Second hand toys…Is it really that bad?!

[Bunbum]

So I was talking to a friend this afternoon about how expensive this xmas is going to be (for various reasons). I’m stressing to be honest as my eldest (4yo) is hopeful to be receiving a few specific toys which are costing up to £100 each (honestly, a paw patrol lookout tower is over £100……. Like what?!).

I looked on FB marketplace and there’s lots of these toys on there that are clearly in good working condition and I asked her if she thought I should just get some second hand toys and wrap them up but she was mortified and said that she couldn’t gift her child a second hand toy for christmas….

Is it really that bad?!

Your friend would be even more horrified at what I do: I have a big age gap. A lot of the gifts my younger child gets are just regifted toys from her elder sister with wrapping paper on them. I put the money saved towards other things, like days out.

I'm from a very wealthy background and I'd only ever buy second hand unless there was really no choice. In my view it's not about being tight it's just about being sensible surely? Why spend more when a child will have no idea at all.

I wouldn't see a problem at all with giving good, clean second hand toys.
Don't be harsh on your friend or those like her, I have found many Mums/Dads who don't like the idea of second hand stuff, are usually the ones that felt 'less than' or were neglected when young, not having new toys and clothes and were bullied for it, My very best friend is like this, the kindest person I know, but had a neglected childhood and wore clothes with holes in, shoes that never fitted. I grew up with her and saw this with my own eyes. So her daughter would never wear anything secondhand and had the latest in everything. but they have never judged any one for buying secondhand

Of course it's not bad. It saves money, recycles something that is no longer wanted and used.

I always sell stuff close to Christmas that isn't being used and it goes quickly. It's nice to know it going to a new home. Sold my daughters huge frozen castle last yr as she was getting an lol house and the lady that picked up was getting it for her daughters Christmas. There been plenty of people turn up in very nice cars (not that I'm saying that makes u rich) but some people just prefer to buy second hand anyway. One of the best bits is if it's really big it's already built lol.

With the big presents I don't keep them in packaging anyway usually build them up, so I could buy them second hand and I'm sure it would make no difference, the kids wouldn't care.