by Becky Vieira posted in Parenting

I feel compelled to begin this post with a disclaimer: I'm grateful. I'm appreciative and thankful for anyone who cares enough to bestow a gift upon my child.
I'm just a mom standing in front of her friends and family asking them to help me control the clutter. Also, one who is trying to be financially responsible. With your money. What I?m asking feels awkward. And icky. Yet has to be asked. So here goes:
Please communicate with me prior to buying my child a gift. Or at least include a gift receipt.
Phew. I said it. It's been brewing inside me for some time. Now, before you snap to judgement please re-read the first paragraph. And allow me to explain further.

We don?t ask for gifts. We?re blessed to have friends and family who generously give our son things. I think I?m allowed to appreciate this and ask for a little mercy from the various Santas in our lives. The two feelings can co-exist. Asking for gift receipts doesn?t make me ungrateful. Yes, we?ve tried to ask for no gifts. Several times, but our requests fell on deaf ears. And we?re okay with that. We?ve enjoyed choosing presents for the little ones in our lives over the years. Gift giving is fun. Besides, have you tried telling first-time grandparents they can't bring a present to their grandson on his first birthday" Easier said than done.
I don't see why the options have to be either banning gifts entirely or ending up with a pile of things you can't use or return. Th...