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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask for free toys

29 replies

Untamedfemale · 17/10/2022 18:47

I was going to put a post up on Facebook for toys as my little ones birthdays on the 4th November and I no a lot of people are clearing out I have seen posts for clothes and put some up myself but toys are not a necessity so would I bu or should I just go for it

OP posts:
ParentallyUnprepared · 17/10/2022 18:49

If you want?

mamabear715 · 17/10/2022 18:49

Ask! What have you got to lose? As long as you don't ask for free stuff & expect people to deliver - that annoys the hell out of me personally!

froggybiby · 17/10/2022 18:50

Have a look on Olio ...it is an app where people give things for free...mainly food but there is a non food section where you often find toys and books

Ponoka7 · 17/10/2022 18:50

If you can ignore any negative comments, then go for it. Make sure you put the age range.

ElbowsandArses · 17/10/2022 18:50

You could join freecycle and ask there. It’s what it’s for.

GonnaGonnaGoing · 17/10/2022 18:50

Ask, They can only ignore

Original poster
Untamedfemale · 17/10/2022 18:53

ok I’ll do that rather then Facebook 😀

OP posts:
Vinorosso74 · 17/10/2022 18:53

I would try Freecycle or similar such as Olio, mentioned above, as people expect requests and offers to be free.
Do say you can collect as sometimes people might just be grateful to get stuff out their house and not have to think about it.

Original poster
Untamedfemale · 17/10/2022 18:54

Ok I will do thanks

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Girasoli · 17/10/2022 19:13

Why not, lots of people have clear outs before Christmas 😊

Noodledoodledoo · 17/10/2022 19:38

We have a free give away site on facebook - have a look and see if there is something similar. Or set one up.

Original poster
Untamedfemale · 17/10/2022 20:45

Noodledoodledoo · 17/10/2022 19:38

We have a free give away site on facebook - have a look and see if there is something similar. Or set one up.

That’s a brilliant idea thanks

OP posts:
Thesearmsofmine · 17/10/2022 20:47

Yeah we have a really good free group on our local Facebook. I’ve given lots of toys and books away over the years.

TempName01 · 17/10/2022 20:58

We have a local freebies page on FB as well. Where are you based? And what kind of toys are you after?

LovedFedAndNoonesDead · 17/10/2022 21:04

Check out Facebook groups with names like ‘free in xx area’ for your local towns etc; also local mum groups as they sometimes have things for free x

Original poster
Untamedfemale · 18/10/2022 07:26

TempName01 · 17/10/2022 20:58

We have a local freebies page on FB as well. Where are you based? And what kind of toys are you after?

I’m in Birmingham just things like cars dinosaurs etc but will definitely scouring Facebook

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mycatisannoying · 18/10/2022 07:28

Go for it! If you're low income or whatever, state that on your ad. I would definitely want to help someone in that situation out.

MrsGhastlyCrumb · 18/10/2022 07:30

Great idea, wish more people did this. Toys should be made to last and to be shared. It's not just about saving money (no shame in that!), but it's more responsible too. If you feel awkward, maybe emphasise the eco aspect in your post on FB?

Mindymomo · 18/10/2022 07:33

Our local facebook groups often have people asking for things, nobody questions anything, but are happy to help. We’ve all got things we can give away.

inappropriateraspberry · 18/10/2022 07:35

We have some local Facebook groups specifically for free stuff. People post what they have to give away, and there are occasional requests.
I wouldn't ask directly on your own profile/wall, but do check groups and Facebook marketplace, you can now filter for free items I think.

Gymrabbit · 18/10/2022 07:35

definitely go on a local freebie site (also look as people may have listed things already)
I listed a box of kids bits, toys and a few books and was able to drop it off as I was nearby.
The lady took a picture the next day of her children playing with the bits and said they had had a lovely time with them.
It made me really happy that another child had had use of them.

Pinkbananas01 · 18/10/2022 08:18

Check of you have a local bartering group on Facebook- ours is great, lots of people getting rid of toys at this time of year & mainly looking for just a token barter, chocs, tinned food etc.

Original poster
Untamedfemale · 18/10/2022 08:56

Pinkbananas01 · 18/10/2022 08:18

Check of you have a local bartering group on Facebook- ours is great, lots of people getting rid of toys at this time of year & mainly looking for just a token barter, chocs, tinned food etc.

What a lovely thing to do I’ll keep that in mind

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Original poster
Untamedfemale · 18/10/2022 08:57

MrsGhastlyCrumb · 18/10/2022 07:30

Great idea, wish more people did this. Toys should be made to last and to be shared. It's not just about saving money (no shame in that!), but it's more responsible too. If you feel awkward, maybe emphasise the eco aspect in your post on FB?

Yes I will do thanks

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lanthanum · 18/10/2022 09:28

As well as having a freebies Facebook group and a kids' stuff selling one, there's an annual toy sale in our village - in November, which means people can clear out before Christmas, and grab some bargains to give their kids.

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