What can I do about used children's toys?

kelle

I have two small children aged 2 and 4, and it seems since they were born my in-laws are constantly buying them toys. Not just small toys, but some gigantic tractors, lorries, cuddly toys, etc. Luckily I live in a fairly big house, but I'm finding the place is swamped with them. Even though Santa came to them this Christmas, they also got heaps of toys as presents from my mother-in-law and 2 sisters-in-law. I've told them loads of times one small present from each is enough but they won't take heed of me. :mad: They even ignore my glum face everytime they present a toy to my kids, who get so excited at first before the novelty wears off a few minutes later!
Anyway, the major problem is what to do with the hundreds of toys they no longer use. They can't be placed in the recycling yard, nurseries and waiting roos only want new toys, as do charities. And relations and friends don't want them as they have the same problem too. The only other solution I can figure out is to light a huge bonfire and throw them on it, but I really don't want to do that. Can anybody help me????

Blackjack

Have you tried any Hospitals?. Not sure if they only take new toys, but might be worth a try.

Capt'n Midnight

Vincent de Paul
Charity Shops - try poorer areas too.

K2

as above, the enable ireland or oxfam shops would be happy to take them off your hands.

Orion

I'll think you'll find that charities will accept toys as long as they're in good condition. Crumlin hospital would probably take them as would the like's of Barretstown.

As a last resort plastic can be recycled in Silliot Hill dump near Newbridge.

kelle

Thank you very much, K2, Blackjack and Cap'n Midnight. I'm going to start filling up a few binbags now!

kelle

And thank you, Macros42, too!

dewsbury

Hi Kelle,

I have 3 kids a little older than yours. Basically they get too many presents from too many people. My wife agrees with me but is not as strong on the issue. I have told several people in a firm manner that they should not give my kids presents in the first place.

Incidentally when my kids have birthday parties, the invitation states "no presents" and the guest is requested to donate 2 euros to my children so that they can buy a "BIG" present of their own. This works really well and virtually all parents really appreciate the sentiment.

(See www.trocaire.ie for alternative ideas for gifts.. e.g. chickens to third world families).

I feel strongly about the whole present issue and will not accept presents for myself from anyone at all !! not even my wife. I am reasonably well off and simply do not want people buying me things that I don't want and then expecting me to be grateful for them. I am considering starting a website www.nopresents.com.

So beware, you may think your excessive presents problem is a minor issue but you may well end up an "OLD CRANK" like me!

Signed ,
The Grinch!

RedRules5

Grinch have you never received a present that you would not have thought of getting for yourself but which you enjoyed and maybe resulted in a new interest/hobbie?

I have a 2 nephews under 3 who have loads of aunts and uncles so I get them non toy presents which will they can enjoy now but will last longer than five minutes.

tro81

CAR BOOT
at least you'll get money that you can spend on something the whole family will enjoy

djpbarry

tro81,

Please don't revive (really) old threads unless absolutely necessary.

Thanks.