It sounds like you’ve already got this covered.

I completely agree about your son!

I try to give money, bonds or clothes to my friend’s young children. Kids could care less about another plastic toy to collect dust.

Besides it only teaches them that love = things. blech. an ugly conclusion.

And I’ve been fairly successful – most of the stuff I cull out are old clothing or other items that may still offer some value to someone else. I also have an aversion to simply throwing things away, so I usually have a “drop off at Goodwill” box going in the garage where I gather stuff that I either no longer care to or am able to make use of.

One facet that I’m slipping a bit on is stuff for our new son. We’re struggling with the concept that everyone has of showing affection by buying stuff. We’ve tried really hard to downplay this and redirect friends towards really meaningful stuff – like utilitarian stuff such as clothes, diapers, or hygiene products – rather than useless and disposable toys and other cheap junk. But still, there’s more accumulation of “stuff” in his room than I ever intended or care for.

Great series! Very thought-provoking!