Taking back presents

tinkerbell212

I was given an expensive coat a few years ago. Not worn it yet, I took it back in the sale and got a voucher for the value of the coat. I then bought the coat again for half price and had the rest of the voucher for some extra clothes.
I wouldn't have a problem with that, just don't let your kids take everything out of the packaging. Do find it mean to give them something, then taking it back and keeping the money. Don't give it to them in the first place then.

Jewel_2

I don't think I'm being cruel and she definitely isn't too frightened to say anything. I also think children see something they think is fantastic, and then once they have seen exactly what it's like (eg, not how the telly portrays it) then they get fed up. Sometimes she wants things because it's the trend and it's what her friends are having. Kids these days have sooo much stuff they forget half of it. They're too busy playing with what they really enjoy, rather than what they think they will enjoy.

There would be stuff still sitting up the loft if I didn't take it back.

I also recycle her presents she doesn't want and use them for her other friends' presents. She doesn't even realise (even if she sees them).

Maybe she's getting too much. Unfortunately, however we start off as parents, we usually succumb to the pink plasticy rubbish. She's getting older now though, so I don't think I'll be able to do the same with her Nintendo game this year, as I can only afford one!

Jewel_2

Sorry broken hearted, didn't mean to offend. But these are my in laws presents to their son, he's had the same since he was 18 (he's 37 now!).

DawnW

I don't think you are being cruel either Jewel. My kids are grown up now, and things were a bit different then. We couldn't afford what people have now, and that was the end of it. There seems such a lot of pressure on parents now though, much more than there used to be. My grandchildren seem to want everything as well, just through the constant advertising and what is expected. I am pretty sure they don't know half of what they have got, and wouldn't notice if some of it disappeared. They would certainly say so if they wanted something they thought they had though. Also, things seem so expendable now, get broken, lost etc and nobody seems to care. I would be inclined to talk to your daughter about it as she is getting older. Lots of kids are very concerned about the environment, waste, recycling etc, and school projects are often based around environmental issues. Find out with her the conditions under which this stuff is produced too, lots of educational opportunities here, and a chance also to begin to establish OS values too!

daveb1_2

It might be a good idea to check when buying something how long you've got to take it back after Christmas also.

Jewel_2

Good point daveb1. Usually it's 28 days so you need to buy stuff just before Christmas, which is taking a bit of a risk.

melaniec_2

I think its a great idea, kids do have too much and do forget what they have if she hadn't even taken it out of the packet or mentioned she couldn't find it take it back.

How many of us adults can remember what we had last year, I know I can't. In fact I had so much it felt obscene. This year i gave up finding things for my list and asked for a goat or chickens from Oxfam, if I don't need it then give it to someone that does.

I'm going to recomend this idea to my sister!

TTMCMschine

Mel c - i can remember what i got last year, and very well used they were too. I remember because i got three presents very happy with. Not junk either. Buying goats for Africa sounds in principle a good idea. Last year i seem to remember they ravaged and ate the countryside and caused havoc - which is probably why they're in limited supply this year. Your good deeds would be better spent on how you spend your money on the rest of the year - rather than telling other people where to spend their money on christmas day to ease your conscience. Especially as you are probably encouraging them to get into more debt whilst easing it. If we all eased up getting plastic bits from abroad etc during the year and thought about where our food etc comes from, rather than one specific day i think we could appreciate christmas a lot more, and the presents would be really special. Now no doubt you're going to tell me you're the most eco friendly etc shopper on the planet, but i just want people to see the wider picture.

climbgirl

I think I fall into the "why buy it in the first place?" category if she's got so much she doesn't notice when you take some away!

melaniec_2

TTMCMschine I'm quite offended by your comments.
You have failed to take into account not everyone in the world has debt problems. My family have asked and asked me for a list for christmas and I got the point where i was scrapping round trying to find things to put on the list and I hated it. So I suggested people gave my gift to some one else and chickens and goats are an option. I have no conscience to ease.

You have no information about me for all you know i could be self sufficient living off vegtables in my garden.

My point was that I am going to have gifts - and instead of having pointless things i don't want or need I'd rather they made a donation to a charity instead.

Prehaps you should look at the wider picture and while we're at it as far as I am aware my family don't have any problem debts and our usual gifts are around anywhere from £5 to £15.