If you’ve looked around your home and wondered what to do with old toys that your kids no longer play with, you’re not alone. Toys seem to pile up fast, and before you know it, you’ve got bins full of stuffed animals, dolls, and action figures collecting dust. 

Instead of tossing them in the trash, why not find a better way to give them a second life? Whether it’s donating to a child in need, selling them online, or even turning them into something new, there are plenty of simple and meaningful ways to clear the clutter while making a difference. Let’s dive into some great options!

 

What to Do with Old Toys

Not sure what to do with old toys piling up at home? Whether they’re outgrown, broken, or simply unused, there are plenty of ways to give them new life. Let’s take a closer look:

Donate to Charities and Local Shelters

If you’re considering what to do with old toys, donating them to charities and shelters is a wonderful way to give back. Organizations like Goodwill and The Salvation Army accept gently used toys to support families in need.

Local women’s shelters or children’s homes, such as those run by Catholic Charities, are often grateful for donations like rattles, dolls, board games, or action figures.

Always check the organization’s guidelines beforehand to ensure your donation meets their requirements and can truly benefit the community.

Recycle Old Toys

When toys are broken or unsuitable for donation, recycling is an eco-friendly option. Many recycling programs in the U.S., like TerraCycle, specialize in processing hard-to-recycle items, including toys.

You can also check with your local recycling center to see if they accept hard plastics or electronics from toys like remote-controlled cars or electronic learning pads.

For larger corporations, programs like Mattel PlayBack allow families to recycle Barbie dolls, Matchbox cars, and more by mailing them in.

Sell Online

If your old toys are still in great condition, selling them online is a smart way to clear the clutter while making some extra cash. Many parents are on the lookout for quality second-hand toys, and with the right approach, you can quickly find a new home for the ones your child no longer uses.

Start by sorting through the toys and picking out those in good condition. Clean them up, take clear photos, and write an honest description. Online marketplaces like eBay, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and kid-focused resale platforms make it easy to connect with buyers.

Popular toys, educational sets, and interactive learning tools—like the Alilo reading pen set, which helps kids develop language, cognitive, and problem-solving skills through a reading pen with engaging books, cognitive flashcards, and fun activities—are often in high demand.

If you’re selling a learning toy like this, highlight its unique features, such as interactive storytelling or voice recording functions, to attract interested parents. Be sure to price fairly based on condition and demand and consider bundling similar toys for a quicker sale. With a little effort, you can turn unused toys into cash while giving them a second life with another child!

Repurpose Toys for New Uses

Wondering what to do with old toys that are broken or outgrown? Repurposing them is a fun and creative solution. Turn old LEGO bricks into pencil holders or keychains or transform a wooden dollhouse into a bookshelf or storage space.

Broken toy cars can become unique drawer pulls, while plush toys can be used as stuffing for DIY cushions. These projects not only reduce waste but also let you create something functional and unique.

Organize a Toy Swap with Friends or Family

A toy swap is an easy and sustainable answer to what to do with old toys your kids no longer play with. Invite friends, neighbors, or family members to bring their unused toys and exchange them for something new.

For example, your child might trade their outgrown action figures for a puzzle or a board game. Toy swaps can be organized in local community centers, libraries, or even at playdates, making it a social and cost-effective way to refresh your toy collection.

Donate to Hospitals and Pediatric Centers

Hospitals and pediatric centers are a great option for old toys that are clean and safe. Many hospitals in the U.S., such as the Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C., or Shriners Hospitals for Children, accept donations like stuffed animals, books, or puzzles to comfort young patients. Always contact the facility first to confirm what they need and ensure the toys meet their safety and hygiene standards.

Pass Toys Down to Younger Siblings or Friends

One of the simplest and most meaningful ways to handle old toys is by passing them down to younger siblings, cousins, or friends. If the toys are still in good condition, they can continue bringing joy to another child without costing a dime!

Baby toys, in particular, are great to hand down since little ones grow out of them so quickly. For example, if you have an Alilo baby rattle, it can be a fantastic toy for a younger sibling or a friend’s baby.

