Thrifted toys that my kids love!
So I am a big thrifter. I have honestly gotten to the point where unless it is specific homeschool material or Montessori materials…I’m probably not gonna buy it new. This being said I’ve seen some parents online talk about how they’re worried about quality, cleanliness, and perceptions of thrifted toys so I thought I’d share my thoughts on it!
🌼Quality🌼
Just like any store sometimes there’s toys that are very cheaply made and some that just aren’t put together well. I’ve found that while thrifting it’s easier to know what you’re getting while heavily packaged toys at Target (for example) might look nice once opened the quality doesn’t match the eye catching. I like that you can know before you buy with thrifted toys!
🌼cleanliness🌼
“You don’t know where that’s been!” Is something I was told once from a family member regarding a new toy I had gotten my son from a thrift store and honestly it made me laugh. Let’s keep it real I totally understand the concern!! However I wipe down new toys and thrifted toys because let’s face it…those factories get caught allllll the time having extra chemicals which I consider worse than a lil dirt on a toy. Simply take a warm washcloth and soap or give the toy a bleach bath depending on the material the toy is made of. That will make them safe and clean for little hands (and mouths)!
🌼Perceptions/opinions🌼
There is this idea pushed mostly by corporations themselves that everyone simply ✨deserves✨ new stuff all the time. It pushes this idea that opening a brand new toy from plastic ties and cardboard casings means you’re giving yourself and your kid a good life with so much wonder…although it is fun to open a new toy for some kiddos it can be overwhelming for others. Let alone the amount of waste we create by overly consuming new flashy toys that typically get outgrown fairly quickly.
Thrifting toys can be like a treasure hunt for older kids and for little ones it can give them access to toys that we as parents may not be able to afford outright online because let’s face it…them prices are crazy!! I like to think thrifting balances the fun with the practical and gives everyone something they can feel proud of. The kiddo finds a treasure in a shelf full of chaos and parent spends less wastes less. Another thing is like to add is there are lots of kiddos out there who aren’t into the next big thing. They might love old Disney movies or a show no longer running. Often to keep up with trends these toys are discontinued and resellers can price gouge like crazy. Thrifting is a great way to bridge the gap and give these kidddos a connection to their favorite characters!
🌼Does your family thrift toys?
🌼Is there a toy from your childhood you secretly look for while thrifting?
Building on my earlier thoughts about the joy of thrifted toys, I wanted to dive a bit deeper into where I find these amazing secondhand gems and some specific types my kids absolutely love. It's not just about the local thrift store anymore; the world of pre-loved toys is vast and full of possibilities! First, let's talk about finding these treasures. Beyond your traditional local thrift stores, which are always a fantastic starting point for a true 'treasure hunt,' explore consignment stores. These often have a more curated selection, meaning higher quality items that have already been vetted. I've found fantastic, nearly-new items at consignment shops, especially for bigger pieces like wooden activity centers or sturdy baby walkers. Online marketplaces, like local Facebook groups or dedicated apps, are also incredible resources for specific items, including sometimes even *handmade marketplace toys*. You can often find people selling entire lots of beloved toys, like a complete wooden KidKraft train set or a blue 'ZANY 200 PLAY CUBE' activity center when their kids have outgrown them. Garage sales and yard sales are another goldmine, offering incredible deals if you're willing to wake up early on a Saturday! Regarding specific types of toys, my family has had great success with a variety. Wooden toys are always a winner for thrifting; they’re durable, easy to clean, and hold up beautifully. We’ve found incredible pieces, like that beloved KidKraft train set that’s still a favorite, or a fantastic red and natural wood baby walker that saw both my little ones through their wobbly stages. Activity centers, like the *blue 'ZANY 200 PLAY CUBE'*, are also often found in great condition, just needing a good wipe down. And don't even get me started on children's books! Finding beautiful, educational open children's books with colorful illustrations for a fraction of the price is a huge win. That image of a baby pointing at an open children's book? That's exactly the magic we experience! Now, for those worried about thrifted plushies or other fabric toys, my routine is simple but effective. For plush toys, I toss them into the washing machine on a gentle cycle with a natural, kid-safe detergent, then air dry or tumble dry on low. For larger fabric items, like a white teepee tent that might become a quiet reading nook, a spot clean or a thorough wipe-down with a fabric-safe cleaner works wonders. For plastic toys, many smaller ones can go into the dishwasher for a deep clean! Larger plastic items, or even games, can be scrubbed down with warm soapy water or a diluted bleach solution, ensuring every nook and cranny is sanitized. Just inspect all pieces to make sure nothing is broken or missing before bringing them home. Ultimately, thrifting toys is an incredible way to save money, reduce waste, and provide your children with unique, high-quality playthings they'll adore. It truly is a win-win for mindful parenting and fun playtime, proving that second-hand can often be even better than new!