Grandparents giving “gobs of gobs” of gifts can feel so loving…and also like a real problem once it hits your shelves. In this video, I talk through how to handle generous relatives kindly, without letting your home (or your toddler) get buried in toys. I start by asking us to lead with empathy: to even get grandkids, they had to raise you first—and their gift-giving often comes from a good place. Sometimes it’s their own childhood history, sometimes they live far away and are guessing, and sometimes gift-giving is simply their love language. Then I share practical, respectful boundaries that actually work. One of my favorite first steps is offering to make a wish list with your child so grandparents don’t feel like they have to buy a bunch of things “hoping they hit the target.” I also suggest shifting from material gifts to experiential gifts—like a zoo pass—so the money goes toward connection instead of clutter. And finally, I talk about showing your physical limits: walk them through your toy shelf, bins, and what already fits in your space. When relatives can see your real capacity, it’s easier for them to understand your boundary without feeling rejected.