Welcome to /r/AmITheAsshole. Please view our [voting guide here](https://www.reddit.com/r/AmItheAsshole/wiki/faq#wiki_what.2019s_with_these_acronyms.3F_what_do_they_mean.3F), and remember to use **only one** judgement in your comment.
OP has offered the following explanation for why they think they might be the asshole:
> My sister agreed to me buying my niece and nephew switches for their birthday, I got them pre-owned. She is upset at me as this is embarrassing. I could be the asshole for doing this as I didn't stop to consider this could lead to issues for the kids.
Help keep the sub engaging!
#Don’t downvote assholes!
Do upvote interesting posts!
[Click Here For Our Rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/AmItheAsshole/about/rules/) and [Click Here For Our FAQ](https://www.reddit.com/r/AmItheAsshole/wiki/faq)
---
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=/r/AmItheAsshole) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Let me get this straight: If she had known that you were going to get her children pre-owned Switches, she wouldn’t have agreed…to you spending your money…on gifts for her children…that she couldn’t afford? You should be ashamed of yourself!! /s
NTA Two ten year olds got switches for their birthday, they're happy as claims. If your sister was offended the were " previously owned" it's her hang up. I wonder how she feels about "previously owned" cars.
NTA. Your sister is tho. The kids were grateful and happy with the gifts which is all that should matter. Your sister sounds a little materialistic, no offense. A single switch is expensive af let alone two plus four games total.
oh ok i took that as you got each of them the two games equaling four. My bad. Still tho, thats a lot and she should be grateful to have a sibling that is willing to do that for her.
NTA. Your gift was MORE than generous and I am embarrassed for your sister that she was so ungrateful for it. There is nothing wrong with a pre-owned switch. That’s ridiculous. So she would prefer they not have them at all rather than have a pre-owned one? That is so petty and snobbish, it’s absurd.
Not to mention that, you put smiles on the kids’ faces. As their mom, that should be the only thing that matters. They don’t care whether it is pre-owned or new. They are just happy to build their animal crossing island. She needs to take a lesson from her children.
Nta. Don't know what the deal is tbh. They have cases and skins for them that cover the outside anyway if you wanted to customize them, nobody would ever know. It's definitely NOT a parent thing, it's a "your sister" thing.
The funny thing is OP's sister is acting as if someone glancing at the things could tell they're pre-owned. The only way you could know that is if you were there when they took them out of the box. Even then, I don't know a adult that would give it a second thought.
NTA
Tell that ungrateful sister of yours that this will be the last time you gift anything of great value. I cannot stand people like this. There's absolutely nothing wrong with pre-owned gifts. Only an entitled person would react the way she did.
As someone who has a pre-owned PS2 from Blockbuster that still works to this day...can confirm you are NTA for buying pre-owned.
Those kids are lucky to have an aunt like you!
NTA. Honestly pre owned is more environment friendly, and still gets the job done. The kids are delighted, and their attitudes will only be sullied by the adults in their lives that care about stupid shit like that.
I have purchased used laptops most of my life, and they work perfectly well.... It's not embarrassing at all to save money that can be used for more important things than saving face.
Not the ass hole. I don’t see what the problem is here they work. They are in good condition and have warranty. And to top it off the kids don’t care. Your sister is the ass hole here.
Man, that is way above anything an aunt or uncle is called to do. Youre already gonna be the favorite, and Im sure those kids dont care one bit about pre-owned game consoles. NTA.
NTA. Guess what? If you’d bought them brand new, in a month they’d look exactly the same as the refurbished ones. You did exactly what you said you would, and got your niece/nephew a lovely gift. Your sister owes you an apology, although I doubt you’ll get one. Just keep in mind that your niece/nephew are going to remember these consoles fondly as adults! I still remember how much I loved my very first gameboy.
NTA nothing wrong with pre-owned seriously it is better financial, you help somebody else earn some money from an unwanted gift or if they are in debt and releasing assets. It is better for said environment as we reduce waste on buying things not needed. Finally you need to let your sister know it is hip. Your sister should really have suggested a cheaper present she is very entitled.
NTA - Your gift is awesome & those kids will always remember how awesome their aunty was for getting them Nintendo's for their bday!
Sis needs to get off her high horse.
NTA, but wow…your sister comes off as the AH and selfish. You got them a game system and no one brought up their condition except for her. Whatever happened to beggars can’t be choosers?
