While your children may love their toys, they won’t play with them forever. Most of their toys will probably be forgotten and discarded within a year or two of receiving them as gifts or outgrowing them themselves, so it’s in your best interest to donate most of them now before your kids are no longer interested in playing with them. By donating many of their toys today, you’ll save money by avoiding the cost of buying new toys over and over again, and you’ll help other children who need the extra help this Christmas season and beyond.
Allocating all the toys
Toy storage is a constant headache. There are never enough shelves or drawers to store all the toys, and they always seem to be everywhere in the house. Plus, you’re constantly looking for that one toy that your child can’t stop talking about. With so many toys to choose from it can be difficult for parents to figure out which ones are worth keeping and which ones should be donated.
Only keep two types of toys
Pretend play toys are great for kids who love to make-believe. My daughter loves her kitchen set, and she spends a lot of time cooking up pretend meals for us. I think it’s important to have some kind of pretend play toy, so your children can keep their imaginations alive as they grow up. But there are only two types that you need: one type for younger children and one type for older children.
Consider taking pictures
We might think that the toys are worth keeping because we spent a lot on them. But, children outgrow their toys quickly, and will likely forget about them within a few months. Plus, by donating most of the toys to Goodwill or another charity when they’re done with them, you’ll save yourself time and money in the long run.
Consider Freecycle
Freecycle is a network that connects people who are looking to give something away with those who want to get something for free. It’s a great way to connect with other families and stretch your dollar. Donations can be as simple as toys you no longer use or are too old for, and clothing, appliances, furniture, or sports equipment you no longer need. After registration, you receive an email when someone requests something from you that matches what you’re giving away. The recipient then picks up the items from your home at a time convenient to both parties.
Toy museums are always an option
Toy museums are a fantastic option for preserving the memories and use of many toys that are now considered vintage. Toy museums can provide families with a chance to reminisce about their childhoods, and to share those memories with future generations.