would you or do you buy your children second hand toys for xmas?

[miche8]

my children 2,5,9 are not very careful with their toys, in the past i've got them second hand toys they want for a fraction of the price they would be new, i am fussy so would only buy something that looks almost new but can't help thinking its not the norm for xmas/birthdays, i could save us so much money if i got their xmas presents second hand this year, my daughter is peppa pig crazy and on sunday i got her the rocket for £6 at a carboot i think its nearly £30 new. Just wondering what everyones thoughts are?

Yup, we do. They get new stuff from Grandparents, and since it's all wrapped up, they really don't notice the difference. I love spotting things through the year that they would enjoy and hiding them away - and some of our best games have been discoveries this way. It probably means that they get a few more presents than they might, as I often forget that I've hidden them, but it also gives a positive message too. A toy is just as good, as long as all the bits are there, if it has been played with before!

We also have a policy of buying second hand books of Amazon rather than new, if we can. I want them to see that otherwise the books may well end up in landfill, which is not good - and they enjoy the stories just the same.

I think as long as its in good condition it shouldn't be an issue. I think older children are my aware and may object though so ave money now whilst you can :o

Yes nearly everything I have bought is second hand, plus when they outgrow them or no longer play with them its not so much of a wrench to part with them I just pass them onto a charity shop.

Mind this year I have found Tesco very cheap for what I want and Mummy Martins Toybox and have actually finished Christmas shopping which is a huge relief. But I have seen something I really want for my kids second hand just biding my time to see if it will fit when we move, plus as its ebay how much the bid might go up to.

Just get stuff 2nd hand, particularly for the 2 year old. So long as it's wrapped up, they're not going to open it and go "oh, it's not in a box", they'll open it and go "yeay, I can play with it straight away".

Also, look on eBay "out of season" - we got DS some brio track in February to put away for Christmas. No-one else was looking for that sort of toy at the time so I had no-one bid against me.

We do. They're not at an age it bothers them and they're just not careful enough with their things yet.

Yes, I do.

It seems to be getting harder to pick up second hand things that don't cost almost as much as they would new though.

yes and yes

Definitely. Most toys are pretty robust (I'm sure they'll outlast humankind) so I cannot see the problem with getting quality second-hand stuff. It's environmentally friendly, miles cheaper and I find it lets me 'try out' toys without getting really hacked off that I've spent a fortune on something that is just left to gather dust.

Yes. I'm an eBay addict! My DC are 4 and 7 and already have my love of a good rummage around charity shops.

Yes, a lot of their Xmas presents are from eBay and amazon. I can't see any reason why all gifts would have to be new, except maybe in the case of an electronic item where you'd probably need it to be complete with warranty etc

I never have before. Basically my 'rule' is that I mostly buy used throughout the year in charity shops/eBay but Xmas/birthday presents are always new (apart from rare things like old books). I know that sounds snobby and it is only my own personal issues - being the bullied child because I was dressed in manky jumble sale clothes etc. DH had the same.

I think for me it also comes down to uncertainty - I am happy to take a risk on a random puzzle or something but I like knowing that by buying new at Xmas the toy will be new and undamaged and there won't be any disappointments.

We have agreed to change that now. I don't like having these issues and I know it's silly to be governed by them (even though I know my reasons for it are quite valid). For DCs' main present we are thinking of playmobil so might try and get used, and do it in plenty of time to check it all. I know the DCs won't care anyway!

Yes, I do. Last year I got a few bits off our local for sale page on Facebook so I got too see that they worked etc rather than buying off eBay.

Last year ds got a brand new scooter for £7 and a new hobby horse for £3.

Electricals I'd probably buy new though for guarantee and warranty.

No , I don't buy second hand toys at all, I'm a bit funny about germs, dd is past the age of putting things on her mouth but I would still feel uncomfortable with it

But nancy75 - dont you let her play with toys out of teh house / let other kids play with her toys? Couldnt you just wipe them?

OP - yes, we have and do. Just bought ds a star wars ship for £10 which would cost £50+ new.

Oh yes, always have they are still under 5 so really don't care.

I'm popping things away now for christmas. I do buy new also but usually just one item. Stocking items are usualy new but practicle items, socks, knickers etc.

I do buy quality stuff though, duplo, fisher price, brio etc.

No. I am happy to buy charity shop stuff for dd, and do, but like brand new for christmas a birthday.

I buy all her story books from charity shops, however if there is a specific.one I want as an xmas/bday gift, I order it new from Amazon.

I have done for this Christmas. A silver cross dolls pram for my 3yo DD from local Facebook selling page.

Yes I do, once it's wrapped up they don't care anyway. I love jumble sales/ charity shops / car boot sales.

Yes, of course I would. He's 4, what he care?

We've just cleared out the garage and are now in the market for a 2nd hand drum kit for this Christmas.
Look out on Rightmove for a rash of quick sales in the New Year.

Yes. We've had great bargains at Jack & Jill markets and NCT sales. We try to buy second hand as much as possible as it much better for the environment - and our wallets!

I agree about electricals though. I do buy new due to warranty/safety etc.

I have done in the past with brio/happyland/duplo - if it can be wiped down I buy it.

All the time, always have and will for as long as I can find things they want. It has led to them having too many toys though (that's my mum's expression actually, i'm not sure if it's possible to have too many toys!)

Never have before but this year I was asked for something it's been almost impossible to buy new without paying way, way over the odds (one of those big ninky nonks) so I embraced the second-hand websites and it arrived yesterday, looks fine but I will give it a clean and he is only three so will never know.

Much easier to wrap things up on their own I find and avoid the taking out of box / putting batteries in / fitting parts together anyway so it looks no different really.

Last year me and some of my friends gathered together some of our dc's toys and had a swap shop. Was great. Amongst other things I swapped a ride on for a small kitchen.

Yes. It's not even just a financial thing, some nice toys aren't made anymore so you can only get them second hand.