Hand-me-downs OR Brand New?

When I was a kid I hated the idea of having anything used. I just hated it simply because I wanted to be like everyone else and I really wanted to have new items. However, as I've gotten older, I could really care less. I buy used books constantly. I have worn used shirts before but not jeans. I have a terrible time finding used jeans that are my size. As long as it looks pretty OK I don't see what the big deal is about used items, at least not anymore.

I don't mind hand-me downs as well. We bought some new things when my daughter was born. My aunt gave me bags of clothes even though they are for boys. she has three boys, you see. But some of them are really unisex. So my daughter is often clad in t-shirts and shorts rather than skirts. But these kid grow so fast, you probably need to buy clothes often if you prefer new ones and that's going to cost. It's great that you get toys too. I wish someone would pass us some toys as well. They get bored easily with the ones they have.

I remember when I was young, my grandmother worked as a cleaner for an expat. When they left the country, they left us with so many toys. We had such great fun with all of them. I think it's great. Also saves the planet with all these recycling.

I'm part of Freecycle, you may want to find one in your own country. They have branches all over the world. Members will post items they want to give away and you can ask for them to give you. If you are among the first to ask for it, you might just get it. Usually on first come first served basis. I'm looking out for a tricycle for my daughter from Freecycle.

I certainly don't mind all the hand me downs. It does save a lot of money. The only items that I buy for the kids are good clothes for going out. I also like to hand clothes onto others as they would save money too.

Although I loved buying my babies new clothing, especially all the cute Peter Rabbit suits with the feet in them, I quite liked being given well looked after second hand clothing for them. We were given some lovely little outfits and, considering babies grow so quickly, nothing had been worn for more than a few weeks. While I was offered nappies (diapers), I preferred to buy them new. Apart from that, anything that was unstained and of good quality was appreciated. I have a bag of lovely clothes I bought for my children when they were small, that I have put away for them to use for their own children if they wish. I think it is a nice thought that my sons' babies may wear their own baby outfits.