This adorable bunny-shaped rattle isn’t just fun to shake and encourage motor skills—it plays 66 different natural sounds, soothing lullabies, and even stories to encourage early language development.

Plus, its soft, RoHS-certified silicone ears are safe for mouthing, and the color-changing lights help with sensory growth. Instead of letting it sit unused, why not share it with another little one who will love it just as much?

How to Prepare Toys for Donation?

Donating your little one’s gently used toys is a wonderful way to declutter your home, support families in need, and teach kids about generosity. But before you drop those toys off, here’s how to prep them like a pro—so they’re safe, clean, and ready for their next adventure!

Sort Through the Toys

Start by gathering all the toys and asking yourself: Has this been played with in the last year? Is it still in good shape? If a toy is broken, missing parts, or worn beyond repair, it’s time to recycle or toss it. Only donate items that are safe and functional.

Pro tip: Involve your kiddo in the process (if they’re old enough!) to make it a learning moment about sharing.

Give Them a Deep Clean

Toys collect love… and germs. Wipe down plastic toys with warm soapy water or a mix of vinegar and water (skip harsh chemicals!). For stuffed animals, check the label—most can go through a gentle laundry cycle. Let everything dry completely to avoid mold.

Pro tip: A toothbrush works wonders for scrubbing grime out of toy crevices!

Check for Safety

Safety first! Ensure no small parts are loose (choking hazards for babies), batteries aren’t leaking, and there are no sharp edges or recalls. A quick online search using the toy’s name + “recall” can save headaches later. If a toy’s been recalled or isn’t up to current safety standards, retire it for good.

Reassemble & Organize

Got a puzzle missing three pieces? A doll with mismatched shoes? If you can’t find the missing parts, it’s better to recycle the toy. For sets that are complete, bag or box pieces together so the next child can enjoy them hassle-free. Tape cables or secure parts so nothing gets tangled in transit.

Research Where to Donate

Not all charities accept all toys. Check local shelters, daycares, libraries, or organizations like Goodwill or Toys for Tots—many have specific guidelines (e.g., “no stuffed animals” or “only new batteries”). Call ahead or check their website to avoid a wasted trip!

Pack with Care

Use sturdy boxes or reusable bags to keep toys clean and organized. Label boxes by type (“Infant Toys,” “Board Games”) to help donation centers sort faster. If you’re including batteries, tape them to the toy or add a note so they’re easy to spot.

Conclusion

Knowing what to do with old toys can make a big difference in decluttering your home, helping others, and supporting sustainable practices. Whether you choose to donate to charities, recycle broken items, repurpose them creatively, or pass them along to younger siblings, there are countless ways to ensure toys continue to bring joy. From a beloved baby rattle that fosters early development to an interactive reading pen that inspires learning, every toy has the potential to spark happiness again in a new home.

FAQs

Should I throw away old toys?

Throwing away toys should be a last resort. Many toys can be reused, donated, or recycled. Broken electronic toys, for example, can be taken to e-waste recycling centers, while gently used toys can be donated to local charities or hospitals. Consider creative ways to repurpose toys before discarding them.

Where can I throw away old toys?

If you must throw away old toys, check local waste disposal guidelines. Many cities offer special recycling programs for hard plastics and electronic toys. For items that can’t be recycled, dispose of them in general waste. However, it’s always better to explore options like TerraCycle or donation programs first.

What is the 20 Toy Rule?

The 20 Toy Rule is a minimalist approach to toy management. It suggests limiting the number of toys your child has to 20 at any given time, encouraging quality over quantity. Decluttering can involve deciding what to do with old toys by donating, recycling, or storing ones with sentimental value.

How do you deal with old toys?

Dealing with old toys starts with evaluating their condition. Donate toys in good shape to charities, shelters, or hospitals. Quality interactive toys, like a reading pen, can be passed down to younger children or even sold online to continue their educational value. Recycle broken toys, especially those with electronic parts. Alternatively, repurpose toys into new uses, like turning building blocks into decor or creating keepsakes.