Gift question

**Marie78** · 08-12-2007, 11:03 AM

I am going to a picnic this afternoon (an indoors picnic) with my fiance and several of our friends will be there, including our friend's 8 year old little boy. He'll be the only child there and I thought it would be nice to bring a small bag of "boy" Mcdonald's toys from this last year (still wrapped in plastic). I also found some fun fact books that an 8 year old boy would enjoy on our bookshelf (as an education major I have collected books for youth over the years).

The bag consists of several books (age appropriate) and several McDonald's toys. My thinking was it would be fun for the 8 year old to have something to keep him occupied (since he's the only child at the picnic). My fiance doesn't want me to bring it. He says it's lame and that the 8 year old won't want that junk. My fiance won't let me bring books and small games or toys to his nieces either. He says the same thing, that it's lame. I think it's a kind, thoughtful thing to do and makes the kids feel special.

Any thoughts would be helpful, I would like to bring this little bag of activities for this 8 year old. I don't see the harm in this, or the reason it would be lame.

**kittykatstrong** · 08-12-2007, 11:19 AM

I think it is a great idea. I would prob. give it to him and say something along the lines of, "I brought it for you just in case we grownups get to boring."

Katy

**Marie78** · 08-12-2007, 11:20 AM

Thank you Katy, that's what I was thinking.

**Jaded** · 08-12-2007, 11:26 AM

Your fiance is a jerk...no offense. He's forgotten what it's like to be a child. My son collected McDonald's toys until he was 14. I think it's a thoughtful gift.

**DixieJ** · 08-12-2007, 11:38 AM

I think it's very thoughtful of you to think of this child. I'm sure he will be excited about receiving it.

Dixie Jean

**frugalfarmwife** · 08-12-2007, 11:44 AM

I also would take the gifts for him, and give your fiancee a wack on the back of the head, lol, kids LOVE things like this and ANYONE that gives kids books gets high marks from me

kj

**amecoy75002** · 08-12-2007, 12:11 PM

Bring it! When my kids were small, I always carried an "activity bag" for those times when grups wanted to talk and kids would get bored. It cam in very handy for other kids also. I was always surprised that other parents did not bring things to occupy their kids. And the gift of a book to a child is magic!

**Libby** · 08-12-2007, 12:20 PM

Sorry Im with the others on this one - bring it and reap the benefits of hugs, thank you's and the satisfaction of making the ONLY child in a grown up environment very happy and sought out to made feel special. Im sure the parents will be thankful as well. Too bad you didnt have enough time to pick up something small and frugal for you bf to make him feel special so he can relate

.

I think its a great gesture on your part - please let us know how it goes over and enjoy the picnic!

**frugalfarmwife** · 08-12-2007, 12:24 PM

Originally Posted by shorty

. Too bad you didnt have enough time to pick up something small and frugal for you bf to make him feel special so he can relate

.

ROTFLMAO! Were you reading my mind? LOL, I was just thinking a bag of toys like this would thrill my hubby if he had to be with a group of my horse friends for to long

LOLOL!!

kj

**Marie78** · 08-12-2007, 12:31 PM

I had to laugh too Shorty, maybe that's the problem

. He wants me to bring him gifts more often. LOL

Thank you for all your advice, I am going to bring the gifts and my fiance can just deal with his own issues! I remember my boy cousins playing with McDonald's toys until they were pre-teens...one still plays with them and he's almost 15 years old.

**Libby** · 08-12-2007, 12:35 PM

"boys and their toys"

Well...where do you think that saying came from?

Only the toys keep changing as they age - pls note that I didnt say 'mature'

**baxjul** · 08-12-2007, 12:46 PM

I think that is very thoughtful! My dd would love that if someone did that for her!

**jinx** · 08-12-2007, 01:05 PM

I would bring them since he is going to be the only child there. Most of my dh and I friends have young children. We started early and young so ours are grown. When they come to our house I have a box of inexpensive toys and games for them to play with when they get bored hanging out with the adults. I know my boys would have loved to recieved toys like that when they were young and visited friends with us.

**latierra84** · 08-12-2007, 02:16 PM

let us know how it went!

**Jskell911** · 08-12-2007, 04:54 PM

Definately bring the "Goodie" bag! My son is almost 11 and would love a diversion from all the adults!

What a thoughtful gesture! I'm sure the liitle boy will not think it is lame at all