A few years ago, I never actually bought second-hand kids’ items, but I was once given a huge bag full of children’s stuff by an elderly couple we know well. They were both in high positions and had lived in several countries before settling in Qatar, where they owned a massive house. The lady, who is a close family friend, generously handed me not just one but two or three large bags of goodies for my little ones.

She encouraged me to sort through everything, keep what my kids could use, and share the rest with other children in need. When I finally opened the bags, I was amazed by the variety inside: several brand new, unused thick sticker comics, stunning Japanese handmade paper sheets, steel toy assembly sets, Disney stencils, packs of vintage tissue papers, stamp collections, and even 20–30 pairs of unused skin socks. There were also unopened packs of chopsticks, a big ziplock bag full of McDonald’s toys, and a mix of corporate event diaries, t-shirts, and caps. It felt like discovering a treasure trove!

My kids spent almost three years playing, creating, and learning with all these items. The thick sticker books became a favorite, and for years, we happily gifted them to friends’ children on birthdays. Sharing these items not only brought joy to our family but also allowed us to pass on happiness to other kids, making those bags of surprises truly special.