How to be nice about it?

[WingingIt]

I'd go with the excuse of it's a problem with boots in general, not her taste in boots.

MIL, I bet they are the cutest boots ever but the kids have a hard time keeping boots on and we end up losing one when we're in stores (mall/parking lots/whatever) because they fall off (out of the shopping cart seat area/stroller). They really need some (insert color here) tennis shoes, though, do you think you'd have any luck finding some? I've been having a hard time finding them.


That lets her down without blaming her and gives her a new mission (although I bet she can still find some that light up! lol) and let's her think she's helping you while you're really the one directing what she's buying.

Good luck!

ETA: If she buys the boots anyway, then, oops, one got lost somewhere!

(then you can donate them and she won't be asking where they are.)

 

[SarahFair]

Hmm some good ideas there!



I dont think I could ever tell her that I lost the boot. That one would stick with me longer (probly in stories shell tell her great-grandkids

) than just telling her no to them

'Oh they just had the cutest boots I bought them for Christmas but Sarah lost a boot, suprise suprise, so they cant wear them anymore' *sigh*
All that in front of people!

Im just a frazzled stay at home mom! I cant keep up with every little tiny thing you give them! Im sorry!

...k Sorry just had to get that off my chest

 

[sundance]

Quote:
VERY GOOD ADVICE marrie

 

[saddina]

"Sure, make sure to send the reciept incase I need to swap sizes, stores are getting really picky about it this year". Then exchange them for some sneakers.

 

[danielle82]

Someone buying your kids shoes is a problem? I fail to see an issue here? I'm not trying to be snide or rude, I am actually asking why this needs to be resolved? If she is your MIL, she is their grandmother, right? My MIL bought my daughter 2 pairs of snow boots last year, she was able to wear both over the winter, switching out to the other pair when one got wet, and then we were able to take them to clothing bank. I think its nice if someone see's something and thinks of the kids, and bein the grandma she probably loves the and thinks of them often...isn't that something to be grateful about? Some grandma's don't have much money and would LOVE to get their grandkids light up boots, but it sounds like this grandma can afford it.

 

[AK Michelle]

Quote:
Suggest what they will wear. Be ready with a definate selection, brand, color, size. My MIL really appreciates not spending her $ on something that will never be worn. By giving her an alternative she has something to go find for them.

 

[meriruka]

Once my friends & family found out I had chickens, I was inundated with every household product & knickknack ever made that was remotely related to poultry. Some were cute, a lot were pretty awful. A good portion of the stuff is in the attic with the name of the giver
on it, so when they visit, I drag the stuff out & scatter it around the house. It makes people very happy to see things they've given you.
As much as I'd love to say " STOP WITH THE CHICKENS ALREADY!", I think a gift is not about getting what you want, but being grateful that someone thought enough of you to actually give you something. Lots of times I've given someone a gift I thought was the coolest thing ever, only to find they didn't like it at all. Kinda takes the wind out of your sails.......

All that said, she DID ask you, it's up to you to decide if hurting her feelings is better than putting up with light-up-ill-fitting-boots until your kids grow out of them. Luckily, kids grow fast and when they get older they can go online & join in the "Worst gift you ever got" threads with some winners. Worst gift I ever got was rainbow striped knee socks with toes in them. As a teenager, I would have thrown myself off the roof before being seen in public with those on. Oddly, now I kinda wished I'd saved them.

 

[SarahFair]

Quote:
Ok, yes, I see you point BUT
Boots do not fit them well. They do not stay on their feet.
Plus I am tired of all the characters. Its like I cant go anywhere in the house without being stared down by Lighting Mcqeen or Buzz Lightyear.

If she wanted to send them some blue and black snow boots from good will COOL! Just please... lets stop with all the Characters!!

 

[chickenzoo]

Why don't you just tell her that you rather she buy the boys something they could get more use out of, since they grow so fast, so she won't be wasting her money. perhaps that might work ?

 

[Wildsky]

Quote:
Ok, yes, I see you point BUT
Boots do not fit them well. They do not stay on their feet.
Plus I am tired of all the characters. Its like I cant go anywhere in the house without being stared down by Lighting Mcqeen or Buzz Lightyear.

If she wanted to send them some blue and black snow boots from good will COOL! Just please... lets stop with all the Characters!!

I actually went clothing shopping with my MIL many years ago - I think around 6 years or so, and when she pulled some shirt or other off the rack, I told her - I prefer plain clothing without all the characters all over it. I haven't had a problem since, she still buys clothing for them, and sticks to plain colored t-shirts and jeans - she does still buy the odd item with writing or something on it, but I haven't received one gawdy "Spongebob" or other item!

If you live close enough, perhaps you can have hubby play with the kids, and you can go shopping with MIL. (do leave the kids at home because their eyes will light up at the sight of the gawdy! (mine used to) While shopping together, you can drop in the odd suggestion etc.