ica171's Profile

It's considered poor etiquette to dictate to people how they give gifts and what gifts they can give. If they ask you can try and direct them, but in my experience no one listens when you say "please don't get toys." Even if you say "they like art supplies and books" you will still usually get toys, especially if the child is younger.

Instead of trying to convince people that the kids don't need any more toys I stick with the "one in one out" policy--for every toy they receive, they get rid of one. We are getting ready for a major cleanout of the toy room because not only did my sons just have a birthday, my husband brought home a ton of toys from a friend's house and we've moved in a bunch of toys that have been in storage at my mom's. I don't even know how many toys I'm supposed to be getting rid of, but it'll be a lot.

There's a how to on BurdaStyle about making oilcloth. It involves ironing clear contact paper to fabric. That way you could use whatever fabric you want. Link here