make all this noise but doesn’t. I’m not past taking out batteries and hiding toys.

Less is more. Just because he likes animals and is really into dinosaurs doesn’t mean you need to get him EVERY dino or animal you see. Save some things for other people who are asking what to get him for Christmas. Plus he’ll be more excited if he has 2 things rather than being overwhelmed with 75 different things.

Other things to keep in mind while watching the 3 year old open his gifts.

1. Clothes are something mom & dad are appreciative for and he needs. Even though he is not jumping up and down to open the gifts, he will be VERY happy to have the clothes especially since he picks out his own outfits for school and is all about looking “cool”.

2. There are a ton of gifts he’s opening, if he’s in a good routine of opening, don’t ask him if he wants to take your toy out of the package. This will create an entire situation which may never be put back on track.

Don’t get me wrong mom & dad are VERY grateful for all of the generosity from our family and friends, but remember there’s a potential chain reaction for EVERY gift you give!

What are some of the gifts on your DO NOT buy Christmas list??