We would regift stuff like that, if there's no one specific we think would like them, I'd take it to work and put it out for morning tea, or ask one of the care team at church whether there's someone in our community who might like them for themselves, or their kids, etc, or if they're putting together any hampers, etc.

With presents in general, we try to get ahead of the ball a bit, and let people (close family - not everyone!!) know sooner rather than later of some specific things we'd love for the kids. So this year, we asked my parents for a Friends of the Zoo pass, and we asked my siblings for activity trips - a beach trip, a farm trip, etc.

When we give gifts, we try to keep this in mind, and give art and craft bits and pieces, activity vouchers (as long as we're confident the parents have time and transport, etc).

We're trying to think about what to do for DS1's birthday, as we want to put something on the invitation indicating we don't want gifts ... he's due for the next size up of clothes, so we're contemplating asking for an item of clothes and something to share for lunch, instead of toys. I just can't imagine his guests (not heaps, but maybe 10 kids) all coming with a toy!

If there was a gap in the inventory (craft stuff, musical instruments, books) I'd have no bones about asking for things that come in that category ... I don't like asking for money (each to their own - it just doesn't sit well with me) and while the kids are little, I like them knowing that they are loved, and that people want to bless them because they love them... so I don't want to just say "no gifts" etc ...

But for Easter, I don't see the need for prezzies, or a chocolate or chocolate substitute ... my parents have always done chocolates, but by the time I was a teenager, I didn't want the chocolate, so I asked for a toy, and then started asking for new pyjamas instead (nice ones) and now we get "chickens" from TEAR (Oxfam etc have the same sort of thing).

But that's us!

ETA: Rouge! The egg hunts sounds like fun... and I bet my dad would happily eat all the eggs ... I've never been to one!

Oh, now I want to do an Easter egg hunt!!