My dad died over 20 years ago. Before he died, he had only been retired 2-3 years. During that time, he ordered five huge dollhouse kits to assembly and gift to any of the “future female grandchildren”. When he died, my mother insisted that these go to my sister (because I never had children). My sister came and got them and they have been sitting in storage ever since. About 3 weeks ago, my sister rediscovered them and offered them to the 3 female grandchildren, they did not want them because they are now too old for “children’s toys”. My sister called our mother and wanted to know if she wanted them back. Now my mom wants me to rent a van, drive three state over and collect these doll house and then assembly/paint/furnish them for her. My mom does not have room for any of these and I do not have access to any space where I could assembly these. I’ve never been any good at model building or wood working. I’ve told her “no” firmly but she doesn’t want these to go to waste. I can’t think of anything else to say to her or explain to her that would make this make sense to her. Suggestions?
--Children Hospitals, or
--Children museums and now on display, or
--Preschools and kids love them, or
--Orphanages (if she still thinks those exist), or
--Sold, then give your mom some money if she asks. It will be way cheaper than what she wants you to do, AND having to listen to her nagging until you go insane.
Then, do what you or sister want with them. Put them on freecycle.org, nextdoor.com, or craigslist.org for free. Somebody might want a DIY project with their kids.
You tell mom NO, you're simply not going to rent a van and go thru all that hoopla for these dollhouses. Sorry, that just doesn't work for me, ma. Keep practicing your NO word until it rolls off your tongue easily and naturally.
1. Senior centers and some communities have woodworking groups. Some are for anyone, others are devoted to seniors. My father's senior center has a 501(c)(3) classification for its fundraising events.
A senior center woodworking group could (a) assemble and sell the dollhouses at a fundraising event, and (b) also create their own plans (assuming there's no patent or other IP (Intellectual property) restrictions), and continue to build them for sale.
My father's Senior Center has various fundraising events which are 501(c)(3) qualified. Can you imagine the excitement of a child to have a hand assembled house made by local woodworkers?
2. There are also various woodworking groups or clubs (in my area) which might be interested in assembling the kits, and donating them as well.
I have a collection of woodworking magazines, as this craft interests me as well. There are typically photos in each magazine of items made by woodworkers (male and female), and they are of very, very high quality.
I think a donation would be a great way to use these kits.
Or contact your local Children's Hospital and find out if they would have use for it. Either as an In House toy/display or to gift to a child.
If you do not want to bring them to your place to do this you sister can do the same where she lives and put the donation in your Mom and Dad's names.
Ask her to continue to store them a bit longer until you can figure out what to do?
Do not bring it up to Mom again, except to say sister wants to keep them.
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