Shortly after deciding we weren't going to have any more children, I went through all of my daughter's old clothes and gave them away. Afterward, I felt bad about it. I ended up giving some stuff to two different friends, neither of whom I am very close to, and then I gave some other stuff to a teen pregnancy group. In any case, I felt bad because I really wish I could give my old stuff to one of my good friends or to my SIL. Thing is, my good friends aren't close to having kids, and most of them are now reaching their mid-40s, so they most likely aren't going to have kids. Then, my ***hole of a brother has left his wife of 16 years. My only close friend that I could give the stuff to has hooked up to a guy that doesn't want kids, even though she always has....so
So, I still have tons of stuff. Do I just give it away, or hope that some momma friend is in need in the future?
Would you dump or save?
I'll give the shelter I always give to a call and see what size clothing they currently need for kids.
give away. Giving it to a women's shelter or teen pregnancy home will let you know you gave it to someone who really needed it.
I'd find out if your local womens/family shelter could use the stuff and/or post on your local freecycle. With the way the economy is these days, I'm sure there are people who could really put this stuff to good use *now* and you can feel good about helping them out. And if your friends have kids later, they'd probably be happy with whatever you can give them even if it isn't the boatload of things you had previously saved up.
I know what you mean about wanting to give it to someone close. I am the same way. I actually "made' a friend ( this was an acciantance just not someone i was close to) just to be able to give her my daughters things and know that they were being used by a nice family. We moved though and it isn't convenient to give them to her anymore. so I have been consigning more, and also freecycling alot. It doesn't make me feel as good, but other than the handful of outfits i know couldn't part with, i needed to let go. I have to say, unless someone you know is actually pregnant, I think you need to let go too. because other than a very few special things, a first time mom will most likely want newer things, Even baby wear can get outdated fast. I felt so attached to the cute outfits my daughter had, so i can totally sympathize but you probably should donate them or sell them.
one last idea, i'm not sure it would help. but one person my husband knew did just out of the blue mail us a HUGE box of used clothes from several states away when my daughter was just a few months old. It was awesome to get a whole wardrobe. so if you know someone even just a little you could do that and really surprise them.
I say give it away and pat yourself on the back for supporting another mom. Friend or Stranger
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I wanted to do that and gave a few things away to co-workers and such. We gave a few things away through CraigsList and ended up giving them to a young couple with the mama-to-be in grad school (just like us 4 years ago having our first, so that was cool). Out of nowhere though I got a phone call from one of my husband's managers because one of the other managers had unexpectedly gotten a young nephew (a few months younger than our youngest) with nothing--no food, clothes, diapers, toys, etc. We have been happy to pass things down to him. I think it is awesome to give things to a shelter or charity where you know people in need will get them, but you can hang onto favorites to hand-pick who gets them, too.
I would give it away. Even if someone you know does have children in the nexy few years,most likely the sizes are wrong for the season. Or a stain will appear after sitting in the box for a few years that wasn't there before. Give yourself some room and give it to someone who needs it now. Good luck!
I take my DD's things to a local Not-for-profit thrift store that supports a local church that, in turn, helps with needy families, etc. My DD's clothes are sold for nickels to struggling Mom's in the community. One bag I gave had, probably, 15-20 outfits...it sold to a woman for 3 dollars. (I was there) This helps the store, helps the church and helps the woman buying it...she PAID for it...one of the first steps to supporting yourself and children...made her feel good. How do I know? Because I asked..I stated that she could just HAVE my stuff from now on..."no, she politely said..I can pay"...
I have a friend of twenty plus years who has a daughter younger than mine...she completely understands WHY she doesnt get my hand me downs. She and her husbands have good jobs....let someone else benefit.
....after all, its just stuff.
I'd give it away to charities, churches, teen mom homes, halfway homes, anyone in need now.
I have to agree-there are so many in need right now that if you go the route of a church, home for teen moms, women's shelter, orphanage, freecycle then you know it goes to someone in need and they won't have to pay for it like it you gave it to goodwill. Don't hang onto it for the maybe. Be happy to give it freely to someone who will really appreciate it, needs it and will be able to use it now.
