Dear Prudence

Dear Prudie, It has happened twice recently that co-workers invited to our house for dinner came bearing gifts for our two little girls (1 and 3). In both cases it turned out that the "gifts" were well-worn toys my colleagues' older children no longer play with. I said nothing, so as not to spoil the evening, but I do not appreciate other people unloading their junk disguised as gifts on us. Am I being unreasonable? Our kids did play with the stuff, and I admit I wouldn't have objected if the toys had been new. It's just that I feel an invitation is not an excuse to clear out your attic. Should I say something the next time? —Dumped On * Dear Dump, Yes, what you should say the next time is, "Thank you." While Prudie can understand your feelings, you seem to be putting these actions in an unduly harsh light. Try to think "hand-me-downs," something particularly appropriate with children's clothes and toys. Prudie is not sure the dinner guests were even trying to pawn these things off as new. Granted, they might have finessed the situation by saying that their own children had enjoyed these toys ... but they didn't, so work on being less annoyed. Prudie would bet anything they weren't trying to clear out their attics so much as trying to entertain your children with things they felt would be new to them. Give your guests the benefit of the doubt as to motive, and if you really do not wish your children to have secondhand toys, the next time this happens dispose of them, discreetly, when the evening is over. —Prudie, levelheadedly ****** DD says, Dear Dumped, not only do you have co workers who thoughtfully think of your small children with kindness, but, you don't even appreciate it. Instead you bitch because the toys aren't new. Boy, are you a jerk.