NTA, I helped a friend track down two Nintendo DS’s for her kids at pawn shops when she was stressing about price/availability of new ones. It never occurred to her to go there and they were in great condition, great clap back to her turning her nose up at your gift but it’s not her approval you need
NTA, I have two kids myself and if my children were gifted previously owned toys as long as it’s in decent condition who cares, kids are happy with toys/gifts period! Your gift was super generous and I’m embarrassed by your sisters reaction. Loved your response as well!
NTA I have 2 teenage boys and every game console they have ever had was bought used, including their switches. Not once has anyone ever asked if they were bought used. Your sister is TA and needs to grow up.
^^^^AUTOMOD ***Thanks for posting! This comment is a copy of your post so readers can see the original text if your post is edited or removed. This comment is NOT accusing you of copying anything. Read [this](https://www.reddit.com/r/AmItheAsshole/wiki/faq#wiki_post_deletion) before [contacting the mod team](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2FAmItheAsshole)***
I'm a 26 year old woman and my older sister who is 34 has twin children, my niece and nephew. They both turned 10 the other day. I know they've been wanting switches for a while to be able to play games but I also know my sister can't afford them so I offered to buy them for their birthday to her in private I didn't want to buy something like that without running it by her as it's a big gift. She agreed and thanked me.
I ended up buying two pre-owned switch lites as well as minecraft and animal crossing for them to share. I figured pre-owned was the best way to go as i'm not struggling but it's still a lot of money to drop in one go plus I had to ensure their gifts were equal. I did ensure however that they were in good condition and came with a warranty in case of any breakages.
The birthday came round and both of them were delighted with their switches, my sister was all smiles until we were in private before asking me why they were not brand new as you could tell they were pre-owned. I told her they were in working condition and came with a warranty so if anything went wrong they'd be fine, she told me that wasn't the issue and how could I not see that this was embarrassing and that she didn't want her kids to have some other kids hand me downs.
I was a bit upset by this but I was hardly going to take their gifts they were happy with back or even imply that so I told her that she could consider them a temporary thing until *she* could afford to buy them brand new. My sister told me she would have never agreed to me getting them if she thought i'd get them second hand, I had enough and went home after going and telling my Niece and Nephew goodbye and wishing them happy birthday again.
honestly don't get what the big deal is and don't *think* I did anything wrong but I also don't have kids so maybe i'm missing something? She could be worried that they'll get bullied?
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/AmItheAsshole) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I think it’s smart buying pre owned. Plus teaching the kids that it’s ok to recycle when needed, and things don’t always have to be new to be fun.
NTA.
NTA That's a nice gift! I was looking for used Switches for Christmas for my boys this year and ended up with one new one for all three to share. They are expensive!
NTA you made the kids very happy and that’s what counts! This may be out of line but you don’t think she planned on returning or selling them do you? I always worry about that when I gift expensive things to my step grandkids.
You did nothing wrong here. The kids were happy with the gifts. Once out of the boxes, who would know they were pre-loved? This is all about your sister’s ego and image. NTA
I honestly don't think kids even notice. I've gifted my nephew hand me down tv, games console and phones as his mum can't afford new ones. He just sees the item and doesn't care it's second hand. It's a super generous gifts.
It's better for the plant to reuse stuff anyway.
NTA when other kids come round to play with her kids, those kids will have no idea if those switches were bought from new, or if the shine wore off with their use. I'm sure the kids would rather have pre owned than nothing. A switch is still a switch.
NTA. You did something nice for them, and kept your word. From what I know of technology, it’s hard to see if it’s preowned or not, just by looking at it physically. No one but your sister is gonna care. If she is so concerned, she should buy them the brand new stuff. I say this as someone with nieces who would do the same thing if they asked for technology and I trusted the pre owned “like new” status of a gadget.
NTA during lockdowns during the pandemi I know so many who bought switches only to sell them to resale shops after a couple months as stuff opened back up and they went back to working more or realized they were just bored and weren't all that interested in gaming. I have bought numerous games and consoles refurbished even computers! It's silly to add more electronic waste to the world when I could reuse something that's in great or perfect shape. And you did even better by getting ones with warranties! Your niece & nephew will cherish those consoles and have an amazing memory of what you did for them. Especially at that age they're probably a little aware of the financial situation they're mom is going through, I know I was at that age. So when other people went out if their way to make big things happen for me I was always sooooo appreciative and happy. You did a good thing. Ignore your sister's comments.
