Usually I just make things disappear, but that is *hard* with my kid. She remembers *everything*. I gave a doll away almost a year ago, she made no mention of it until a month ago when she asked "where is that brown baby with the pink lips?" I just told her I hadn't seen it in a long time.
But i'm thinking of a different strategy.

We had a nice set of play dishes I bought at a waldorf fair. It is enough. Dh's aunt came to visit this summer from pennsylvania and commented on how nice these dishes were. So this christmas, she sends Lydia a gift: a big bag of plastic dishes. :rolleyes: So now we have waaaaay too many dishes. junky hot pink ones at that! I have some play food put away for her that I didn't give her at christmas because I thought she was already getting more than enough. So I'm thinking of telling her I'll trade her the food for the plastic dishes. Think that would work? Sort of along the lines of 'we have too many toys and need to pick some out to send to the thrift b/c we can't get anymore until some leave'.

Any other suggestions?

I don't have any real advice. I do the hide for awhile and if they don't ask, take it to goodwill method. This works with things they never play with, even with Ara (who also has a memory like an elephant). I do the same "I just don't know where they could be". Ara has caught on that I take them to goodwill though. She *cannot* part with anything. Doesn't matter if she hates it, she can't let it go. I think she understands why I sneak it out and she is okay with it. Trust me, Ara isn't one to hold back how she feels about something.

ANYWAY, I think your method is trading, not bribing. I think that is a great idea. LMK if it works.

as well as offer to buy thngs from them. They get to set up a yardsale and I'm their customer. My kids will get rid of about anything for money. LOL

It doesn't cost me much and is def. worth it.

Aileen