How do I tell sister-in-law I don't want her son's old hand-me-downs?

[lambert.misty]

I am now 32 weeks pregnant w. my first child. It's a boy. My husband's SIL has a 4.5 yr. old little boy. (Keep in mind he is almost 5.)

Since I have gotten pregnant, all she wants to do is dump all of this old stuff on us. Stained or not....used & old. She tried to give us this old stroller that was in her shed for 4 years. The thing is, we WANT TO buy new stuff. I know that might sound a tad spoiled, but her son got all new stuff....I don't see the difference.

It's not just the want to give us things that bothers me. It's the attitude that comes along with me saying "Nah. We already have another one picked out." It's like she is thinking "WHATEVER!" & gets all weird & mean.

I mentioned that I want to go get a bouncer & she told me I should get in touch w. a cousin of my husband's who has a bouncer that was passed down from my husband's SIL. When I said "I am going to go buy one." She said "Whatever" & stopped talking to me.

It's a little annoying.
Let me just add that I am more than greatful for her wanting to give us things. However, it's more like she sees this as an opportunity to unload all of her old junk on us so she will have more room in her house.

Just bc it's free doesn't mean I want it.
let me just say that as far as me being SELFISH....no way.
There are such things as SAFETY ISSUES. Excuse me for being concerned about that. Something 5 years old isn't as up to date as something you buy today.

Not to mention a little unsanitary when it's been in a shed outside w. bugs & weather.

But ok. I will put my newborn son in a stroller that has to be blown off with a blower in order to be used. Sure. Sounds good.

 

[Jackie P]

I understand that you're greatful, yet you just don't want the stuff. Let me say though from experience that I turned my nose at handme downs and later used them. Things break, get stained, you don't always get all the stuff on your registry and kids really do grow out of their stuff often before they even have a chance to wear it. If you have the space, you may want to store some of the stuff just incase you do ever need it. If not, donate it to local charities (goodwill, salvation army etc) or sell it at baby resale stores. The stuff that is stained you may want to scrap if your crafty and make toys and quilts out of, use as burp rags, or just toss out. Good luck!

 

[[email protected]]

i would definately go through some of the stuff. You might want to keep the nice clothes... You're going to run into your child being sick with diarhea and might not want to stain the nicer clothes.You'll need plenty of onesies and t-shirts, maybe even some socks. I say go through it . Who cares about her whatever attitude...Save the other stuff and give it back to her when she has her next child..and then see what she says.