How to turn down hand me downs (politely)

[MOMTOMOOTOO]

I have this neighbor who just keeps depositing bags on my door step Now my son is 2 and hers is 6, so the sizes are way off and I don't want to store used, stained clothing for 4 years or so. After about the third batch ( my son was was 1 month and I couldn't see why she was giving me size 4T ) I just started bringing them to goodwill.

I think she feels because I give her DD my 2 girls clothes (which she always wears) obligated to return the favor But I really do not want them.

I know this sounds ungrateful, but honestly I do not have room to store these clothes.

Should I continue to accept and donate them or tell her we have too many clothes as it is.

 

[poohandwendy]

I would be honest and say "Thanks for being so thoughtful, but I have received so many nice things that I really don't have the room to store any more clothing" and leave it at that.

 

[Nutsy]

Sounds good to me

 

[holycow]

or why not just drop them off at the Salvation army...that way she won't feel bad taking your hand me downs...which is a nice thing for you to do.


Just a thought


HC

 

[Beth E. (NJ)]

Perhaps you could see if she knows someone else with a son who could better use her hand-me-downs?

 

[Spinning]

if you don't need them I would let her know, nicely that you are running out of room and have no place to store them. I have a feeling since you are giving her clothes she feels she needs to return the favor.

 

[tkd lisa]

I agree with Beth about finding someone else who needs them. I'd have a discussion with your friend about how you're happy to pass on your DD's clothes because you know she can use them in the near future. Maybe something next like "I like to "pay it forward" by sharing with people, and I know you do as well. Then suggest that so and so could make good use of her sons clothes and that would be a great way to keep up the cycle, etc.

That way you're telling her in so many words that she can still feel like she's giving back, but just not to you. Hope it works!

 

[Kirby]

I would just take the clothes, say thank you and pass on what you don't want to Good Will or some other charitable organization.

I'm sure that since you are giving her your daughter's hand me downs, she is just returning the favor.

 

[disykat]

Just tell her thank you so much for the thought, but since her son is so much older to go ahead and give them to someone who can use them sooner since you don't have room to store them.