Group Discussions

Social Responsibilty

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  We received a ton of gifts this Christmas that do not fall into our Green/Socially Responsible way of life.
  
  
  
  Do we keep them? Afterall, it wasn't our money spent toward their purchase. Or do we return them (knowing that we will only get in store credit at stores I would rather not shop at... like Wal-Mart).

  Flag as inappropriate Posted by Yes, Mommy has to work today on 29th December 2007
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  you could donate them to other organizations, toys for tots, homeless shelters, etc... recycling

  Flag as inappropriate Posted by Kate on 29th December 2007
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  I'm having this exact same dilemma. I think we are mostly going to just keep them. The intention of the people who gave them was very very sweet.

  Flag as inappropriate Posted by mamajama on 29th December 2007
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  Keep them for a while, play with them gently, and then recycle -- is there a women's shelter near you that might use them in their lobby? A doctor's office? A St. Vincent society or goodwill?

  Flag as inappropriate Posted by Lylah M. Alphonse on 29th December 2007
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  I'm in the same boat. We got several big plastic toys that we won't use. Some are from friends and relatives we're not really close with so those we're going to donate. One or two were from really close friends so those we'll keep. Not sure if this is the right way to go about it but it's right for us. I recommend donating. It allows someone else to enjoy it and puts the gift giver's good intentions and money to use in a great way.
  
  
  
  Since my husband and I are focusing on being green and using Montessori methods, we are always concerned about gift time for baby because so many people just go get the big plastic toys. In an effort to be proactive and prevent people wasting their money, we told our parents how we're trying to raise our daughter. They have been very responsive and respectful and were able to buy some great gifts that totally fit into our lifestyle. By telling some people then for sure they'll spread the word a bit for other holidays or celebrations.
  
  
  
  Hope that helps!

  Flag as inappropriate Posted by Carla on 29th December 2007
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  We loaded up a whole bunch of stuff and took it to the donation center... we also ended up returning some of the stuff.
  
  
  
  It amazes me EVERY year how much JUNK we end up with!
  
  
  
  Thanks for the suggestions!

  Flag as inappropriate Posted by Yes, Mommy has to work today on 1st January 2008
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  Yes, I'm amazed by the junk we end up with as well. But then I end up feeling bad because like mamajama said, their intentions were totally sweet!

  Flag as inappropriate Posted by shaynas98 on 6th January 2008
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  Okay, so do you ladies ever tell people in advance what your standards are for toys? We asked our family members to steer clear of toys made in China for Christmas. Is there any way to tactfully let people know that you prefer environmentally friendly/socially responsible toys for your kiddos? Has anyone actually had success with this?

  Flag as inappropriate Posted by mamajama on 7th January 2008
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  I have been suggesting/requesting... whatever you want to call it for YEARS with zero luck. Just like I have suggested that all these loving, adoring, wonderful family members limit the toy gifts to one and if they want to give more, feel free to make a deposit in the kids' 529 funds!
  
  
  
  People don't listen. They do what they want. I just spent hours in cleaning out the youngest girls' room. I have 3- 20 gallon size garbage bags of toys to give away and another one of "trash". That's really sad. I thought about requesting that the Grandparents stop sending home all the Dollar Store crap every single time the kids visit... but I know it will be wasted breath! Why can't they keep it at their house if they want to buy plastic garbage!!! Wishful thinking I know!
  
  
  
  Not only are they wasting money... but its cluttering our house with items that are quickly forgotten at the bottom of the toy box.
  
  
  
  If anyone has had any luck with these discussions... I would LOVE to hear how you handled it.
  
  
  
  Too bad we can't claim allergies to junk!

  Flag as inappropriate Posted by Yes, Mommy has to work today on 9th January 2008