Nothing against used items at all, in fact I’m looking at a used garden play house for DDs birthday. I’m talking about very well meaning friends who give me bags of their children’s used clothes.
Two different situations:
Firstly, I seem to have lots of friends who have older children than mine (I’ve had my kids a bit later in life than most and I have a toddler and a 6 month old) who ask me if I want a specific item, might be a baby sling or a snow suit for example. I say yes and suddenly I have 2-4 carrier bags full of old clothes including tatty shoes, knickers, vests etc. I have to go through it all, throw it out or take it to the charity shop myself.
Secondly, a very well meaning mum at DDs preschool who gives me her older kids’ grown out of uniform. Always tatty, ready for the bin.
We are by no means well off but can afford new uniform and clothes. I don’t like to see waste and so if there’s a good item I’d use I’d be grateful for it abs likewise I have given good items that are barely used away too.
So many friends do this to me because I’m the last to have kids I think and find I end up with bag upon bag of clothes I need to find time to get rid of.
I’m terrible at saying no as feel I’m hurting their feelings but also feel like I’m being used as an easy dumping ground. How do I say no without hurting anyone’s feelings?
P.S. school mum is quite pushy, I tried to say no once but was unsuccessful!!