Budgets are tight, so our oldest is going to receive a used bike for Christmas. It is still in good condition, but has clearly been loved by another little boy. I want to think of something creative to write to my son from Santa, telling him that he is getting some used items this year, and also maybe a little bit of a "learning" lesson as to why we don't have to get brand new items and how it is good to reuse, share, and not be materialistic, etc. I have no doubt that my son will love the bike and we have taught him to be appreciative, but I would like to use this opportunity to reinforce those values.
Any good ideas what Santa might say to my 6 year old? Thanks!
"The little boy that received this last year said that he was done playing with it and wondered if I knew anyone that would love it like he had. I thought of you and said I did!'
Maybe you could add a box of spray paint and some stickers and have Santa tell your son he knows your son would have much more fun decorating his own bike instead of getting him a store bought bike.
Your son might not even notice at all.
Or go full-on and include a note that says this bike was well loved by Jimmy in Peoria who outgrew it and asked Santa to make sure another smaller boy received it so he can "finish loving it" or something like that....?
I think it's a great idea and that Santa should write a letter emphasizing recycling! Maybe something along the lines of, "Santa and the elves love to recycle. This is such a good little bike that the elves and I couldn't stand to see it go to a landfill when we knew it would be perfect for you!"
You don't want to get too silly, but it's hard to resist adding, "After all, the earth and it's climate are very important to us at the North Pole. If the polar ice cap melts, we're basically screwed!" LOL -just kidding. I do think it's a great idea, and I'm loving the idea of "green" Santa!
you know we did this kind of thing all the time. We would take the bike (or scooter) apart and (spray) paint it. Then we could customize it and do all kinds of cool stuff with it. Others wold be jealous! Not something their paraents would let them so with a brand new bike because it cost so much. But with a used one, we got to make it custom and they looked amazing too!
In addition to the wonderful suggestions you've already received, I'd add what you said, that it was clearly loved by another little boy, and he only wanted to give it to another boy who would love it as much as the other boy did.
Think 'The Velveteen Rabbit' :)
You're not the only one in this boat, my kid's are getting second hand stuff too! I doubt they'll even notice :)
As a child, I got used items at times. My parents told me it was my moms (which it was). So you can say santa found Daddys old bike and is now giving it to you?
But I like the santa is going green.
FYI.. my son got a used bike for his birthday I was very proud to get him a bike for $5 instead of $65.
We give these kids needs, so wants that are used are no big deal. Also, my son has recieved items from the resale stores from family as gifts, he does not care because it is new to him.
Good luck.. Merry Christmas
I would do a "Santa is going green" message and that he knew your son would want to help:)
Recycling is such a smart choice for items that are large. But maybe if you could, add one "new" thing to it to make it his and mention that in the letter.
GREAT idea! I may just borrow it!
I like that Santa is going green! That's a concept a kid can understand. Santa's doing a bit of green here, too, because I've already gotten some stuff at the thrift store.
Depending on your beliefs, Santa can remind your son to be caring, kind and loving. Not just at Christmas but all year. Not because he's watching but because it's the right thing to do. Giving is more important than receiving.
