buying second hand toys for xmas

[pramsgalore]

i have been looking round for xmas and have bought ds some hm forces things - tank, plane and truck thing from argos on 3 for 2, have almost spent his budget now and still need to get the soldiers, so bought some off ebay, that are in excellent condition, so i was thinking what dd4 wants, she is almost 3, is also on ebay in excellent condition and would mean she would get more for her money and would also mean i could buy her some of the otherthings she has asked for new ie a build a bear.
does anyone else do this as i am unsure if i should, with ds i had no chioce as he would not have got what he wanted with out buying some of it second hand. I was very careful that the soldiers came with all their bits and bobs

[mummyplonk]

Absolutely, And a big bonus we found was far less packaging.
I always put in postcode search on E-bay to find local toys, most are happy to collect and you quite often get them at a bargain due to postage costs putting people off. Last year I collected a huge box of Ben 10 figues in really good condition, there was probably over £200 in total and bought it for £15. Wrapped each one individually and it nearly filled both boys stockings.

[MrsVoltar]

Yes, no problem with that IMO. Have bought second hand things for DS christmas but usually things that we wouldn't have been able to afford or able to get new.

So rare/out of stock toys or large/expensive things (trampoline/climbing frame).

Although probably wouldn't go for second hand if it was just to get more items, IYKWIM.

[etyksm]

Why spend more than you need to - especially while the kids don't care.

Disclaimer - I am an ebay addict and have saved searches set for "toys within 10 miles with free collection"

My watch list is usually crammed full of stuff, does mean that I get to window shop and have an enforced cooling off period until the auction ends!

[pramsgalore]

thanks, i don't feel so bad buying second hand now, toys cost so much and its the accessories needed that bumps up the price so much. i will look local on ebay as well for toys and see what comes up.

[SheepAreSuper]

Absolutely.
One of my most memorable presents as a child was a second hand dolls house and it was spectacular. Fully furnished with working lights, carpets, the works.

[BabyDubsEverywhere]

I buy most of my dc stuff on ebay, new and used. Its cheaper and i can do it from the comfort of my sofa :) whats not to like :)

This year i have bought so far, the ELC Red wooden kitchen with a trolley and accessories, a rocking horse, and that standing horse than neyss and swishes its tail, rosie or something. Total spent £50.00 !!!

[pramsgalore]

BabyDubsEverywhere wow they are bargains, my dd would love one of those horses .
have been busy looking at ebay, have a very full watched list and bidding on a few things, nothing local though so will have to pay postage so taken that into consideration when bidding, just wish i could find moxie girls bundle in excellent condition will keep looking.

[inchoccyheaven]

Yes I have always bought a mix of new and second hand. Going to collect 30 games and guitar and drum set for ps2 for bargain price of £18 tomorrow