DSis says I should just wrap up some of my Dcs old toys for her DCs presents. Does she mean it?

[create]

She and I both have 2 boys. Mine are 3 years older than her two and are consequently just finishing with the kind of toys her DSs would like.

I have some really good things I could pass on. She has had a lot of hand me downs already, but I usually buy new for presents. She says it's ridiculous to buy new stuff, very similar to things I already have, both on financial and environmental grounds and I agree, but if I take her at her word and really give them all 2nd hand presents how do you think it would go down? I'm particularly stressed about it this year as we are spending Christmas Day with her in-laws, who are lovely, but...

Her DC are 3 & 4 BTW and unlikely to notice or mind that the toy are 2nd hand.

[tegan]

I have asked sil to wrap all her ds's old thomas the tank train sets up and give to ds for xmas.

She was highly offended and brought them all to my house for ds.

I just thought it would save her and seeing as ds will only just be 2 he won't know the difference anyway

[ANTagony]

My sis and I do this. Hers are a couple of years younger than mine and they have so many toys. I usually give them a bit of cash for their bank accounts (which means nothing to them at three) so when they're a bit older they'll have that for the only new will do things.

[SuePurblybiltByElves]

Do it, why one earth not? It won't be such a good plan when they're aware of it but why not take advantage now?
If you want to spend some money can you get a book voucher or family cinema tickets too?

[TeeBee]

I think its a great idea. Makes total sense.

[BertieBasset]

I think it is a great idea, my DD has lots of hand me downs off various cousins and I think I'll suggest it.

She has had presents that were meant for my DNiece that were replicated given as xmas gifts but they were new. Don't think that matters a jot though, I'd be happy if second hand.

[RobynLou]

great idea, I'd be fine with it, in fact my DD always gets some good quality 2nd hand stuff from us which I pick up in charity shops. I don't see anything wrong with it at all. If you want to spend something then some cash for a savings account is a lovely extra.

[UniS]

If she's asked you to, then why not , so long as your boys are happy to pass stuff on.
Out son is giving his 3 yr younger cousin a click clack track he no longer plays with, for her birthday he gave her some duplo. I like it, it means his present to her really is something he has given her, not just another something we have paid for in his name.

If you feel it won't look "right" how about a modest "new " present like a book and a larger " hand me down " present, clean and nicely wrapped obviously.

[misdee]

do it!

dd4 has a lot of second hand giftable presents this year.

[pozzled]

Why would you think she doesn't mean it? You know your sister best but it sounds as though she has made a genuine and very sensible suggestion.

I'd have absolutely no problem with either giving or receiving second-hand presents, as long as they were in good condition and look suitably exciting for the DC.

If you aren't entirely comfortable with it I'd go with the idea of also giving an amount of money for a savings account for them.

[create]

Not sure Pozzled. I think she does mean it and I know she appreciates all the things she's already had, so probably genuinely wants to save us some money, as she's had the benefit of our previous spending iyswim. eg she had our cot, pram and loads of baby stuuf, so they had hardly any outlay before DCs. I've never been one the sell things (too lazy) and was glad to see them go to a good home/get used.

I think I'm most concerned about how it will look to her ILs TBH, but yes, I know I shouldn't care

[ragged]

Maybe ask her to ask the inlaws straight out if they think it's a sensible idea?

I think your Sis is very sensible!

[misdee]

just package it all up lovely. a sturdy box, shredded papaer, big bows etc etc.

[taffetacat]

Marvellous idea, and how lucky you are in your sister.

I like the idea of packaging it up nicely, especially given their age. If it were me, I might make sure I got her an extra lovely present to say thanks for being so sensible and thoughtful.

[misdee]

btw my dd's love preloved stuff. we tell them its better for the enviroment etc etc. they love our postie, and for a while thought he was giving them stuff

[Bumperlicious]

Sounds pretty sensible to me.

[BangingNoise]

Yes I think it sounds fine. Add a little something new too - even if it's a seclection box.

[Exogenesis]

Soundds like a super idea. My DD is getting bits form charity shops this Christmas. She is 4 and won't care and tbh most of the stuff she gets a christmas she plays with once then forgets about it anyway.

[wondersnuffle]

Some of the best presents we've had have been the second hand ones, they're always popular and have generally proved themselves to be fairly indestructible.

I would probably get a small something new too or, as already suggested, a bit of cash for savings accounts.

[whoknowswhatthefutureholds]

Fabulous idea. In fact going to ask my sis to do the same for my kids.

I have never bought my DC a brand new toy for xmas, all 2nd hand, the little ones (5,3 and1) have never notcied at the 14 year old thinks its cool as its recycling.

[ShanahansRevenge]

My friend buys a lot of 2nd hand things for her 2 and 3 year olds...they don't care do they? She isnt hort of cash...but she's a good and non-emotional saver. The boys will benefit from her prudence in the future when they cash in their trust funds!

[Curiousmama]

Great idea. One of my friend's mums buys toys from charity shops for Christmas presents and wraps them up even if no box.

[Curiousmama]

whoknows what a lovely 14 year old you have My ds1 is the same, he's 13.

[mumeeee]

I have done this before for my youngest nephew. We had a very good toy that our children had grown out of and I wrapped it up for him one Christmas, He was a toddler then and loved it and my sister thought it was a great idea. Can't do it now though as he is 11.