buying second hand toys for xmas

[pramsgalore]

i have been looking round for xmas and have bought ds some hm forces things - tank, plane and truck thing from argos on 3 for 2, have almost spent his budget now and still need to get the soldiers, so bought some off ebay, that are in excellent condition, so i was thinking what dd4 wants, she is almost 3, is also on ebay in excellent condition and would mean she would get more for her money and would also mean i could buy her some of the otherthings she has asked for new ie a build a bear.
does anyone else do this as i am unsure if i should, with ds i had no chioce as he would not have got what he wanted with out buying some of it second hand. I was very careful that the soldiers came with all their bits and bobs

Absolutely, And a big bonus we found was far less packaging.
I always put in postcode search on E-bay to find local toys, most are happy to collect and you quite often get them at a bargain due to postage costs putting people off. Last year I collected a huge box of Ben 10 figues in really good condition, there was probably over £200 in total and bought it for £15. Wrapped each one individually and it nearly filled both boys stockings.

Yes, no problem with that IMO. Have bought second hand things for DS christmas but usually things that we wouldn't have been able to afford or able to get new.

So rare/out of stock toys or large/expensive things (trampoline/climbing frame).

Although probably wouldn't go for second hand if it was just to get more items, IYKWIM.

Why spend more than you need to - especially while the kids don't care.

Disclaimer - I am an ebay addict and have saved searches set for "toys within 10 miles with free collection"

My watch list is usually crammed full of stuff, does mean that I get to window shop and have an enforced cooling off period until the auction ends!

thanks, i don't feel so bad buying second hand now, toys cost so much and its the accessories needed that bumps up the price so much. i will look local on ebay as well for toys and see what comes up.

Absolutely.
One of my most memorable presents as a child was a second hand dolls house and it was spectacular. Fully furnished with working lights, carpets, the works.

I buy most of my dc stuff on ebay, new and used. Its cheaper and i can do it from the comfort of my sofa :) whats not to like :)

This year i have bought so far, the ELC Red wooden kitchen with a trolley and accessories, a rocking horse, and that standing horse than neyss and swishes its tail, rosie or something. Total spent £50.00 !!!

BabyDubsEverywhere wow they are bargains, my dd would love one of those horses .
have been busy looking at ebay, have a very full watched list and bidding on a few things, nothing local though so will have to pay postage so taken that into consideration when bidding, just wish i could find moxie girls bundle in excellent condition will keep looking.

Yes I have always bought a mix of new and second hand. Going to collect 30 games and guitar and drum set for ps2 for bargain price of £18 tomorrow