OK to ask for a toy back if it isn't being used and someone else could use it?

[frustratedgardener]

Had garage clearout in summer. Found a Razor electric scooter my sons had had when younger (charger, book etc - I am a horder). Offered it to next door as they have 6 y.o and Dad is mechanic so figured he could check/maintain etc. This was 5 months ago - kid never used it and it has never been mentioned. My Mother is involved with a survivors group who are having an appeal for such toys for Christmas (local Mens shed going to refurbish etc) Is it ok to ask the neighbour do they want it or were they just being polite when they took it?

No. You can’t.

What you can do if ask if they would like to contribute any unused toys to your Mum’s appeal.

Thanks Nona, I did consider that but felt she might not want to offend by saying 'how about that thing you gave us' sort of thing.

True but you still can’t ask for it.

You gave it as a gift, you can’t ask for a gift to be returned. You’ll completely torpedo your entire relationship with them.

Yes of course you can!

You can't demand it back but why on earth can't you say 'I noticed that you don't use the scooter, and I have a wonderful cause that would be happy to take it off your hands'

The worst they can say is no, we think we will start to use it soon. Which probably means they are either selfish or hoarders

The worst they can say is no,

The worst that can happen is that they think you are terribly rude and the OP ruins her relationship her neighbours.

I’d guess that most people would hand the scooter back but privately think she was incredibly rude.

I think that tenbob's wording was fine.

Are you sure they have not put the scooter aside to be given to six year old for Christmas?

Maybe they've sold it

I wouldn't.

If they've sold it then you'll end up making each other forever more. It's not worth it.

*avoiding

Don't do it...
It's called being rude.

Thanks all - guess I was hoping for a clear cut yes or no . The MN 'hive mind' isn't a clear No but is more of a no than yes to this course of action so thank you all for your help. Truediedoo - hadn't considered they might have sold it

The other thing to consider is that the fact you haven’t seen him in it doesn’t mean he hasn’t used it.

They might have popped it in the boot to use at the park for example.

He might have used it while you were out.