As parents, we all know how quickly toys can accumulate in our homes. From birthdays, holidays, and just everyday purchases, it can be hard to keep up with the never-ending influx of new toys. But what happens when our kids outgrow these toy chest or they just aren’t played with anymore? It’s time to do a toy chest cleanout.
But what should we do with all of these unwanted toys? Should we just throw them away? Give them away to friends or family members? Or is there a better way to dispose of them that can benefit others in need?
Donate to Local Charities
One of the best ways to dispose of old toys is by donating them to local charities. There are plenty of organizations out there that accept gently used toys and distribute them to children in need, including those living in poverty, foster care, or experiencing a health crisis.
Here are some charities and organizations that accept toy donations:
The Salvation Army: This organization has thrift stores throughout the country that accept gently used toys. The proceeds from the sales of these toys benefit their various programs and services, including homeless shelters, after-school programs, and disaster relief efforts.
Goodwill: Goodwill stores also accept gently used toys, which are sold to fund job training and placement programs for people in need.
Toys for Tots: This program, run by the United States Marine Corps Reserve, collects new and gently used toys during the holiday season to distribute to children in need.
Ronald McDonald House Charities: This organization provides housing and support for families with seriously ill or injured children. They accept toy donations to help provide comfort and entertainment for these families during their stay.
Local Children’s Hospitals: Many children’s hospitals have donation programs that accept new or gently used toys to provide comfort and distraction for their young patients.
When donating toys to charities, be sure to follow their guidelines regarding what types of toys they accept and the condition they need to be in. Some organizations may only accept certain types of toys, while others may have restrictions on toys that are broken or missing parts.
Host a Toy Swap
Another option for disposing of unwanted toys is by hosting a toy swap. This is a great way to exchange toys with other families in your community and give your kids something new to play with while getting rid of old toys that are no longer used.
Here’s how to host a successful toy swap:
- Invite other families in your neighborhood or community to participate.
- Set a date and time for the event and provide refreshments for attendees.
- Ask each family to bring a set number of toys to swap (e.g. five toys per family).
- Sort the toys into categories (e.g. board games, dolls, action figures, etc.) and set up tables for each category.
- Allow families to browse the tables and take home as many toys as they brought to the event.
- Donate any leftover toys to a local charity or organization.
- Hosting a toy swap is an eco-friendly way to dispose of old toys while also engaging with your community and promoting sustainable practices.
Sell or Trade Toys Online
If you have toys that are still in good condition but are no longer used, consider selling or trading them online. There are plenty of online platforms that allow you to sell or trade used toys, including:
eBay: This popular online marketplace allows you to list your toys for sale and receive payment through PayPal.
Facebook Marketplace: This is a free platform that allows you to sell or trade items with other Facebook users in your local area.
Craigslist: This is another free platform that allows you to sell or trade items with other local users.
Toy Swapping Websites: There are several websites dedicated to toy swapping, including Toy Swap, Swap.com, and Swap Toy.
When selling or trading toys online, be sure to accurately describe the condition of the toy and include clear photos. It’s also important to set a fair price that reflects the condition and age of the toy.
Recycle or Upcycle Old Toys
If you have toys that are broken beyond repair or are made of materials that can’t be recycled (such as plastic), consider upcycling them into something new. Upcycling is the process of taking old or discarded materials and turning them into something useful or decorative.
Here are some ideas for upcycling old toys:
- Turn broken action figures into unique Christmas ornaments.
- Use old board game pieces to create a one-of-a-kind piece of wall art.
- Make a colorful wind chime out of old plastic toys.
- Transform old puzzle pieces into a unique piece of jewelry.
- Create a whimsical planter out of an old toy truck or car.