I don't think it's rude. I supposed though it would depend on your family member's personalities as to how to go about it. But have some ideas ready for them so they aren't totally stumped because you're right, toys that aren't annoying ARE hard to find.

No, it's not rude! Nicely say you would like toys that encourage your child to use thier imagination; which will actually help in later years in your childs school work. Blinking and flashing lights are actually over stimulating to most children. I hear you on the frustration of finding old-fashioned toys. Try on-line at Potterybarn kids, Restoration Hardware, etc. Good Luck!

I asked family members for gifts that 1)require no batteries and 2)require no assembly. It has to be a happy hanukkah/christmas for mommy too.

In my experience you can ask all you want, but (in my family at least) they will then go out and buy all the most obnoxious toys in the world!! LOL good luck, tell me if it works and exactly what you did !

Ironically, we got two packages today. The first was for my 8 month old. It was some fisher price train with animals on it. It's actually pretty cute as long as you leave the sound turned off. With the sound on, it's hell on wheels.

The second package was for my 7 year old. In it, is an electric guitar. It's a toy one and it is horrible. My daughter thought it was fab.
Thank you, mother-in-law.

I'm jumping out the window. (Which, incidentally will not receive the dramatics I intend it to, as we live in a single story home.)

Clockwork Orange...Clockwork Orange....

my mother in law always seems to buy those noisy toys for the kids. too bad she lives 6 hours away or id smack her upside the head with them. but this year she asked me to email her a list of things the kids want for xmas....no noisy things on the list! now lest hope she listens! haha

DLR, I wonder if you got the same annoying guitar as my sister got for my 4 yr old....it's that damn barbie one, but I outsmarted my sister (finally after all these years) and the guitar goes with the kids when they stay the night at her house LOL

Ok Ok, so I have purchased a drum set for my daughter! LOL...I can not help it, I am sure after she gets it, there will be a post to follow!
But no, it is not rude, although, my father buys what he wants reguardless what I ask for my daughter! Can you take the things back and get something else maybe? Ugh, I will not get into what MY IN LAWS send!

i dont think thats rude at all. Its not good to have your child CONSTALY stimulated at SUCH a high level, they'll end up not being able to ever keep themselves entertained without something flashing or making noise. If you explain it well im sure they'll understand. Like every mother i'm sure you want your child to be able to use their mind and imagination to entertain themselves rather than always relying on a crazy toy.