Packaging rant!

**Pauline** · 26-12-2010, 09:58 PM

Why, oh why do toys have to be packed with so many screws and wires?

Our grandson, only 2, got a transporter and diggers. Diggers are his favourite and of course all he wanted to do was play with it, but the diggers were fixed to the transporter with special long plastic holders which were screwed into the vehicle. Our son did not have a screwdriver thin enough or long enough to get it off. So poor child had to wait until they got to our house to borrow one

Some toys are fixed with wires that need wire cutters to get them off, some are so tight the toy almost gets broke getting them free from the packaging.

Why don't they provide the necessary tools to get them off or at least warn you so that you can do it before the big day.

Our thoughts are with you if your child had the Peppa Pig Camper Van for Christmas, we bought one for our grandson's birthday but luckily we decided to unpack it before the day, it took the two of us 1 hour 45 minutes to get it out of the packing with endless trips to the shed for tools!

Sorry, rant over

Pipsqueak · 26-12-2010, 10:25 PM

Right with ya Pauline. We got james an RC quadbike - it took Brian over an hour to detangle, detie and unscrew the bits and bobs.

**Tinglesnark** · 26-12-2010, 10:32 PM

Oh I know! I just shred the boxes and use scissors to cut wires etc - haven't met a package yet that has defeated me because I'm quite ruthless with them ... Not much use if the toy needs returning though!

**Tatia** · 27-12-2010, 12:29 AM

This is one of my biggest pet peeves!!

ELC packaging is the worst, especially the fairies. TWO wires for every wrist, ankles and neck, twisted together into some diabolical knot.

Took me ages to undo them all. I am CONVINCED the people in the factories sit around cracking up and inventing new and more devious ways to twist the wires together.

And Barbie, with her hair SEWN to the box so that it fans out appealingly...GRRRRRR!!!

**FussyElmo** · 27-12-2010, 08:32 AM

We brought ds a set of all the Dr who figures. Each figure was attached to the box with 5 wires. Dh was going nuts

And why do they attach dolls now by the hair?

**samb** · 27-12-2010, 09:56 AM

I completely agree. It is so annoying. Last year we undid everything and then placed back in/on packet and wrapped up. Don't know why we didn't this year?! Luckily my oh sat there with a screw driver, scissors and a craft knife getting them out!

**loocyloo** · 27-12-2010, 11:09 AM

DH always has his mini toolbox on hand to open toys!

i agree, elc is the worst! xxx

**skytvaddict** · 27-12-2010, 12:19 PM

We have had a few of those screw ones this year too. I haven't seen them before. They were a pain!

**kindredspirits** · 27-12-2010, 05:37 PM

I think the toys are really alive and the manufacturers know this - thats why they have to make sure they can't escape in the toy shop.

**Lems** · 27-12-2010, 05:45 PM

Originally Posted by kindredspirits

I think the toys are really alive and the manufacturers know this - thats why they have to make sure they can't escape in the toy shop.

lol toy soldiers film or toy story springs to mind

**Roseolivia** · 27-12-2010, 07:15 PM

I agree, even Barbie was tied to the packaging.

**sweets** · 27-12-2010, 07:19 PM

Originally Posted by Roseolivia

I agree, even Barbie was tied to the packaging.

bondage barbie!

**Lems** · 27-12-2010, 07:58 PM

Originally Posted by sweets

bondage barbie!

hahaha

Yes we make sure we have batteries, mini tools and wire snippers

. It makes it more difficult to recycle too

**maisiemog** · 28-12-2010, 06:01 PM

Yep I agree....we found the little people stuff to be hard to get out of the packaging this year....especially the blooming farm....and guess what DD wanted to play with first!!!! Took DH almost an hour to get it out and built for her!