15 Places to donate used toys. Looking to clean out some toys, make room for Christmas presents, or just purge old toys? Here are 15 places to donate used toys or sell used toys for extra cash!
How many times have you searched Google for “where to donate used toys near me”? I can barely remember what my house looked like before it was overrun with toys and I am always looking for places to get rid of old toys. In the interest of getting the most out of the money we spent, recycling toys to save the environment, and helping a child in need, we are always looking for places to donate used toys. I have pulled together a list of 15 places to donate or sell used toys so you can clean out your house and make the best use of all those old toys! (Plus, get a free printable list!)
The following is information is a bonus as part of The Happy Mom System- Declutter.
THE HAPPY MOM SYSTEM- DECLUTTER
Don’t throw out your used toys- Donate them!
Now that you have implemented The Happy Mom System: Declutter and figured out what to keep and what to donate- next you have to determine where to donate toys or sell used toys for some extra cash!
While we have the best intentions for getting rid of our unwanted toys, they often don’t make it out of the house. We pile them up in the garage planning to get them to Goodwill. We drive bags around in our trunk until we end up throwing everything away.
What else can you do with all of those toys that the kids no longer play with? It seems silly to toss out perfectly good toys, especially when they have lots of life left and could make a child really happy.
You have two options (outside of storing them for your grandchildren!) donate or sell. I always have great intentions to donate but I am never sure where to take my used toys. How do I find places to donate used toys?
So I did some research and I found several places that will take toys that are gently used but still in good condition. Some even take stuffed animals for a great cause!
If you prefer to try and sell some items, I have listed a few places you can sell toys (and some clothing too). You could earn some money for Christmas, add to college funds, or put away some money for a fun Mommy & Me bonding activity.
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Tips for donating and selling used toys:
- Toys with broken parts or missing pieces are not suitable for donation (and probably won’t sell).
- Freshen up toys/clothing for sale by wiping them off and using a Magic Eraser when needed. For clothing, snip loose threads and check for stains. A quick spray with Febreeze Free Nature can go a long way for items that have been stored and are starting to smell musty.
- Always contact the store/organization/company for details and questions about their policies and procedures for donating (or selling).
I have done my best research to provide you with accurate information but you should always check with the charity/company for details on their program.
SCROLL DOWN TO GET THE FREE PRINTABLE LIST!
Where to donate used toys:
Stuffed Animals for Emergencies– Yes, you actually just found something important to do with those stacks of stuffed animals. This charity is run 100% by volunteers and they also take gently used (or new) blankets, books, children’s clothes, and baby items.
Toys for Tots– Some Toys for Tots drives require new toys but the official website does not say that the toy has to be “new”. Check the site for additional information.
Second Chance Toys– This charity looks to keep toys out of landfills by donating to community organizations. Drop off locations are in the North East USA
Local businesses– Check with your local church, library, hair salon, dentist office, etc. on your next visit. They may be able to use the toys in their waiting rooms.
Donation Town– This is an internet resource that helps you donate used toys and clothing (and other items too). You enter your zip code and information to find a local charity to come pick-up your items!
Goodwill– You can find a donation center at http://www.goodwill.org
Preschoolers/Day Care Centers– You can contact preschools or day care centers in your area to see if they accept donations. Think “Toy Story 3“- but after Lotso left 😉
Children’s hospitals do not accept used toys due to infection control guidelines. Ronald McDonald House has the same policy.
Where to sell used toys:
E-Bay– They now have a valet service so all you have to do is mail your items and they handle the rest: https://www.ebay.com/s/valet
Amazon: Did you know you can sell your items on Amazon? On the site, click “Sell” (may be near the top or in the bottom footer), then “sign up to become an individual contributor”. (Scroll past the first option labeled “start selling” because that is for companies to sell products).
Consignment stores– At stores like Once Upon A Child, you can bring in your toys, baby equipment, clothes, etc., for them to evaluate and make you an offer. You can search for kid’s consignment store in your area and be sure to call ahead for details as some stores require an appointment to have your items reviewed.
On-line consignment stores– Many take only clothing but Kidizen takes books and toys as well as clothing. For kid’s clothing, I like My Kid’s Threads and ThreadUp (Get $10 to shop with this coupon LINK!)
Consignment sales– My favorite is Just Between Friends. I (try to) keep up with it throughout the year so when a sale comes up I am ready to drop off my stuff. You can also choose to leave any unwanted items to be donated at the end of the sale. http://jbfsale.com/home.jsp. You can do a Google search for “kids consignment sales” in your area to find out which sales are closest to you.
Craigslist– Always an option when selling items. There is no listing fee and you can sell just about anything. (Always use caution and consider safety first when selling to unknown buyers!)
Facebook– You can find a buy/sell/swap group in your area or use Facebook’s Marketplace feature. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure, right?!
Don’t forget to grab the free printable list below so you can keep it on your fridge or your garage so you know exactly where to get rid of the extra stuff!
Don’t you already feel a weight lifted off your shoulders? In a few easy steps, you are able to get rid of old toys, help children in need, and get more space in your home. Whew!
If you are getting ready for Christmas, make sure you are on our list to get all the holiday specials! Each year I pull all the holiday specials from all of the networks into one free, printable list to hang on your fridge so you can catch all your favorites! Get on the list now!
Now that you have a plan, you can get that pile out of your garage (and NOT into your trunk for 6 months!). Where will you donate used toys?
Elizabeth says
Some great tips and places to donate to, thanks! I noticed that Brick Recycler wasn’t mentioned in the post and would like to add that I’ve had a great experience with them. They accept old Lego sets, even if they are incomplete, and give them to the underprivileged. I’d had a great experience with them!