“They have everything.”
It’s a phrase I hear almost daily in the shop from those on the hunt for the perfect birthday gift. Sometimes, it’s even for a child celebrating their first birthday! And every time, I find myself wondering: How is it possible that a baby—still so small—already has everything they could ever need and are difficult to buy a first birthday gift for?
I’ll admit, when my eldest was born, we were gifted bags of secondhand items, each one given with kindness by friends and family. While we appreciated the gesture, we soon found ourselves with more than we could ever use. Some things, in fact, never even saw the light of day. It’s easy to get swept up in the secondhand abundance—whether donating your used kids items to others, bargain hunting around charity shops or impulse buys—until the house is overflowing.
As the years have gone by, I’ve become more intentional about what enters our home. We’ve stopped accepting things just because they’re “free” or “bargain-priced.” For birthdays, my eldest now asks for coins in a card, or even just a fiver, so he can save up for something he really wants. For Christmas and birthdays, I provide family with specific lists of items we truly need or the kids will get long-term enjoyment from. And while I’m not a strict minimalist, I do make sure that most of what we buy—whether new or secondhand—is quality. I avoid low-quality, fad toys that break within a week of play or are tossed aside after a few days of excitement.
A recent article in The Guardian spoke about the rise of “secondhand shopping mania”—the thrill of bargain hunting that has become addictive for many. People scour secondhand stores, overindulge in things they don’t need, and a few months later, clear out their homes in a flurry of overwhelm. This cycle of consumption continues, with children learning to chase the same dopamine hit from anything new—whether it’s secondhand or not.
On one hand, the shift towards buying secondhand is fantastic. People are choosing to sell, donate or gift instead of throwing away as the default. This shift is a win for the planet. But, on the other hand, we need to be careful that “secondhand” doesn’t become synonymous with mindless shopping. The key to sustainability isn’t just buying secondhand and used—it’s buying intentionally and avoiding impulse-driven consumption. Instead of chasing the thrill of a “bargain,” let’s focus on buying fewer, better-quality items that will stand the test of time, even if that means buying new.
When we invest in well-made toys, they last longer, reducing waste and the need for constant replacements. More importantly, it teaches our children about mindful consumption. It’s a valuable lesson: appreciating what you have, making thoughtful choices, and understanding the impact of those choices.
Toys are often the first place children are exposed to the concepts of shopping, consumption, and waste. And whether we realise it or not, this shapes the way they will interact with products as adults. The toys they play with today will influence their buying habits for years to come. As parents, we have the opportunity—and the responsibility—to set an example for the next generation of consumers and custodians of the planet. Teaching children to shop consciously and responsibly today is a step toward a more sustainable future tomorrow.
The toy industry wields a surprising amount of influence over how children learn to interact with the world of consumption, shopping and marketing tactics. By choosing thoughtfully-designed, durable toys, we can teach our kids to value quality over quantity and make more sustainable choices in all aspects of their lives, secondhand and new. Let’s shop slowly, shop conscientiously, and teach the next generation to do the same.
Link to the Guardian Article Here
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