A lot of people tend to have so many toys sitting up in their lofts, packed away in boxes, but no-one knows what to do with them. Many of those people are those who are cherishing childhood memories of loved ones who have now grown up and don’t want to get rid of them, but what better way to share the love than by donating them? So, the question is, where can I donate toys?

Charity Shops

Many charity shops (if not all) will accept your used or new toys. This way, you know that giving away your toys will be donated to a good cause! Some charities will also take the toys straight from the shop and redistribute them to children who are in need. Some examples of charities you can take them to who are nationwide are Cancer Research UK, Dogs Trust, Salvation Army, Macmillan Cancer Support, Great Ormond Street Hospital and there are plenty more! A quick Google search will take you to your nearest one.

Also, depending on the time of year, many charities will have some sort of donation scheme – especially at Christmas. You could pack your own boxes up and send them across the world yourself with items of your choice to children, and people, in need.

Online

A very efficient way to donate toys would be to use some sort of online service. You could join a Facebook or WhatsApp group to find people who are in need or looking for new toys and send it straight to them. Many of these groups will also give you an option to trade items and do a quick swap! This option is likely to cost you though, as postage costs or petrol if you decide to directly drop them off.

Children’s Hospitals/ Hospices

Donating directly to a children’s hospital yourself rather than through a charity may feel even better for yourself. You can see exactly where your toys are going to and you may even get to see the gratitude in a child’s face when they get a new toy! Please ensure you check with your local hospital’s on any policies they may have regarding donating toys to avoid any upset. This will you will find lists of what they can and can’t accept in their hospitals.

Please note, all items must be thoroughly sanitised and cleaned before any kind of donation, especially to hospitals.

Toys4Life

Toys4Life like to accept big boxes filled with toys! Don’t be disheartened if you can’t fill a box, they are happy with absolutely anything. You can take an even further look into this on their website here. They will also pay you up to £200 per tonne to whichever charity you choose to donate to. You will have the option to Drop off a Box or Donate Directly. It’s completely free and your decision.

We hope this helped to answer your question of ‘where can I donate toys’ and we are so happy you’re finding a new home for your toys!