How do I tell my family to stop buying my kids huge plastic junk without sounding like a total jerk or ruining the Christmas vibe? Its only October but I am already stressing because last year my MIL spent like 500 bucks on this massive play kitchen we literally didn't have room for in our tiny apartment here in Chicago. We have a strict one in one out rule now because the place is just too small but I don't know how to say that nicely to people who just want to be generous.

I read online that making a shared Amazon wishlist is the way to go but then I saw a bunch of people saying that older relatives find lists tacky or too transactional and they want the surprise factor. My parents are definitely the type to find a list rude. I'm trying to pivot everyone toward experience gifts or maybe just one nice thing instead of ten small things that break in a week.

• Experience gifts like zoo passes
• Contributions to their college funds
• Maybe just books?

I dont want to hurt feelings but our living room is disappearing under a mountain of toys. How do you guys start this conversation without it becoming a whole thing?