Buying Gifts at a Second Hand Store

[tr-ray]

Short back story --
Today I recieved a box of 'gifts' from DH's aunt for our 3 month old DD.
Most of the stuff, as I could tell, was used/bought second hand.

As I was going through the stuff, some of which were sippy cups, etc. I noticed that much of the stuff looked like it was dirty!!

If you buy things second hand for personal use, I assume most people give it a good scrubbing/washing.

Would you do the same if it were a gift for someone?

I feel so bad that I'm looking at this box of stuff like, "Eww." but it really turned me off that all of it was dirty!

 

[Belle4mygrl]

I personally don't give used items as gifts. If I have something for someone I wash it and say "here I thought you could use this."

If I was given the gift I would graciously say thank you and smile. I would take it home, go through it as you have done, I would make a pile of what I would keep and the other I would pitch.

 

[Stacerita]

Ewww. Dirty used items for gift? Thats icky. Like previous poster stated, if I had something that I used that I thought someone could use, I would wash it and make sure it was in good shape and offer it to them. But I would never give it as a gift. And if I was giving used things as a gift, I would make sure they were at least clean. Thats just gross. Toss what you can't/don't want to use and keep what you can. Just say thanks.

 

[dzneelvr]

That's a shame the stuff was dirty and in bad condition. The right gift, wherever it comes from, is so much fun to receive. Give Auntie the benefit of the doubt...wash it up and donate it to a shelter for homeless families.

 

[AuroraBeauty]

The gift is the thought that Auntie put toward finding something she felt was useful. While it would have been great if it has been washed, the fact remains that you would have used it if it were clean.

If your are ick'd out, then I think the PP had a great idea to clean it up and donate it. Pay it forward. Someone did something nice for you, and if it's not your style then gift it to someone for whom it would work.

You didn't mention if Auntie was elderly. If she is then she may not have seen the items well and didn't notice they needed a good cleaning. Possibly she figured you'd sterilize them so no need for her to do it. Regardless, I'm pretty sure she gave your family these things in a loving and caring way.

Whether or not you keep them, be sure to thank Auntie for her generosity. She may have done the best she could with what she had.

I wish you the best.

 

[megthewonderful]

I prefer not to receive used gifts for my kids as well. But, it's better to give than to receive. Wash the items to best of your ability and then donate them to a local shelter or a Salvation Army. Someone out there will be more than grateful for the items.

 

[tr-ray]

She's not elderly, but to put it nicely, DH and his brother were laughing at she doesn't quite have all of her eggs in her basket, so to speak.

I do like PP's suggestion of washing them and donating them, as I would probably never use them -- especially the sippy cups.

Luckily, she lives far away and won't ever know if we actually put them to use, but I will send a kind thank you nevertheless.

Thank you all -- I just wanted to make sure it wasn't just me being a spoiled brat!

 

[AuroraBeauty]

TR-Ray, you're not being a spoiled brat. A spoiled brat would never have posted in the manner you did. You were not condescending, accusatory or rude about what your dear Aunt gave you. We all have standards for ourselves and our families, and there is nothing wrong with that unless one chooses to belittle others for not being the same way.

If dear Aunt has some 'developmental' delays, it may not have even phased her that you would find the items unacceptable.

Be gracious, and let this be your DDs first lesson on how to be a good person.

Best wishes!

 

[Luv Bunnies]

I agree with the others. Write Auntie a nice note. Thank her for her thoughtfulness. Then either donate or pitch the box of used stuff. It's the thought that counts in the end.

 

[iheartdisney]

We did some thrift store shopping this Christmas, it was a little tighter than years past.
This Christmas, my sis and I decided no gifts, but our kids still wanted to exchange gifts between the cousins.
She took her kids to Dollar Tree to pick out gifts for her kids. I WAS going to do the same thing, until I thought about it.
Dollar Tree items will be broken and in the trash by the time the kids go back to school, if they even make it out of the package. OR, I could go to the Waterfront Mission, buy used (quality) toys for a few dollars, and if not wanted they could go back to the Waterfront Mission. Helps the environment and the homeless.
Yes, I took Lysol Wipes and/or magic erasers to everything before it was wrapped.
In the end, it was the thought that counts, and the kids loved picking gifts out for their cousins.