I am starting to wonder what I should get my 15 month old daughter for Christmas, then I remembered... I have all of my son's toys from birth. So anyway, I had the thought that I could go through all those toys that are just sitting there in boxes and put them out for her for Christmas from Santa (since santa doesn't wrap at our house). Obviously, I would just get the ones that are more neutral and in like new shape. I didn't figure that she would know the difference between something brand new from the store and brand new from the garage. I thought it was a great idea, then I got the mommy guilt. So I thought that I would ask some other moms what they thought. Thanks.
Thank you so much for your responses. I am going to go through the toys and put some of them out for Olivia. I am glad to know that it was a good idea, and that others have done it before. All guilt is gone. And of course she will still get some NEW toys from santa and I am sure some dolls and toys from everyone else too. Thanks again. Have a great day! L.
I know it is hard. I had my boys only on year a part and I am facing the same thing this year. I decied that it was okay to regift the old toys. Then just get him some new clothing that are all his own and not hand me downs. I hope what I said can help
What a great idea. I wish I would've thought of it. Christmas is about being together and having fun - not about the gifts. I think this is a beautiful compromise to feeding the beast that is the Christmas industry. WONDERFUL IDEA = NO GUILT!
I reuse all my kids toys... Not a big deal. I also give them new toys. As a matter of fact, I am going to give my daughter my old Barbie house (from when I was a little girl) for Christmas. I think it's fine as long as you incorporate some new toys to blend in. The only problem I have run into is that my four year old still thinks these toys are hers. (I have a four year old and a one year old) Both girls.
That is nothing to feel guilty about. Why not get more use out of toys that are in perfectly fine condition. I have given my kids things I've picked up at yardsales and goodwill and they never knew it wasn't from santa.
I see absolutely nothing wrong with your idea. It would save you money and she is too young to know the difference. My son is 2 and has too many toys so we rotate them when he seems to get bored and when we pull out the packed away ones it's like his birthday all over only he doesn't have to unwrap them:)
Oh good gried... No More Mommy Guilt!! Your daughter will never know - or care! Your son might say something, but a 15 month old still wouldn't "get it". This might be the last year to get away with it, though, because if your son tells her "that used to be mine" next year, she'd "get it". You can always give used toys, though. We only buy 1 or 2 toys new each year... the rest come from garage sales or kid resale stores (the local mom & pop store that's a version of Once Upon A Child is my favorite). I buy stuff all year long when I see good deals and store in the 'gift closet' in the basement. We wrap the presents (Santa only brings small toys for the stockings here) even if 'gently used'. Even the new toys are out of the packaging and then wrapped. Nothing frustrates a small child more than unwrapping a box and then having to wait 30 minutes for a parent to assemble it!
hey L. don't worry about it kids don't care they just like opening things. i have three daughters and when they were small they wanted to give each other something that they didn't use or want anymore so the ran around the house and found the things that ment the most to them and wrapped them for each other and you know these items were the first things they opened and played with before anything else was opened. i think that it is important to teach kids that the gift of giving is something from their heart and not the comerical or expense that our society puts on christmas. so do what ever feels right in your heart. best of luck
L. W.
What I always tell everyone even when you get a bad gift. All gifts are good gifts. Because some get no gifts.
When mine were that age I remember my daughter had more fun riding on top of the box! But I just got them one main toy and a lot of little stuff. I knew they would quit playing with it soon anyway except maybe one thing. So reuse as much as you can. I usually go to second hand stores myself to get the bulk of presents and just spend my money on a few choice things they really want and I know they will play with for a while.
What a great idea! I'm going to use it this year!
I too think this is a great idea!! She'll never know and it saves you money!!!! I go through mommy guilt too but then I think I'm saving money, less toys to pick up, and they don't realize that they have had the toys because they were put away in closets ect..... for so long they think they are new.
Why feel bad? She really won't know the difference. I am doing this myself this year. We have tons of toys in storage that really weren't even played with. My older kids are getting together what they think the little ones would like to play with and wrapping them up from them!
I went all out with my first two and spent way too much money on toys they barely played with. I now see the waste it was. they were happy playing with boxes and paper more than anything!
yes like everyone else i agree. regifting is awesome! my second daughter is only 3 months so i haven't done that yet but it is a great idea! I have no shame to shop at yard sales, second hand stores, ect. especially with clothes. the price of clothes anymore so they can outgrow then in less than 6 months! i have to stand and applaud you for this! plus christmas is not about "gifts" and their are lots of ppl out there that would love to have those things. so yes do your thing and don't feel guilty, you love your children and your a very smart mom! Kuddos to you!
Please don't get the mommy guilt - most moms have done it. Plus when the kids are little they don't understand that a used new toy is any different than a new toystore toy!! I still regift items now with my boys and they range from 8 to 1.
I wouldn't feel guilty. Like others have said, your little one won't know the difference. I would just be certain of two things first. One, check to be sure that there haven't been any recalls of any of the toys since your son played with them. And second, be sure not to hand down any toys your son might remember and be territorial of.
L.,
I think it is a terrific idea. I'm one who thinks Christmas should be about sharing the real meaning of the season and about families getting together. This would be a great way to keep the focus from being only on the gifts and what a wonderful way to 'recycle'. Last year when our twins were only 6 months old we only got them one book and let the Grandma's, Grandpa's and Aunt's and Uncle's get all the rest. Unless there is something specific that she wants or needs I don't think you should feel guilty at all. My only 'concern' would be Dakotah's reaction- will he claim the toys as his? As young as he is he probably won't remember. God Bless!
I did the same thing for my youngest last year!! They don't need anything and so to get those old toys out will be great!
I think you should give those used gifts to your 15 month old as well some new toys. Maybe even just one big toy. She will never know that you didnt spend the money. She doesnt even know the concept of money or used gifts yet. Thats the beauty of it, you can get away with giving your child used stuff for now. When they start school and have to have the lastest fashion and the lastest toys thats when you will have to buy the brand new stuff. But for now she will be just as happy getting brand new toys as well as used stuff. To her its all new anyway!!!
That dont sound to bright to wrap some old ones that already been used the best thing to get for ur kids. Least get them new clothes maybe some books that u can read to them
I am not sure what ur kid would like anything that is noisy or whatever but she deserve to least get few new toy's it dont have to be like 10-15 new toys or something least a few
sorry hope you dont take this the wrong way but every kids deserve new toys and IT should make u feel bad once u wrap them old toy's I know i sure would I believe my kids deserve everything new. for christmas
Don't feel guilty about this. In fact, pat yourself on the back! I think it is great that you are reusing these items. It won't only help save you some money, but it will help reduce some of the waste involved in the commercialism of the holidays (and in general). What kids need and want more than anything is their parents' love, support, and involvement in their lives. I think as your children get older, your idea of regifting in this manner could be a good starting point for teaching them about being responsible with money and taking care of our good Earth!
that is an awesome idea!!! i wish i had done it when my kids were that age. toys, especially baby toys are too expensive as it is. and how much do they actually play with them anyway? hardly enough for what they charge im sure. dont feel guilty about what you need to do. your idea could save many moms and dads alot of money and this time of year we all need that. good job!!! have a great holiday season with your family.
