It is pretty ridiculous.
We have SO MUCH kids' stuff and I'm pretty sure I purchased only a small fraction of it. Every occasion (and even non-occasion), grandparents and other people come armed with gifts....things the kids don't need. Things my house doesn't need, and that end up in the pit of despair I call a playroom, which is currently wall-to-wall with toys that are hardly played with. I purge all the time, but I swear it multiplies.
This is what I do to try to avoid contributing to clutter:
- no-gift birthday parties (I'm fine with my daughter having her class over to run around and play, but she does NOT need 20 new plastic sets of trinkets....and she knows this)
- when we go to birthday parties, I give gift certificates for experiences (local playplaces, museums, etc.), or a consumable gift (paint, chalk, art supplies, etc.).
I would love it if instead of giving my kids gifts, people might consider just spending time with them. It doesn't have to cost money, but taking them on a bike date to the park, or for a canoe ride or something like that.....the kids would love it and it would give them great experiences and memories, keep my house clutter-free, and keep everyone's wallet fuller. :D