Would it be okay to offer barely worn baby clothes to a colleague?

[Harriette678]

Someone in my team is having a baby soon and I have a few nice things my son didn’t wear or only wore once. He’s 5 now. Would it be weird to offer them to her? Only a few things. Not a whole bag. We aren’t close (as in friends outside work) and don’t want overwhelm her which is why I’m asking here before I do.. I was going to send them to charity shop but thought maybe she might have use for them?

It’s a couple of items that have been in storage for years, personally I’d just donate to charity. Honestly one of the most annoying things about being pregnant is everyone trying to ditch their old baby stuff on you. Unless you think she has a need for help I wouldn’t bother.

It is fine to ask. I would just say you have a few brand new or worn once outfits and would she like them before you give them to charity. It’s no big deal.

I don't think it's weird at all. If I was asking I might offer them with photos first, so she can visually see what she's saying yes or no to. I would only offer them to people at my level or lower though- it feels strange if they were more senior to you.

Totally fine to offer them, I'm pregnant and been offered second hand clothes from at least 5 people. A couple I've said yes please and others I've said no thanks as I’ve got enough now. It's no bit deal :)

Yes it is. Tell them in advance.

I think its fine!!! I'd like it

Not weird at all. My colleague did this for me. I’d just say I have a bunch of clothes barely worn but I understand new mothers get inundated with this stuff and that if she wanted to go through them and take whatever she wanted, I’d be happy to bring them in.

Really? What a depressing world view

I was given so much for my babies and was really grateful. I also loved that things were being given a new lease of life rather than going to landfill!

Do it. And hopefully they'll receive them with more grace and appreciation than this PP.

I'd offer. I dressed my baby entirely in handme-downs and was thrilled to get my hands on any!

Definitely offer! It's so useful to get stuff and saves so much money.

I wouldn’t like it because I wouldn’t use them and refusing is awkward.
My hand me downs came from close friends and family.

It’s perfectly fine for me to have my honest opinion here, it doesn’t mean I lack anything. It means like many people I received loads of random hand me downs when pregnant that I couldn’t use (due to too many of the same size etc, I used plenty but couldn’t use all) because ultimately it’s awkward and rude to say no thanks unless it’s someone close. Because lovely friends etc wanted to have a clear out and I was an easy option. So I shared my honest view. There’s no need to be rude to someone else for sharing a different experience to you about something so mild.

And likewise I gave my opinion, you don't have to like it. Feel free to reflect on it as you choose.

If it hits hard to receive though, it's probably because it is accurate.

You are really just being rude for the sake of it here, about nothing as well. Says far more about you than me.

I was given 20kg (!!!) of clothes by a colleague, and it was great! I split them into boys and girls, sent half to a friend, used the rest for nursery. Currently circulating some of my toddlers clothes to friends with smaller kids.

problem with offering is it’s difficult to say no politely.

i agree with @ToKittyornottoKitty .

Do ask. If they say no, find another home. This is not dumping bin liners full.of mucky crap.

A colleague I wasn't close to often offered me items when mine were babies/toddlers. Alll goods were clean, looked after and we greatly appreciated it. Especially the garden toys and bikes as they got older.

I am a fan of decent second-hand goods being passed on and NCT sales.

Someone at work offered me their stuff and I was so happy. It's a nice gesture but make sure you wash them again if they've been away for a while.

I think it's fine, I loved this when I was pregnant! I was greatful, obviously as long as in nice condition etc and I passed stuff on too to others, a lot gets wasted in baby clothes so why not

I bought virtually nothing for my ds. Got a high chair, cot, buggy, car seat, clothes, cloth nappies etc all as hand me downs. Was so grateful. It was fantastic. In my turn I passed these on and thought the recipients were really grateful. The cycle of life.

Your reflection and your personal interpretation of it is your own. There is nothing rude about asking someone to reflect. Peace and biscuits ✌️