Pay it forward.

Over the years, we have been the lucky recipients of a tremendous amount of kids’ clothing and toys and books. Really great stuff. I am fortunate that my sister-in-law buys amazing quality clothes for my nephew – who I am happy to say is always at least one size ahead of my oldest son. And whenever I hear he had a growth spurt, I do a happy dance.

Anything that survives my oldest gets passed down. And then, passed down again. So, it never occurred to me that I’d ever have anything to bestow on others. I mean, how many boys can share the same clothes and toys and books? Well…

My boys are getting bigger. And their sizes are getting closer together. So I have a lot of clothes to pass down. One of my poker-playing friends has a son just younger than my youngest. And I have 2 first cousins with 3 sons between them. So lots of willing recipients. Of course, I weed out the stained, torn, icky stuff!

Then there’s the books. We have a lot of books. Really. A lot. And the boys never want to get rid of any of them. They have fond memories of reading I Love You the Purplest and Monsters Lunch Box about a bazillion times and could never part with them. Not sure I could either. But when a preschooler we know had a charity book drive, the boys each chose 10 to give her. And then some.

And then there’s the toys. When the boys outgrow a toy, my neurotic, organized, neat impulses make me want to find them a home. But I stall. I hate thinking of them not wanting to play Lite Brite anymore. Or Rescue Heroes. So we still have those. And though they don’t play with the Rescue Heroes, they shriek when I consider passing it on. But last week, I found a special home for a way-cool ride on toy that we cherished. And outgrew. And just today, our Tonka Farm that we played with for hours and hours and hours went to Jack. And I had to find something to send for Kate so I sent over the Brainquests that I was having trouble parting with. And some educational flashcards – presidents, state capitals, math… Just what every preschooler needs, right?

And my cousin is coming to take our train table. I am holding onto the Brio trains. In fact, the boys still play with them. And I can’t part with the Little People or the Playmobil. Well, they do play with the Playmobil. And when the little kids come over, I bring out the Little People and they are well loved.

I saved my Madame Alexander doll collection from childhood so my daughter could have them. No daughters here. And now I’m saving some great toys for my grandchildren. I hope I have better luck this time. Hey, here’s a thought! I can save my Madame Alexander dolls for my granddaughter….