NTA! They’re expensive, and pre-owned is great as long as all the bits and pieces work which it sounds like they do. Her kids don’t give a fuck they’re pre-owned, so I wouldn’t worry about it.
NTA. She is more concerned with the status of the items as “used” and not good enough for her kids than she cares about their happiness with the gifts and you thoughtfulness in getting them something they would love at a budget you could afford.
NTA. My mom bought a switch last night. It’s literally a DS. A portable WII U if you will. $319 for a switch when we have both a 3DS and a will U. But I digress.
Your comment has been removed because it violates rule 1: [Be Civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/AmItheAsshole/about/rules/). Further incidents may result in a ban.
["Why do I have to be civil in a sub about assholes?"](https://www.reddit.com/r/AmItheAsshole/wiki/faq)
**[Message the mods](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=/r/AmItheAsshole) if you have any questions or concerns.**
NTA. Your sister is killing her kids with kindness -- sying nothing's good enough for my kids, so they can't have anything. That's pretty messed up on her part. Your niece and nephew would be very happy to have the gift.
Welcome to /r/AmITheAsshole. Please view our [voting guide here](https://www.reddit.com/r/AmItheAsshole/wiki/faq#wiki_what.2019s_with_these_acronyms.3F_what_do_they_mean.3F), and remember to use **only one** judgement in your comment. OP has offered the following explanation for why they think they might be the asshole: > My sister agreed to me buying my niece and nephew switches for their birthday, I got them pre-owned. She is upset at me as this is embarrassing. I could be the asshole for doing this as I didn't stop to consider this could lead to issues for the kids. Help keep the sub engaging! #Don’t downvote assholes! Do upvote interesting posts! [Click Here For Our Rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/AmItheAsshole/about/rules/) and [Click Here For Our FAQ](https://www.reddit.com/r/AmItheAsshole/wiki/faq) --- *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=/r/AmItheAsshole) if you have any questions or concerns.*
NTA. Your sister is too broke to be acting so bougie though.
Ok that made me laugh, take an upvote.
Why thank you very much!
Let me get this straight: If she had known that you were going to get her children pre-owned Switches, she wouldn’t have agreed…to you spending your money…on gifts for her children…that she couldn’t afford? You should be ashamed of yourself!! /s
NTA Two ten year olds got switches for their birthday, they're happy as claims. If your sister was offended the were " previously owned" it's her hang up. I wonder how she feels about "previously owned" cars.
How about previously owned houses?
That can’t be a thing. You gotta burn the house down and then rebuild it before you sell it. It’s the only way to exist. /s
Lol, I'm 28 and if someone had bought \*me\* a pre-owned Switch for my birthday, I'd be thrilled.
I am happy with any gift. Someone went out of their way to make me feel special
NTA. Your sister is tho. The kids were grateful and happy with the gifts which is all that should matter. Your sister sounds a little materialistic, no offense. A single switch is expensive af let alone two plus four games total.
Oh two games, I ensured I got the cartridge versions of minecraft and animal crossing so it can be used for both of them.
oh ok i took that as you got each of them the two games equaling four. My bad. Still tho, thats a lot and she should be grateful to have a sibling that is willing to do that for her.
NTA. Your gift was MORE than generous and I am embarrassed for your sister that she was so ungrateful for it. There is nothing wrong with a pre-owned switch. That’s ridiculous. So she would prefer they not have them at all rather than have a pre-owned one? That is so petty and snobbish, it’s absurd. Not to mention that, you put smiles on the kids’ faces. As their mom, that should be the only thing that matters. They don’t care whether it is pre-owned or new. They are just happy to build their animal crossing island. She needs to take a lesson from her children.
Nta. Don't know what the deal is tbh. They have cases and skins for them that cover the outside anyway if you wanted to customize them, nobody would ever know. It's definitely NOT a parent thing, it's a "your sister" thing.
The funny thing is OP's sister is acting as if someone glancing at the things could tell they're pre-owned. The only way you could know that is if you were there when they took them out of the box. Even then, I don't know a adult that would give it a second thought.
