Yet Another Gift Giving Question

Just accept the clothing as gifts, you don't owe them a thing. I know you feel the need to reciprocate, but there's no need to. We should all help wherever and whenever we can, and someday you'll have an opportunity to help someone out.

If you are crafty you could make them something for their homes, a wreath or plaque, or make some cookies or bread, or a plate of fudge, and a nice handmade card for each of them, I'm sure they would love it!

You know a personal note written from you would be a great thing to say how much it means to you and your family. Hand-me-downs are wonderful and it is a gift to you and to them to be able to know what they purchased was used again and out of their house. :)

I give away my daughters clothing and don't expect anything I return. I don't think you need to "give " them something. Maybe make cookies, extra holiday stuff?

I agree that you don't need to do anything special, except maybe a card. I've received TONS of handme downs for my 3 kids. I just try to make sure I hand them on to someone else when I'm done with them.

Honestly, with 3 kids and the amount of stuff I have for them (both given to me and purchased) I'm thrilled when I can find someone who would like to have it to use when I'm finished.

J.

I have been on both ends - the receiving of hand-me-downs and the giving of hand-me-downs. I think the BEST thing would be to let them SEE your child wearing the clothes they gave you and playing with the toys they gave you. (I love it when I see my friend's son wearing the cute t-shirt I used to see my little boy wear).

As a reciever, I can't do a lot in return either (financially). I did get a friend one nice new polo-type shirt for her son after they gave me a bag of clothes. I wrote a note that said something like "Figured you were out of clothes now. This should fit ya!" In your situation, you could do something like that - buy an outfit in the bigger size to replace what they just gave away. Or simply show up with Starbucks or Sonic one day and say "My treat to you since you are so thoughtful and giving towards me." Or offer to take them out for lunch. (or pick up the tab when y'all have a playdate next time).

YOu have some good advice so far but I also wanted to say that one of the best things to do is let them see your kids in those clothes. I gave a TON of stuff to my friend and she always tries to put her daughter in my outfits when we get together. It makes me giggle but it's also sweet b/c I get to relive the cutest outfits I got for my daughter!

If you really want to do something I would just buy a coffee or something next time you see them and call it good. Making cookies or fudge is a nice gesture, but don't go out of your way.

Hello, I can understand you would like to do something for them. Why not invite them over for lunch in your home? Do an evite and say a Thank You
Luncheon for being so giving. Buy or sit a write a nice thank you note and
hand it to them. I'm sure they would appreciate this very much. If you go out, you'll spend more. It'll mean more inside your home with girl talk.
Or you can always bake some treats and attach a thank you note. Either way, you'll show them how greatful you are with what they've done for you.

have them over for dinner!

I've been in the same position. My friend (not a close friend) has saved me hundreds of dollars on clothes for my daughter. Of course I know I'm not obligated to give her something in return, and she loves knowing my daughter wears the clothes practically every day. But I'm able to give her something once a year, at the holidays, as a thank you. I usually give a gift cert for the movies or for a restaurant.

They will love the fudge!