Buying my kids chrissie pressies from charity shops?????

Tibbie's_mum

I've just had my third son and money is very tight because my other 'arf had 2 weeks unpaid paternity leave this month.

So whilst out shopping yesterday I popped into my usual charity shops to see if I could pick up a bargain or two for selling on Ebay, but ended up with 2 dinosaurs which my 2year old will love. It then got me thinking that why shouldn't I include these as part of his chritmas presents, and why shouldn't I buy all their presents from charity shops????

I often buy them things from charity shops or car boot sales, which I give them straight away, they know no difference as to whether they're new or not and they get just as much enjoyment out of them. But I always buy them new toys for their birthday and christmas presents, and I usually give in to pester power and buy some overrated and over-advertised toy.

So, I think I've convinced myself that due to budget and the fact that they are only 4yrs, 2yrs and 3 weeks I can probably get away with doing this, at least for this christmas.

But I still feel mean and guilty!!!! Is anyone else in the same position as me??? A bit of moral support is needed!!!!

Bogof_Babe

I don't have kids, but buy 75% of my clothes at charity shops (as good as new, often they actually are new), and I think it's a brilliant idea.

Make sure they are things that you can give a good clean to, just in case, especially things for the baby.

SPANIEL36

there is nothing wrong at all with buying presents from charity shops, i've done the same to be honest. Kids dont understand the value of things anyway so its not as if they can turn around and say its a cheapie toy!!

The only thing i would be wary of it that the toy/item is complete and safe for them to play with. Dont want them to open it christmas morning and them to say but where's ther tyranosaurus's mallet or something!!!

knithappens

i buy some of my work clothes from charity shops, picked up some very expensive M&S and Next pants from there for£1.75 A pair.

I also take alot of stuff to charity shops , alot is stuff my kids never played with or unwanted gifts, there is nothing wrong with buying from Charity shops,

kisto

It's my dd's 9th birthday at the end of the Nov and on Friday I found a BNIB Bratz "Decorate a bag" set. It had the original price label on for £12.99. I got it for 79p! She loves Bratz and will have no idea it's from a charity shop and I don't see that it matters. Her main present is a bike which she's had early (on Thursday) so she won't be expecting other pressies anyway!

My kids love charity shop bargains too! Yesterday my DS (11) bought a BNIB 'Paper Art Star Wars Chewbacca' for £2 (I think they were about £10 originally).

I have no problem with buying items from Charity shops. Many of my hamper items come from charity shops. As long as they are safe and in working order of course!

Elliesmum

Most of my daughters "stocking" from Santa will be from charity shops. I always check to see if items are complete and even if the box is a little bashed she still will not notice - she's only 4.

Don't feel guilty - just think of the double whammy? You've saved money - the MSE way AND you've helped a charity raise funds.

EM xx

balmaiden

I looove charity shops, to me its like a christmas stocking, you dont know what you are going to find in there!!!!!!!!

As for buying toys for Christmas, absolutely, go for it while the kids are young enough not to know. I have 3 young Grandchildren and they wear a lot of charity shop clothes. I would certainly not hesitate to give any child a good quality charity shop toy.

Give it a year or two and they will be putting the pressure on you to buy the latest " must haves "

Tibbie's_mum

Thanks for all your replies.......I'm always careful what I buy for the kids and ensure they are safe and clean. I'm now convinced this is our way through this rather tight period!!!!

li'l_p

I'd agree... get what you can from charity shops. The other day I was in a charity shop with my Mum when a woman came in with a load of boxed games and toys. She mentioned that she had been clearing out ready for Christmas and these were 'last year's toys'. I nabbed the Trivial Pursuit there and then, and apart from a few minor scratches to the box, there was very little wrong! Now is the perfect time to pick things up as many people are clearing out and you really can get some decent items.

I remember when I was 6 and I got a Barbie house for Christmas. I was really pleased as it was something I had wanted. I woke on Christmas morning to find it all fully assembled in the living room. It was many years later that I learned it was 2nd hand - my Mum had actually bought it through the local paper! However, at the time, I didn't know and didn't care - I had a Barbie house and played with it for years (seriously!) until we sold it ourselves many years later at a boot sale. I have had a few things over the years which are 2nd hand but they're the things I've cherished the most. Even now I get the most pleasure from buying stuff at charity shops and car boot sales. I think it's more about the fact that my money goes further.

Sallys_Savings

When my four children were younger I brought the majority of their christmas/birthday pressies from charity shops/car boots. Including a fantastic wooden farmyard, barbie house, bikes etc. They never even noticed that they were second hand.

I still buy (like another poster) second hand pressies for peoples christmas/birthday presents, mainly the brand new items now though.

Over the last year I've bought the following either boxed/labelled etc;
A silver notebook and pen M & S
Peter Rabbit money box in box
A boxed height chart with spaces to put photos in.
Photo frames in cellophane
lots of toiltries and gift sets
art set
mug set
Next purse with label
Photo album
Webcam (took a chance it worked for £1)
Writing pen set
Baby annabel outfit x 2
Sewing kit
Books
Address book
jigsaws

You'd be surprised on the bargains you can find out there if you dont keep a rigid christmas/birthday list.

pigpen

I also buy a LOT of presents for my brood from charity shop.. I have 8 children and a large extended family.. so long as they will like them I don't see the problem!!

I take a lot of things out of the boxes before I wrap them as well.. or at least cut the wire things.. saves a lot of packaging to dispose on after christmas as half of it has already gone.

I still buy from charity shop for my oldest who is 16.. he is just grateful of a present.. which is as it should be.. This year he wants a pair of trainers and some sweets!!! I want children that KNOW what they want..it must make life so much easier!!

The 5 year old wants some chocolate coins and a fluffy teddy!!