Giving second-hand presents at another child's birthday party, is it possible? Surely there is still a bit of a taboo on second-hand gifts - at least outside the family circle. And that's a shame, because second-hand presents have just the wow factor. At least, if you do it the right way. And the fact that it saves you considerable money and is a nice sustainable choice is, of course, an added bonus. In this article, Saskia shares her tips: giving second-hand kids presents is how you do it!
Second-hand gifts at a children's party
Being invited to a children's party is an important moment, both for the birthday boy and the lucky one who gets to come to the party. And then, of course, you can't come empty-handed. Of course, the last thing you want is to come across as a parent who didn't spend time, money or attention on the present. For this reason, second-hand is too often put aside as a choice. And that's such a shame, because there are already so many great toys in the world! Why should you always have to buy something new?
Four earths a year
The best gift we can give children is a future on a better planet. If everyone in the world lived like an average Dutchman, we would need almost four earths a year. Consumption of our stuff the biggest culprit. By buying less new stuff, you can take a big sustainable step.
Source: The hidden impact
Second-hand gift has wow factor
By buying second-hand, you let right see that you have spent time and thought on a gift. You did your best to look for something special in a second-hand shop or app. Or maybe you are giving away something from your own collection that you have enjoyed yourself. That's a wonderful gesture. The crazier it is to me that this is taboo. Or that you should feel uncomfortable about it. Would you also like to give second-hand gifts more often, but do you still find it awkward and maybe even a little embarrassing? Then I have some handy tips to lower the threshold and make you feel less uncomfortable. I hope jer think after reading this article: let's do it!
Tips for giving second-hand gifts at a children's party
- Second-hand shopping usually takes a bit more time. Therefore, start your search for a present in time and don't wait until the last few days. By doing a targeted search in apps like Marktplaats, you can find some really nice things nearby.
- Do you unexpectedly come across an amazing treasure or can you take over a collection? Always do! Save these presents for another child's (or your own) next birthday. There are bound to be plenty of invitations to children's parties in a year and it's good to have the loot in the bag.
- Always check that the toy is complete, that everything works and make sure it has new batteries. Nothing is worse than a gift that doesn't work
- Clean the toy a little more: a quick dip in the washing machine or a damp cloth, depending on what it is of course.
- Wrap a second-hand gift nicely. Use good (and sustainable) wrapping paper for this. This can be bought at better bookshops and concept stores. And check out a instructional video on YouTube if you're not a star at wrapping presents. By wrapping it a bit hip (nice twine around it, pine branch from the garden or lucky doll on top?) you'll totally get rid of the sprout smell.
- Keep nice (shoe) boxes (especially children's shoe boxes are a perfect size) to put toys in. The only disadvantage of second-hand is that you don't always have the original packaging with them anymore. So a shoebox is a handy way to solve that.
- Don't be secretive about the gift being second-hand. Make a nice card and tie it with string around the gift and put a personal message on it in the spirit of ‘preloved’ or ‘handpicked for you’.
- Still got doubts? Send the birthday boy's parents an app to double-check if second-hand is OK. Or ask in the schoolyard!
Proof that second-hand presents for children give just as much pleasure! My son Frank gets a second-hand LEGO set in a shoebox for his fifth birthday (each build comes in a separate bag with the original booklet attached). In the second picture, he has just unwrapped his Saint Nicholas presents, including a stunt scooter, soft toys and pokemon cards. All second-hand, of course!
Second-hand gifts are normal
So my son has been getting second-hand gifts regularly for years: from us, but also at his children's party because I put it on the invitation. He himself gets second-hand presents from St Nicholas and he never has less fun or enjoyment with them. On the contrary, buying second-hand often allows you to go bigger because the prices are a lot lower: not one small LEGO box for a tenner but a whole shoebox as you can see.
Will you join us?
You too can do something to make second-hand gifts at children's parties more ‘normal’. Set a good example yourself when it is your child's birthday. Write ‘gifts second-hand’ on the invitation. This way, you can help make second-hand presents at children's birthdays the new normal. Are you in?
Also fun and sustainable: give an experience as a gift
Are you not completely persuaded by the above tips (yet) and do you want to give a sustainable gift? Then I have another tip for a nice gift without having to buy anything new. Give an experience as a gift! How about a day trip to a fun playground nearby, a cinema voucher or a strip card at the local ice cream shop?
More sustainable tips from thegreenlist.nl
- Dress-up party or carnival? This is how to find the cutest and most durable outfit!
- Learn from the best: This is how Sinterklaas finds the best second-hand gifts.
- You can also easily buy children's clothes second-hand: check out the tips here.
- More second-hand: so furnish your nursery sustainably and cost-consciously.
Photo credits: thegreenlist.nl.
