When your toddler grows into the preschool years, you might discover that you have no more room for toys. Perhaps you’ve been putting it off, but you need to make it a priority to sort through the toys because your child has outgrown many toys and you need to reclaim your home space.

Here are some possible ways to get rid of toys without throwing them in the trash.

Thrift Stores

The great thing about the thrift store is that you can write off your donation of toys. While you are at it, you can also go through children’s clothes and other household goods. Your reorganization of your home will free up space for other priorities. You can also be assured that someone less fortunate will buy the toy for a child who will enjoy it immensely. What better way to give back on behalf of your child?

Schools and Daycares

There are many settings for children that welcome donations for toys in good condition. Although childcare facilities may be limited in what types of toys they can accept, you can drop off a box of toys and let the staff of the facility decide which toys to keep. They can donate the rest to a thrift store or discard them as they see fit.

People You Know

If you stop to think about it, there are people you know through church or other social connections that can really use previously-owned toys. Think carefully about which parents really struggle and would welcome your gift of toys. In a tough economy, people need these types of things to ease their financial worries.

Giving toys to others is a worthwhile effort because throwing toys away is senseless and bad for the environment. The idea of giving toys to acquaintances may be difficult to broach. However, the worst that can happen is that someone refuses your generosity. Feel the joy of giving back to your community by finding a new home for your child’s toys.

Jason Ladock

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