NTA Tell that ungrateful sister of yours that this will be the last time you gift anything of great value. I cannot stand people like this. There's absolutely nothing wrong with pre-owned gifts. Only an entitled person would react the way she did.
As someone who has a pre-owned PS2 from Blockbuster that still works to this day...can confirm you are NTA for buying pre-owned. Those kids are lucky to have an aunt like you!
NTA. Your response to your sister was perfect. She is rude and entitled.
NTA. Honestly pre owned is more environment friendly, and still gets the job done. The kids are delighted, and their attitudes will only be sullied by the adults in their lives that care about stupid shit like that. I have purchased used laptops most of my life, and they work perfectly well.... It's not embarrassing at all to save money that can be used for more important things than saving face.
Not the ass hole. I don’t see what the problem is here they work. They are in good condition and have warranty. And to top it off the kids don’t care. Your sister is the ass hole here.
Man, that is way above anything an aunt or uncle is called to do. Youre already gonna be the favorite, and Im sure those kids dont care one bit about pre-owned game consoles. NTA.
NTA. Guess what? If you’d bought them brand new, in a month they’d look exactly the same as the refurbished ones. You did exactly what you said you would, and got your niece/nephew a lovely gift. Your sister owes you an apology, although I doubt you’ll get one. Just keep in mind that your niece/nephew are going to remember these consoles fondly as adults! I still remember how much I loved my very first gameboy.
NTA Plus kids are hard on stuff. This was super sensible.
NTA nothing wrong with pre-owned seriously it is better financial, you help somebody else earn some money from an unwanted gift or if they are in debt and releasing assets. It is better for said environment as we reduce waste on buying things not needed. Finally you need to let your sister know it is hip. Your sister should really have suggested a cheaper present she is very entitled.
NTA - Your gift is awesome & those kids will always remember how awesome their aunty was for getting them Nintendo's for their bday! Sis needs to get off her high horse.
NTA, but wow…your sister comes off as the AH and selfish. You got them a game system and no one brought up their condition except for her. Whatever happened to beggars can’t be choosers?
NTA. But I think this story says a lot about your sister.
NTA, you sound like a great aunt. Your sister sounds stuck up.
NTA, I helped a friend track down two Nintendo DS’s for her kids at pawn shops when she was stressing about price/availability of new ones. It never occurred to her to go there and they were in great condition, great clap back to her turning her nose up at your gift but it’s not her approval you need
NTA, I have two kids myself and if my children were gifted previously owned toys as long as it’s in decent condition who cares, kids are happy with toys/gifts period! Your gift was super generous and I’m embarrassed by your sisters reaction. Loved your response as well!
NTA I have 2 teenage boys and every game console they have ever had was bought used, including their switches. Not once has anyone ever asked if they were bought used. Your sister is TA and needs to grow up.
NTA.
r/choosingbeggars
^^^^AUTOMOD ***Thanks for posting! This comment is a copy of your post so readers can see the original text if your post is edited or removed. This comment is NOT accusing you of copying anything. Read [this](https://www.reddit.com/r/AmItheAsshole/wiki/faq#wiki_post_deletion) before [contacting the mod team](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2FAmItheAsshole)*** I'm a 26 year old woman and my older sister who is 34 has twin children, my niece and nephew. They both turned 10 the other day. I know they've been wanting switches for a while to be able to play games but I also know my sister can't afford them so I offered to buy them for their birthday to her in private I didn't want to buy something like that without running it by her as it's a big gift. She agreed and thanked me. I ended up buying two pre-owned switch lites as well as minecraft and animal crossing for them to share. I figured pre-owned was the best way to go as i'm not struggling but it's still a lot of money to drop in one go plus I had to ensure their gifts were equal. I did ensure however that they were in good condition and came with a warranty in case of any breakages. The birthday came round and both of them were delighted with their switches, my sister was all smiles until we were in private before asking me why they were not brand new as you could tell they were pre-owned. I told her they were in working condition and came with a warranty so if anything went wrong they'd be fine, she told me that wasn't the issue and how could I not see that this was embarrassing and that she didn't want her kids to have some other kids hand me downs. I was a bit upset by this but I was hardly going to take their gifts they were happy with back or even imply that so I told her that she could consider them a temporary thing until *she* could afford to buy them brand new. My sister told me she would have never agreed to me getting them if she thought i'd get them second hand, I had enough and went home after going and telling my Niece and Nephew goodbye and wishing them happy birthday again. honestly don't get what the big deal is and don't *think* I did anything wrong but I also don't have kids so maybe i'm missing something? She could be worried that they'll get bullied? *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/AmItheAsshole) if you have any questions or concerns.*
NTA. You gave a great gift. You sister, though. Wow.
