What Should I Do With My Kids’ Old Toys

by Amy · November 25, 2019

A household full of toys must be a happy one. But once they start to pile up, the sheer amount of choices can become overwhelming to your kids. It won’t be long before the childhood delight becomes an adult’s nightmare.

Before the holidays start and your kids haul their next batch of legos and rocket ships, it’s high time to address the growing problem of outgrown, unused toys. Here are some practical solutions that can help you keep the clutter in check.

Recycle

There are plenty of ways to give new life to old toys. Plastic animals and action figures can be repainted and reused as bookends, drawer handles, and jewelry box ornaments. Stuffed toys can be repurposed into adorable curtain tiebacks. And if you’re feeling extra creative, you can even re-embellish your old knickknacks and give them a makeover.

If you have some fun toy-recycling ideas, try filming your process and sharing it with others online, like this one:

Organize a Toy Swap or Barter

If you live within a neighborhood full of kids, a toy swap may just be the perfect idea to get rid of certain stuff without the need to buy new ones. Invite parents and their kids to participate and drop off their items on a certain date where their kids can freely choose which of your kids’ old toys they’d like to take.

If you want to organize a more challenging event, a toy barter would be a good alternative. This may be a great option if the participating kids know each other. This way, they won’t be too shy to exercise their trading powers.

Sell

An easier and more economical way of getting rid of playroom clutter is to simply sell them. Nowadays, it’s fairly easy to set up an online shop. A quick Google search will show you plenty of platforms on the internet where you can find the perfect buyer for your child’s old loves.

Use these tips for getting the best value for your items:

Know how much your item is worth
Clean your items thoroughly
Try to find lost parts online
Take crisp, clear photos
Make your listing clear and appealing
Use the right keywords
Consider the cost of packaging and shipping
If you’re having second thoughts, don’t sell it

Donate

Encourage your kids to participate in a donation drive. It’s a great end to the process of letting go and allows them to experience the great joy in sharing.

Get your community involved by organizing a neighborhood donation event where you can invite other parents and their kids to take part. Places that can really put your kids’ old playthings to good use includes:

Charities
Children’s Homes
Churches
Daycare Centers
Doctor’s Offices
Hospitals
Police and Fire Departments
Shelters
Social Services

Source: The Spruce

Final Word

Involve your kids in the process of decluttering. A lot of parents are understandably wary about asking their kids to let go of some of their old stuff for fear that it will throw them into a tantrum. But you’ll be surprised how willing some kids are to participate in the process. Involving them makes them feel responsible and important.

Of course, the toy clutter issue cannot be disposed of in just one donation drive. In fact, it can recur soon if you don’t nip the issue in the bud and change the household’s relationship with toys.

Consider these tips: