To get friends kids second hand presents

[OnceuponaRainbow18]

I’m a big fan of buying second hand; try to get my kids presents and Christmas stockings from charity shops or free Facebook groups. I can afford new but don’t like buying new, mainly for environmental reasons.

I usually get my kids friends new presents but was thinking of getting them from charity shops this year, obviously would only do it if the present suits the kids, like one friends son loves trains and found a great Thomas puzzle in a charity shop.

What do people think about this?

AIBU- buy new if you can
YANBU- charity shop it

Are people suggesting they'd throw the gift away purely for the fact it is secondhand?

Honestly, I'd be unlikely to be friends with someone like that. Obviously whatever you buy has to be in perfect condition and I'd have higher standards for a gift than my own children, but na, someone who thought like that wouldn't be for me.

I am trying to buy more second hand, especially when they are young and its just plastic and they don't have many preferences yet. When you buy new there is no guarantee they will play with it, I don't see why the risk is higher if it isn't.

I agree though, it is good to check with parents so at least they know its OK to reciprocate.

I would be delighted if all my presents this year were second hand, but I can't suggest that to my husband's family, they'll think it's very odd.

I'm thinking of mentioning charity shop books for baby daughter, I'm hoping they'll go for it.

[quote SleepingStandingUp]@halloweenqwueeeen so yes it's good enough for others, but not you. At least you're not binning it. I'm more horrified by pointless landfill.[/quote]
It’s not for me to decide what’s good enough for other people, they make their own decisions and choices.

I like to donate to a local playgroup, or second choice would be a charity shop, I would only bin if it was broken.

It’s not for me to decide what’s good enough for other people, they make their own decisions and choices.

I like to donate to a local playgroup, or second choice would be a charity shop, I would only bin if it was broken.

I think it is fine to buy new toys if that is your preference, I do it at Christmas and Birthdays.
Someone has to do it.
The main thing is you recycled the toys.
I gave ours to neighbours less fortunate or the DC'S playschool.
I was really poor when DS was little he wasn't diagnosed but I had to stop working, I saw a remote batman toy in the window of a charity shop, it was priced at €40 no remote, missing pieces.
The item new was €50.
I wouldn't give or buy from them anymore.
I use free cycle to pass them on.
Didn't realise eco people used free cycle I assumed the items were going to someone in need otherwise I'd sell it

I buy secondhand presents for us and for family who are happy with that but I wouldn't for friends. Why not just give some money in a card instead?

@EmeraldShamrock yes I’ve heard that a lot about charity shops! Obviously I understand their goal is to raise as much money as possible but i wish they would be the help the less fortunate in our local community by allowing them access to lower priced items.

This is why I tend to donate to a local church playgroup instead, they have a clothing bank too and do amazing work with struggling families.

I have just sold loads of toiletries and makeup on Vinted, all brand new, but somebody will snap up a bargain for a Christmas present. Everyone is happy.

On the charity shop front , while I do love them, some of them are getting quite expensive. I queried a price this week, a Primark Harry Potter bag priced at £9.50. It was in excellent condition, but only cost £10 new. I queried it and they let DD have it for £4.50.

I didn't begrudge the charity the money, but DD only had so much to spend and that bag was a rip off. All her money went in charity shops that day on books mainly.

@PurpleishDahlia

I'm thinking of mentioning charity shop books for baby daughter, I'm hoping they'll go for it.

@PurpleishDahlia We've asked for books this year for our baby daughter. However, somebody suggested a book voucher instead so you don't end up with the same books? :)

My kids love charity shops. They love choosing toys for themselves and also for their friends.

They also love the fact that they can use their own "pennies" to buy their friends gifts as they are not as expensive as buying brand new in shops.

A group of us do this and are happy to do so, because we are all similarly minded about the environment.

But I agree it's difficult because some people have sneering attitudes towards it, but I really, really hope this is changing and I think it is.

During lockdown when the shops were shut, people tried to source what they needed on Gumtree / FB marketplace and from what I can see this has continued, which I am so happy to see.

Our local primary school fb page is full of parents posting "does anybody have a (toy/item of clothing etc) that they are selling before I buy new?" and I love seeing it. It's not about being cheap, it's about reducing consumption.