Another Family Donation question

[AllieHound]

Our Wishlist kid (the 12 yo) has a coat listed. My church does a members clothing swap-- bring some clothes, take some clothes, very, very little money switches hands. It's a great time.

So, someone brought in a Columbia 3-in-1 jacket. My wishlist kid's size. It looks like it was never worn, but it's obviously not NWT, but it's a great looking coat. $7.50. I grabbed it up because it was fantastic, and if I can't give it to this kid, some kids getting an awesome coat from a coat drive.

My question: knowing it's not new, can I still put this in his Christmas box? I wouldn't intend for it to replace any of his toy/entertainment wishlist items, but I'd like to give it to that kid if it wasn't going to be offensive.

[erbear]

I would. Never been worn is practically new and it's a great warm coat.

[pixy0stix]

I'd like Christmas gifts to be new.

[pixy0stix]

Nov 23, 2014 21:32:47 GMT -5 erbear said:

I would. Never been worn is practically new and it's a great warm coat.

NO. Jesus. It's not that hard. These are Christmas gifts. You buy new for Christmas gifts. Any other charity thing, sure, give the poor people your cast offs. A Christmas gift should have a goddamn fucking tag on it and be new.

[AJL]

For Wishlist recipients, I think all things should be brand new. First, because it's their Christmas wish. How disheartening to be thought of as not worth something new (though I know that is NOT your intention. It can be the recipient's reaction.)

Second, new with tags and, if possible, a gift receipt is the best option because if it doesn't fit well, he can exchange it for something he can wear and that's the whole point: a new winter coat he will enjoy wearing and get use out of.

I'm say donate the swap coat to a coat drive and buy your Wishlist kiddo a brand new coat.

[erbear]

Yeah, I think I changed my mind. I would try to find a way to donate it to someone else.

[laurenpetro]

I'd give that one and a new with tags one.

[Deleted]

Nov 23, 2014 22:22:26 GMT -5 laurenpetro said:

I'd give that one and a new with tags one.

Or give the coat and a gift card to somewhere that sells coats. If that coat works they won't need two and then they can get something else.

But I love three in one coats and a Columbia one is a very good brand that will last.

[WOT?*]

I would give him the coat...but not as a Christmas present. As something to be given aside from the gifts. He needs a coat, this is a great coat and you can spend the money you'd buy on another coat that's just as nice on other items on his list. Provide the coat with the caveat that it not be wrapped and given as a gift but given to him freely as a needed item from someone who cares and wants to see him have a nice coat.

[speckledfrog]

Giving him two coats doesn't make any sense. If you are going to buy him a new coat then just donate the gently used one. I absolutely agree that Christmas gifts for a program like this should be new.

[AllieHound]

OK, that coat will go to Coats for Kids. Thanks for the input, guys. I obviously prefer new Christmas gifts, this coat just took me by surprise!

[downtoearth]

Nov 23, 2014 21:34:54 GMT -5 pixy0stix said:

Nov 23, 2014 21:32:47 GMT -5 erbear said:

I would. Never been worn is practically new and it's a great warm coat.

NO. Jesus. It's not that hard. These are Christmas gifts. You buy new for Christmas gifts. Any other charity thing, sure, give the poor people your cast offs. A Christmas gift should have a goddamn fucking tag on it and be new.

I agree with this, unless you know them. I give my own kids used toys, skis, and clothes at Christmas, but I wouldn't do it with someone else.