to cherry pick out of a bag of toys my neighbour gave me and wrap them up for Christmas presents from Santa?

[colditz]

My neighbour's sister had a clear out, and gave me a bag of power Ranger-y toys. In this bag was a working pair of Power Ranger walkie talkies.

So I have hidden them, and intend to wrap them for my two sons for Christmas.

Is this a bad thing to do?

no, do it!
the kids won't care if they're second hand and it'll save you a bit of money!

Definately do it Think of it as your new eco Chrismas attitude

why wouldn't you?

You would be insane not to.

Personally, I don't give second hand toys to my daughter or other people as presents (but do welcome second hand things in general) but there is no reason why you shouldn't if you are short of cash this year.

Very eco friendly and a great money saver.

nope, great idea. I've bought things for my dd from boot fairs for her christmas presents. she won't know and it cost a lot less than it would new. ds has some 2nd hand bits from ebay too.

I'm having trouble buying new things for other children because I know that they could all be bought at boot fairs for a lot less and it pains me to pay full price

I've always bought DD second hand things and see nothing wrong with it.
I bought her present last year from a MNetter.

I don't pay full price for anything unless I have to.

My DS is 4 on Monday coming, this is the first UK birthday and christmas since his actual birth. As we have permanently moved back home, this is the first time I don't have to worry about getting stuff into a case.

Money is not an issue at all, but in these times it just makes sense not to go too mad all the time. I'd rather be prudent now and buy a better house when the time comes.

I've bought a couple of pre-loved playmobile bits and pieces, DS will be delighted!! He does have new stuff too, but he'll be just as excited over the older stuff as the newer stuff.

I wouldn't give 2nd hand bits as gifts though. We did go and get some baby bits and pieces at the Charity Shop for my mum to have in for when my sister and her 6m baby come over from USA though. When she has outgrown them, we can redonate them and buy more.

YANBU, your DC will love the walkie talkies!!

We joke that our DD is an 'eBaby' as she's mostly wearing, sitting in or dribbling over something preloved Especially with things they'll grow out of quite soon, it seems like a brilliant idea. They'll love unwrapping them and if they end up in the back of the cupboard after a week then it won't matter.

Simple - your DSs will enjoy them more if they get to unwrap them so do it.

One of DDs gifts this year is DHs iPod - he wanted one with more memory and theres nothing wrong with the old one. Its getting a nice new case and loaded with her stuff.

Oh i am jealous! Someone send me a bag of toys so DS can have presents 'from santa'.......

YANBU, the DC wont know. I have been lucky enough to get some Thomas the Tank and some Tubbies things off a kind lady on my local don't dump that site (similar to freecycle) and I intend to wrap them up for DD1 for Christmas.

I remember receiving second-hand presents as a child. The presents were (almost) as good as new and I managed to accept the fact that it meant I got better stuff for the amount of money available for presents. I don't think my younger sibs noticed.

If only booze and gaspers had been available second hand, so my parents could join in the fun!

YADNBU! Think of the planet...the economy...your own sanity at not having to buy another gift.

Great idea.

I'm giving lots of second hand books to family this year.

Needs must for us this year as no money coming in but would probably still do it even if dh was working.

YANBU - do it. In your situation I would definitely do the same - got some toys for DD last month and wished I thought to do this! Though I have told friends if they want to give DD a toy that their DCs have finished with for xmas that's fine with me

You'd be unreasonable not to!!