Money Moral Dilemma: Should we sell our child's unwanted gifts?

AngelOfTheNorth

If you're going to sell them, ask the friends first. People sometimes get arsey about others Facebaying gifts. There's a discussion to be had here about whether they have any right to do so, but the fact is they might. Alternatively, if you feel guilty, as others have said you could donate them to any number of worthy causes.

engineer_amy

Myszey wrote: »

There is no dilemma here - take them to a charity that specialises in looking after under privileged children. Give them away as they were given to you - keep the kindness going.

I would agree. If you don't need the money from selling them, and don't want them then donate them. There is a local childrens hospice near us, and they were extremely grateful for a donation of nearly new toys from my brother after my young nephew's birthday

indiepanda

I am with the people who suggest give to charity rather than sell. It seems a bit unethical to profit financially from the generosity of friends and it's not like you are trying to make back money you spent on the toys.

Jagraf

I gave 8 princess dressing up dresses to my mums friends grand kids a few years ago. I gave them away. I didn't put a note inside saying they needed to ask my permission with what to do with them.

Having said that, I remember someone giving my mum a high chair for my daughter years ago. Once she had grown out of it, she passed it on to someone else who needed one. A couple of years later, this original friend asked if she could take it back. My mum was distraught. Her friend was fine but I'm not sure why she thought she would still have it, as she had given it to my mum. I felt like sending her an invoice for storage

I've had friends being round coffee machines they don't want anymore, saying "thought you might like is, if you don't want it, just give it away". All they wanted to do was get rid of it - I've got a perfectly good coffee machine!

This thread does hit a nerve with me as I've been the dumping ground for stuff over the years, from people who want to keep their houses tidy and neat. My ex actually left with just his rucksack and I had to clear all his junk when I moved house. My MIL and my ex MIL don't like clutter.

sunnyflower

I would have no qualms about selling them on, someone gets a bargain, your child could have something she would really like with the money:)

Jagraf

indiepanda wrote: »

I am with the people who suggest give to charity rather than sell. It seems a bit unethical to profit financially from the generosity of friends and it's not like you are trying to make back money you spent on the toys.

My husband gave his best mate his old car years ago - wasn't worth a lot. His mate sold it and bought a motorbike to commute to the station.

The thing is, my husband did it because he couldn't be bothered to sell it, and his mate got what he really needed from it. I don't think anyone batted an eyelid.

Laurensalive

I sell them at a car boot sale. Then use the money to buy the children something they wanted. Plus teaching a lesson in they can only spend the exact amount of what is sold. Or give the children a second option, put the money in there own bank account to save up for something.

forzaitalia

The toys belong to you now and you should not feel guilty by selling them. I was given a car by my sister years ago and when we decided to buy new via a personal lease we gave the car to our granddaughter. Great way to recycle so don't feel guilty!

Augustus_the_Strong

The unwanted toys were given to you (or your child) so they're yours to do what you like with. However, if you don't feel happy about making money on them, give them to charity. This course of action is obvious, but perhaps you're hoping everyone will say it's ok to make money on them, or you wouldn't be asking the question. So do whatever you're happy with doing.

gainsboroughgirl

This one is easy....

Either: Teach your child about less fortunate people and why charity shops exist

or: Sell and put the money in the child's piggy/bank account- involve the child to his or her level in this and you will also teach another life lesson