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So here's a question: is it ethical to get a refund for DVDs that were given to us by others? :)

If you have to ask, the answer is probably no, it's not :)

I disagree -- I think whoever gave you the gift would have wanted you to have something that you'd actually use and enjoy. So if that means returning for a refund, then do it. The fact that it would be considered impolite to tell them about it does not mean it would be unethical to make the return, in my opinion.

It really is almost laughable. Do parents actually think these videos were going to produce Einsteins? Give me a break. My kids loved watching them for what they were. Strictly entertainment. And so I could take a shower.

Yeah, I never actually thought they would make my son smarter. But he loves them! Isn't that enough?

I hope parents aren't resorting to any kind of media to try and increase their child's intelligence. Baby Einstein is for fun, if you want to educate, read your kid a book. I for one, will be keeping all of our DVDs. I love them and so do my kids.

I completely agree. My kids loved them and sometimes still watch them. I never thought it would make them smarter although I do think one helped with their number learning. Also, it's nicer to listen to them sometimes over a obnoxious cartoon!

Just as a comment - bethv and anyone else who thinks this - books ARE MEDIA. Media is a plural of medium, which just means any form of communication used to reach or influence people. I just get a little tired of the people who self-righteously denigrate "the media" and then praise books, newspapers, or anything they don't mean to cover in the comments because they can't be bothered to understand the meanings of their own words.

And yes, reading to your child is worthwhile. So is doing anything else with them (within bounds, of course). It's the interaction that makes the difference, not the action.

WOW. That's incredible - that they will refund WITHOUT receipts. Even to people who probably loved them and weren't expecting their children to turn into the next Einstein by watching them.

We're in between the Baby Einstein phase - my son is 3 1/2 and past them, and my daughter is 6 months and not yet there, but my son really enjoyed them. We used them in moderation - once or twice a week. But even if I were never going to watch them again, I would feel VERY dishonest turning them in for money - because I don't feel duped in any way, and liked them purely at face value.

Of course, I don't take back gifts of any kind. I feel that the person who gave them to me gave them as a gift - I don't need anything more than that. If we don't like a gift, we eventually pass it on to someone who will. No big deal.

my son never liked these viedos. i kept them to give to some one else...which i will. they arent bad...untill they prove that it makes dumber its no big deal.

"So here's a question: is it ethical to get a refund for DVDs that were given to us by others?"

Of course - they are your property now to do with as you like - plus someone paid for them in the first place - so go right ahead

i am surprised that someone took this so seriously as to actually believe that this "video" would make their kids smarter?!!! why in the world are you letting an infant watch TV to begin with?!! I cringe at the 'cable' networks designed for infants and babies. too many studies have shown that TV under the age of 2 is NOT a good idea.... even if it has "Einstein" in the title.
are people going to take carrots back to the grocery store because it doesn't make their eyes/vision stronger? lol (which btw isnt true anyway)

Remember when children grew into smart and intelligent adults without the use of televisions, tutors, therapists, doctors or specialists? Parents today somehow feel so much pressure to MAKE their kid the smartest/fastest/overachieving successes as soon as they're out of the womb. How about giving them the basics: love, care and correction, then support them in their natural talents? Guess that's too easy.

The Australian government has recommended no TV for under 2's so that includes Einstein DVD's! http://news.ninemsn.com.au/health/874420/no-tv-for-children-under-two-guidelines

The American Academy of Pediatrics does too - on any kind of "screen media".