I know it’s crappy plastic trash, but……

I've bought many secondhand toys for my grandson - he was very much into Paw Patrol for a while and although I did buy him a few new ones, the majority were all purchased secondhand. I've got a lovely wooden mud kitchen and tool bench too and again, both were secondhand purchases. I do buy him some new things, especially for birthdays and xmas, but I don't feel too much guilt as I do feel I'm doing my bit by recycling old toys too.

Lucky GD and Dd you are allowed free will!

Buy her the new doll Witzend - she’s still very little and will be so delighted to receive what she’s asked for. Soon she will be 8, then 9 and the magic starts to fade. There are times for practical, sensible purchases and times for joy. My dil is very similar in outlook - I remember a very small grandson looking longingly at a toy farm tractor in a shop and asking ‘is that plastic tat Nanna?’ It wasn’t-and I ended up shelling out for a pricey Brüder John Deere toy tractor. I just felt sad that the innocence of this 3 year old was already compromised and spent far more than normal.

Yammy - I take your point about the dolls' house, but is either of them still here?
When ours were little we asked for Brio railway stuff. One set of GPs thought it 'boring' and bought bright plastic stuff, which broke. The Brio is still here, being played with.
And yes, I have seen the wooden medical kit - very odd.
I have no problem with a few items of long-lasting plastic, but actually, don't have a clue what a LOL doll is!

Well, the super-trashy present has arrived, and it is so super-trashy, I’m sure she’s going to love it! ?

Your grand-daughter will mo doubt in due course pick up the cudgel of reuse, recycle etc. Whilst still a child, please let her be a child and enjoy childhood. Special bond between Grandmother and grand- daughter.

My DD and SIL get many of my GD's clothes and toys from their local Giveaway site, and also donate their unwanted items. They could well afford to buy all new, but prefer to recycle. They have, however, bought her a few of these dolls, and it's a joy to watch her chattering and singing to them as she plays.
We have also given her much-loved toys that her Mum played with, including Lego and Fisher Price toys. A push-along dog which I bought secondhand for my first DS 57 years ago has helped all our DC and GC, and a few friends' children too, to learn to walk. It has been re-covered several times, and was well worth the 5/- I originally paid for it.
By all means recycle when you can, but not at the cost of disappointing a small child. They aren't little for very long.

My little GD wants a doll with eyes that open and shut, unlike the fabric one she has been given by parents, whose eyes are permanently open. Any suggestions welcome.

Enjoy her reaction Witzend
Can you find ways to off set the buying of plastic?
Maybe take said Gd to the beach to collect up plastic rubbish?
Anyway, I'm sure your daughter will forgive you this once especially after all the home made gifts you've knitted for them in the past.

You aren't going to get her one every day, are you? Tell your daughter to recycle / reuse the plastic for labels,bin liners, whatever.

My eldest (aged 45) still has all her Barbie dolls. I am sure they will be passed to granddaughters when she has them. For a birthday I do think new is best. When I was young everything was second hand but I still remember that wonderful feeling on my fourth birthday 67 years ago when I was given the most beautiful Pedigree walkie talkie doll in a box. It makes me smile still. I still have Susie