To be completely honest I have found it quite difficult not to participate in consumerism this Christmas...to buy Charlie that adorable oversized stuffed toy, to buy a brand new Christmas outfit because it’s Christmas and that’s what I used to do!! However it does mean I have been far more creative and have actually become rather obsessive on the sewing machine, we haven’t had huge Christmas bills and I feel lighter. This time of year is also a timely reminder that some children have nothing, get nothing, and some parents struggle like never before as costs sky rocket. We need to change the expectations of this time of year, give more than just material items, buy less & not feel the pressure to keep up with Joneses. Christmas is about family, togetherness, celebration, faith, love and our children...and trust me as long its brought or made with love they do not care what they receive.
I decided to do a bit of research into the global toy industry and was more than surprised at what I found out. According to Statista the toy industry is worth $84.1 Billion dollars annually and in the UK the average child receives $500 worth of new toys per year!! According to an article by stuff.co.nz "How many Toys do they need" The average number of toys a child receives per year is 70. It’s a huge industry that the world gladly participates in. What happens to toys that don't sell, that arrive in damaged packaging, that are slightly different colour to advertising suggests??? According to Marketplace. Org stores cut the price until it’s up to 70 percent off. If it's still unsold the next step is likely to liquidate the product, donate it to a discount store or in some cases donate it," Barratt says. But brands can be very sensitive about their products ending up in outlets.
"The primary concern is the impact on the brand. Suddenly it’s, ‘Hang on a minute! We’ve spent all this time and money creating this image that we’re an upscale retailer, and now suddenly you can buy our products for 30 percent of the price if you’re just prepared to wait long enough and go to a different outlet store.”
And that same problem pops up with donating. If stores are not careful they fare they may end up competing with markets, opportunity shops, and second-hand stores. So this is when the big decision is made and majority of companies chose to shred, burn or simply throw away products they can't sell.
I decided to do a bit of research into the global toy industry and was more than surprised at what I found out. According to Statista the toy industry is worth $84.1 Billion dollars annually and in the UK the average child receives $500 worth of new toys per year!! According to an article by stuff.co.nz "How many Toys do they need" The average number of toys a child receives per year is 70. It’s a huge industry that the world gladly participates in. What happens to toys that don't sell, that arrive in damaged packaging, that are slightly different colour to advertising suggests??? According to Marketplace. Org stores cut the price until it’s up to 70 percent off. If it's still unsold the next step is likely to liquidate the product, donate it to a discount store or in some cases donate it," Barratt says. But brands can be very sensitive about their products ending up in outlets.
"The primary concern is the impact on the brand. Suddenly it’s, ‘Hang on a minute! We’ve spent all this time and money creating this image that we’re an upscale retailer, and now suddenly you can buy our products for 30 percent of the price if you’re just prepared to wait long enough and go to a different outlet store.”
And that same problem pops up with donating. If stores are not careful they fare they may end up competing with markets, opportunity shops, and second-hand stores. So this is when the big decision is made and majority of companies chose to shred, burn or simply throw away products they can't sell.
As you may know I have been collecting such toys to donate to chosen charities this year. They are in brand new condition, either from second hand stores, opportunity shops, and I have received donations from families that have unused toys sitting in their cupboards. I was more than excited when for the first time I received a donation from New Zealand Toy Company "Jumpin Jacks Toys" who decided to donate such toys they can't sell. Jumpin Jacks I believe are setting a bench mark, putting their hands up and saying "we don't want to waste, we see better use for our toys, we are bigger than a brand, we have a social responsibility, and we want to help". If only more companies such as these existed we could help more children in need by donating straight to the families instead of the toys ending up in landfill because of "brand reputation" We can spread the message that brand new is not always best, and we can chose to support such New Zealand companies who we know to be contributing to a better world. Check out Jumpin Jack Toys www.jumpinjacks.co.nz
Last but not least I want to leave you with this comment from Rick, sharing his view on receiving second hand toys for Christmas...
"When younger we came from a poor 1 parent family living in a rough neighbourhood and used to receive packages of 2nd hand toys from another charity called Birth right! I used to look forward to opening these up on Christmas day; they actually made mine and my sister's Xmas!
"We're we annoyed that they weren't brand new? Absolutely not! We received some quality items that we cherished and didn't even think twice about them being used! Just because something is brand new doesn't make it better."
Last but not least I want to leave you with this comment from Rick, sharing his view on receiving second hand toys for Christmas...
"When younger we came from a poor 1 parent family living in a rough neighbourhood and used to receive packages of 2nd hand toys from another charity called Birth right! I used to look forward to opening these up on Christmas day; they actually made mine and my sister's Xmas!
"We're we annoyed that they weren't brand new? Absolutely not! We received some quality items that we cherished and didn't even think twice about them being used! Just because something is brand new doesn't make it better."