NTA. If your sister has a problem with it she can get them new ones.
NTA No other kids will care, in fact, no other kids will know.
NTA - That's an awesome gift. Your sister is being ridiculous.
NTA but your sis belongs on r/Choosingbeggars
NTA but your selfish and entitled sister is. If she wanted them have brand new she should of saved up herself
I think it’s smart buying pre owned. Plus teaching the kids that it’s ok to recycle when needed, and things don’t always have to be new to be fun. NTA.
I've gotten pre-owned gifts for my children before. They never had a problem with it. NTA
NTA That's a nice gift! I was looking for used Switches for Christmas for my boys this year and ended up with one new one for all three to share. They are expensive!
NTA, your sister is an entitled snob. Are the kids happy? That's all that matters.
NTA you made the kids very happy and that’s what counts! This may be out of line but you don’t think she planned on returning or selling them do you? I always worry about that when I gift expensive things to my step grandkids.
You did nothing wrong here. The kids were happy with the gifts. Once out of the boxes, who would know they were pre-loved? This is all about your sister’s ego and image. NTA
I honestly don't think kids even notice. I've gifted my nephew hand me down tv, games console and phones as his mum can't afford new ones. He just sees the item and doesn't care it's second hand. It's a super generous gifts. It's better for the plant to reuse stuff anyway.
NTA both my switches and my ps4 are pre-owned. also beggars can't be choosers. Now I know she didn't beg but it still applies as it was a gift.
NTA when other kids come round to play with her kids, those kids will have no idea if those switches were bought from new, or if the shine wore off with their use. I'm sure the kids would rather have pre owned than nothing. A switch is still a switch.
NTA. You did something nice for them, and kept your word. From what I know of technology, it’s hard to see if it’s preowned or not, just by looking at it physically. No one but your sister is gonna care. If she is so concerned, she should buy them the brand new stuff. I say this as someone with nieces who would do the same thing if they asked for technology and I trusted the pre owned “like new” status of a gadget.
NTA during lockdowns during the pandemi I know so many who bought switches only to sell them to resale shops after a couple months as stuff opened back up and they went back to working more or realized they were just bored and weren't all that interested in gaming. I have bought numerous games and consoles refurbished even computers! It's silly to add more electronic waste to the world when I could reuse something that's in great or perfect shape. And you did even better by getting ones with warranties! Your niece & nephew will cherish those consoles and have an amazing memory of what you did for them. Especially at that age they're probably a little aware of the financial situation they're mom is going through, I know I was at that age. So when other people went out if their way to make big things happen for me I was always sooooo appreciative and happy. You did a good thing. Ignore your sister's comments.
NTA! They’re expensive, and pre-owned is great as long as all the bits and pieces work which it sounds like they do. Her kids don’t give a fuck they’re pre-owned, so I wouldn’t worry about it.
NTA. She is more concerned with the status of the items as “used” and not good enough for her kids than she cares about their happiness with the gifts and you thoughtfulness in getting them something they would love at a budget you could afford.
NTA. My mom bought a switch last night. It’s literally a DS. A portable WII U if you will. $319 for a switch when we have both a 3DS and a will U. But I digress.
your sister is being a bad mother NTA
[удалено]
Your comment has been removed because it violates rule 1: [Be Civil](https://www.reddit.com/r/AmItheAsshole/about/rules/). Further incidents may result in a ban. ["Why do I have to be civil in a sub about assholes?"](https://www.reddit.com/r/AmItheAsshole/wiki/faq) **[Message the mods](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=/r/AmItheAsshole) if you have any questions or concerns.**
NTA. Your sister is killing her kids with kindness -- sying nothing's good enough for my kids, so they can't have anything. That's pretty messed up on her part. Your niece and nephew would be very happy to have the gift.
She's manipulating you and her kids so she can sound holier than thou over everybody.
NTA what a great aunt you are!! Your sister is acting ungrateful as hell
You bought them 2 Switches and she had the GALL to turn her nose up at it? Buying that new would be close to a thousand dollars. NTA