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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

Second hand toys for Xmas?

170 replies

Awcw1234 · 08/10/2023 20:11

Kids are massively into a particular doll brand and their items are at the top of their Xmas list. Problem is, everything is so so expensive!

I have picked up a fantastic bundle this weekend on Facebook marketplace… all in great condition but not new in boxes obviously!

I’ve got more than I’d be be able to buy them new but am I being a tight Mummy?

Tips on disguising the lack of boxes?! 🙈

OP posts:

itsmyp4rty · 08/10/2023 20:34

When ds was young he'd have a few presents from FC which would be new and the rest from us which would be mostly second hand. Now he's a teen he knows we get stuff second hand and is completely happy with that as he gets more than he would otherwise. In fact if he wants to buy something himself he always checks on ebay first!

DingleDongle80 · 08/10/2023 20:35

I would buy a really nice, big, sparkly or Christmassy box with tonnes of tissue paper around the toys with a big bow on the box. Before they open it say "Wow! This looks like an extra special gift from Santa".

My lad was 12 when he asked for a giant Playmobil set that normally costs £100. I found one practically new on marketplace for £25. Box included. I just bought some cellophane bags to put the little pieces in so they looked bagged up and then glue gunned the box back down. He didn't know any different.

It's only in the last couple of years I've started buying second hand but I wish I'd done it years ago!

Thelaundryfairyhasbeenassassinated · 08/10/2023 20:35

My DC asked for an expensive (bloody massive ) barbie dolls house. This would of stopped them getting a main present which I personally much preferred to spend the big money on (bike). I explained to her that I could get her a house that another little girl had played with. She was chuffed with this and enjoyed looking at what was on offer via Facebook Market place. As we do stocking and two gifts from santa this conversation wasn't a issue for us.

Am going to set the house up with tinsel and fairy lights. On etsy there is doll house Christmas decorations which am going to get and arrange the dolls like they are having a party. Some small gifts for her will be wrapped up in the house too.

I think second hand is brillant and it's a good thing to show your children they don't always have to shell out.

SootspriteSearcher · 08/10/2023 20:36

I have bought second hand for my dds as much as possible. They are 15 and 11 this year and still have some second hand.

Dd2 was really into lol dolls. I kept all the empty balls (and got some of free sites) I used tissue paper so they were still surprises. I then put all of them in a big decorated lucky dip box with shredded paper. She loved it!

I talked to both of them and explained i could buy new but they wouldn't get everything they asked for/alot less or I could buy second hand and get more off their list. Both were happy with second hand! Also with the lol dolls I could guarantee dd didn't get a duplicate but she still had the surprise element!

FunkyMonks · 08/10/2023 20:38

I've bought few second hand toys for my two this year Nintendo switch lites each
Train set and some fancy dress stuff. I figured while they are still little and the stuff is in great condition they won't know no different.

towriteyoumustlive · 08/10/2023 20:38

More often get second hand toys. I really don't see the issue.

A gift is a gift. It doesn't have to be brand new!

ActDottie · 08/10/2023 20:39

Second hand is fine, you can buy boxes and box them up with Christmas ribbon etc. to make them look a bit fancy

stargirl1701 · 08/10/2023 20:42

Nearly every toy we have bought has been second-hand. DC are 11 and 9. But, we practise what we preach - my phone is second-hand, my car is second-hand, etc.

Amidlifecrisis · 08/10/2023 20:43

I get most stuff second hand for DCs - it’s cheaper and better for the environment - win win. It is harder when they still believe in Santa though. I’ve got DS (5) a secondhand bike for Christmas and I did pay a little more for one without scratches etc as I don’t want him to wonder why Santa got him something that wasn’t brand new. But Dc2 is 3 and won’t have a clue.

nutbrownhare15 · 08/10/2023 20:44

If it comes up I would own it, it's cheaper and better for the planet. My 8 year old knows that her birthday present was a secondhand purchase from a charity shop (a big Lego set). The idea that presents should be brand new is cultural so best to instill an alternative view as soon as possible.

StarDolphins · 08/10/2023 20:45

My DD gets a lot of hand me downs from various friends of mine with girls that are slightly older. I also buy 2nd hand stuff off vinted (docs etc). I also buy some new stuff.

Same with Xmas, so ve got heelys off vinted & will prob get a 2nd hand switch or iPad then new stuff too. So a mix of both really.

Birdh0use · 08/10/2023 20:45

Cam you set them up in an Xmas scenario type thing? E.g. around a small Xmas tree with tiny presents?

AvengedQuince · 08/10/2023 20:46

Just put them in Christmas gift bags or boxes you can then reuse next year. If they are old enough to know they are not in original packaging then they are old enough to be taught that preloved is better for the planet and that it also makes money go further. So more than they would have got new, or more money for other things.

Birdh0use · 08/10/2023 20:46

(I've also bought a job lot of syvanians!)

nutbrownhare15 · 08/10/2023 20:46

For Christmas I do as much as possible secondhand, always try to get their requested presents from Santa secondhand on FB marketplace or ebay if I can find them, nice clothes from charity shops etc.

DrCoconut · 08/10/2023 20:51

Most of my Christmas stuff was secondhand when I was little, my mum couldn't afford new. I can't remember being bothered

Parakeetamol · 08/10/2023 20:53

We've done this regularly and just explained that by getting second hand they just get more because it's cheaper and it's far better for the environment

Scanner20 · 08/10/2023 20:58

Last year Ds5 had second hand toys in plain boxes wrapped and didn't know. Dd7 had a set up of our generation toys ready to play. Both over the moon with the toys and had more there than I'd have bought if they were new. Just happy to have what they had asked for and didn't ask any questions.

StrawberryWater · 08/10/2023 20:59

I have never given ds his toys in their original boxes. I’m not messing around with that on Christmas morning! Not when everything needs untying or unscrewing. If something needs disguising put it in a shoebox.

Because of that he’s never known (or cared) what is and is not second hand. He wouldn’t know the difference.

TheLightProgramme · 08/10/2023 21:00

Second hand can be fine when its well made, good quality toys - lego, brio, playmobil etc, and agreed that children should appreciate that things can be reused and made to last.

However I'm personally am not a fan of replacing buying one decent quality new toy, with an unnecessarily huge stash of stuff, justified because its been bought second hand thus cheaper.... it just sends a consumerist message that we need huge piles of stuff to be happy.

Whatelsecouldibecalled · 08/10/2023 21:03

Mine are 1 and 3. 80% of their items are second hand. They know zero difference. I would go second hand every day if in good condition.

KookyAndSpooky · 08/10/2023 21:05

My absolute favourite Christmas is the one where my parents filled a box room with a second-hand Barbie village/town/world for me and my sisters. It was incredible.

There's no shame in buying second-hand toys for Christmas 😁

Kelzbellz27 · 08/10/2023 21:08

What dolls are they? Can you set them up in the things you got with the bundle? Like a hairdressers chair with new combs, rollers and bobbles wrapped up from the pound shop or have them having a tea party? If you have an elf you could leave a note and say he was cheeky and started playing but left a few presents for them to open and hopes they enjoy?

BringItOnxxx · 08/10/2023 21:10

I printed out pictures of preloved toys' original wrapping and stuck them on the boxes.

uncomfortablydumb53 · 08/10/2023 21:22

That's great OP, you will be saving a fortune.
Regarding the boxed, could you wrap in tissue and then in a gift box( places like card factory have them)
I'm sure once they see the contents, they won't worry about the boxes

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