A very second hand Christmas

[XmasShoppingOnMyMind]

Is anyone else planning to do a basically fully second hand Christmas? All of the children in my family are super spoilt. They get hundreds of toys a year (or it feels like that) and the vast majority don’t get used. I’ve spent hundreds in the past and none of it is used or appreciated. So if they’re not going to appreciate what they get, they’re getting second hand! Anyone else?

I think I’m having a lot of incredible luck at the moment because I’ve found some absolute bargains! I’m going to wait and see how they are when they arrive but so far it’s all been incredibly good

In the past we have done tickets for a day out (like zoo) and a voucher for a movie night and sleepover for nieces and nephews. Home made play doh goes down well too!

The mental load isn't a thing? Are you a man??

absolutely this!

@XmasShoppingOnMyMind I know you have poo pooed the membership thing but what about a day out planned with you singularly they can chose? Cash in their prize and get something linked to their choice eg horse riding. My kids would have loved that and it could become a tradition.

You’re wasting your time, the OP
also dismisses the day out suggestions:
”The kids won’t want that though. I’m not going to be the aunt that ruins Christmas by not getting them presents!”

So although she’s disgruntled by the kids’ lack of appreciation of the presents she’s just going to keep adding to the pile.

Frankly, it sounds the kids won’t even notice they’ve not got a prez from her.

What a good idea. Will follow this thread - any ideas would be great. I am sick of the orgy of waste which is christmas in my house

We're doing a mix. Trying to do either second hand, experience gifts such as Harry Potter or a Distillery Tour, or Scottish made gifts such as local wool or food items.

There are a few small bits (a couple of specific books, a specific fancy bottle of wine) that are new. Hopefully nothing that will end up in landfill in a few months though.

It's not the same anymore. Kids get toys all year round.
Read old stories of Christmas Past where kids didnt get much but cherished what they were given.

Definitely not the same anymore @Netcurtainnelly
Many of us give in to the excess. And there are those that try to achieve reciprocity in the value of gifts where it all seems so transactional!

It’s definitely not the same.

I’ve finished shopping for one of them at less than £20 all in. I’m converted!

That's great! I don't know why people struggled so hard with understanding your point, obviously it is better to spend less when the kids are only going to use the toys briefly.

Lord knows. But I’m glad I’m doing it. It’s going to save me an absolute fortune

What have you got for £20?
(im looking for inspiration on a budget!!)

My toddler is having 90% second hand stuff and my 6 year old is also getting some second hand things. Not as some sort of punishment for being spoiled, just because it’s cheaper and better for the planet.

I also encourage family to buy second hand and send them links to things on Vinted etc for gift ideas for my kids. They rarely actually buy the second hand option though to be honest. They don’t seem to be on board with the idea of gifting second hand.