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When Hand-Me-Downs Go Awry
Parenting
Oct. 2, 2015
Some folks are adamant about not accepting hand-me-downs. But for many of us, they can be a lifesaver, especially when budgets are tight. However, once word spreads that you’re open to secondhand items, it can feel like a deluge of unwanted junk. It all starts innocently enough—your neighbor might offer a few old T-shirts (the proverbial gateway item). Next, you receive some slightly worn pajama pants and mismatched toys. Before you know it, even the mail carrier is trying to sell you her couch! The mantra seems to be, “If you’re not using it, pass it on.” But really? We share the same circle of friends, and trust us, no one needs your old stuff. We’re all trying to save a buck, but we’re not a trash can! Here’s a growing list of items you probably shouldn’t “donate” to your pals.
Your Baby Furniture
If someone directly asks, “Let me know if you’re getting rid of any furniture,” that’s fantastic! But if they already have furniture, chances are they don’t want yours. Seriously—who needs an extra crib in a cramped apartment? We know you’re moving and want to offload the excess. It’s not a generous offer; it’s a way for you to avoid dealing with it!
Your Teen Daughter’s Clothes
When your kids are still in preschool, handing down clothes that are six sizes too big doesn’t help. We appreciate the thought behind the size 8 trendy hoodie, but what are we supposed to do with it right now? Sure, it might fit eventually, but by then, we’ll have lost track of it. No thanks!
Your Kids’ Vintage Holiday Dresses
Sure, every Jersey girl loves a bit of velour, but those puffy sleeves and the bib on that ’80s holiday dress? No way! Just because it still has the tag on it doesn’t mean it’s suitable for anyone. If you didn’t want her to wear it back then, who would want it now?
Mismatched Socks
Why would you think we need your collection of lonely socks? If they’re irritating you, why would they not irritate us? We already have enough single socks without partners; we don’t need yours contributing to the chaos. Maybe consider a crafty project instead; Pinterest has loads of ideas!
Books With Missing Pages
Books are delightful, but we’re definitely passing on any that are missing pages. There’s a reason you’re getting rid of it—it’s not readable anymore! My kids are dying to know what happens to Mickey and Goofy after the road rally, and I can only improvise so much. And let’s not even start on that decade-old copy of What to Expect When You’re Expecting that you’ve tossed in our bag of books.
Your Exercise Bike
Nope! We’re assuming this isn’t about weight loss since we’re friends. That bike collecting dust in your room will just end up in our house, gathering dust, too. We never mentioned wanting to join a gym, so let’s not pretend!
Bath Toys
Bath toys are notorious for becoming gross. Their grimy faces are truly the stuff of nightmares! We all aim to get rid of them, but they somehow linger in the tub. Kudos to you for knowing when to toss them, but our bathtub is already at capacity, thanks!
The Giant Ride-On Toy in Your Living Room
Yes, our kids love it when they come over—it’s a blast to ride indoors! But we know you bought it because it was a hit with all the kids. Taking it off your hands doesn’t make it easier for us. Now we feel guilty for taking your clothes, and we have to find a way to get rid of this massive toy. Please spare us!
Your Folding Chairs
None of us are likely to host a surprise dinner for 12 anytime soon. We get it; your grandma gave them to you, and you don’t want to toss them. But really—are those chairs piled in your hallway what she would have wanted? Probably not.
We all understand that beggars can’t be choosers, which can lead us to accumulate more junk than we’d like. So, don’t take advantage of your friends who might be in need. The next time someone says, “No thanks, I don’t need those old bed sheets,” take it at face value—they likely don’t want them. But hey, thanks for the winter coats—those are great!
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In summary, while hand-me-downs can be beneficial, it’s essential to know which items might actually be more of a burden than a blessing. Avoid passing along things that won’t be useful, or you might find yourself with more clutter than intended!