Dear Cr-Abby from Tired Mom in the City

DEAR CR-ABBY:
Ever since our baby girl arrived eight months ago, my husband and I have been inundated with baby gifts. Our daughter is the only grandchild on both sides of the family. My husband's parents and mine are divorced and remarried, so there are eight grandparents doting on our daughter. Consequently, we have received multiples of every baby item you can imagine.
Because we live in a small apartment with few closets, there is nowhere to put all these things. We have donated several boxes of clothes and toys to the local shelter. My parents become upset if they visit and we can't produce every single item they sent us. They want us to get rid of other people's gifts and keep only theirs. I don't like the tension this is causing.
Are we obligated to keep these gifts, Abby? Isn't there a way to encourage people to be more restrained in their giving?
-- TIRED MOM IN THE CITY

Dear Urban Based Madonna with Closet Challenge,

You aren't getting too many gifts you are just getting the wrong things. Send your party of 8 a little note. Something like this...

Dear Spoilers of Baby X,

We greatly appreciate the gold, frankincense and myrrh, really we do but space to house the gifts is becoming problematic. Therefore, please consider these alternatives;

T-Bills in varying denominations
Stock in any non-American company
Gold Coins

Or if you must keep up the barrage of space bandit offerings we request...
A Big Down Payment on a Big A## House in the Burbs.

Here's a gal who faced a similar dilemma maybe her approach would be wise :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIjBO26qjYM

Cr-Abby