Where to Donate your Kid's Old Toys in Perth

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As your kids get older you often find you have an ever-expanding pile of perfectly good toys and games that your children have either grown out of, or no longer play with.

There are a number of things you can do with new and used toys and by donating them to charities you not only de-clutter your house but also help out children and families who are less fortunate.



Obviously, you should only donate quality toys that have been gently used and are still in good condition. If your kids wouldn't want to play with them, don't try and fob them off onto others. If your toys have seen better days, then skip to the bottom for some alternative uses for old toys.

Also, it's important to get your kids involved in the decision to donate their toys. Not only will it avoid the problem of having to explain why all their toys have disappeared, but it will be a great way to teach them to think about others and how they can help.

Shelters
There are dozens of shelters for women and families across Perth that offer protection to those who need it. Often families will arrive with only the clothes they are wearing, so donations of children's toys, books, clothes (and toiletries) are often gratefully received.

Call (08) 9420 7264 or email [email protected] if you have something you would like to donate.



Charities and Op-Shops
All the big charities will gratefully accept both new and used toys, games, puzzles, books, soft toys and kid's bikes and equipment. Charitable op shops sell the goods at low prices to make them accessible for all people, and the money raised then goes towards their work in the community. Win win.

This site lists all the op shops in Perth and includes everything from Vinnies to the Salvos, all sorted by suburb, so you can easily find a place nearby to donate your goods.

New Toys
If you find your child has been given gifts that they already have, don't open them: re-gift them by donating them to The Smith Family Christmas Appeal. Every year from October onwards you can register to have a toy drive: perhaps collect new toys and books through your school, workplace, playgroup or church. This is a great way to re-gift things your children have received during the year. Click here to find how to help with the toy and book appeal.

Another place to donate new toys, games and puzzles (still in original packaging) is to Princess Margaret Hospital who will then give them to patients who are staying in the hospital. Toys can be left at the main reception desk and they will be redistributed by staff.

The Barnardos Gifts for Kids campaign also needs new toys and games to give to children in foster care, as well as other children and families who receive their support. Their goal is that every Barnardos child in Australia receives a gift at Christmas.



Playground Equipment
Santa's Workshop in Cannington is part of Outcare, and their volunteers work hard to restore toys and playground equipment, which are then given away to families in need during the year and at Christmas. Santa's Workshop will take new toys as well as pre-loved ones, and this is a great place to donate larger things to.

Phone (08) 9356 4928 to find out if what you have is suitable to donate. The workshop is open Tuesday to Thursdays between 8am - 2pm.

Ronald McDonald House
When families get the call that they must uproot and head to Perth for treatment for their sick children, the last thing on their mind would be packing toys for the siblings who often need to come along.

New toys can be accepted to give to children staying at Ronald McDonald House , and if you have something you think might be suitable, give the House a call on (08) 9346 9000 beforehand to check.

Community Groups
If you have larger toys or outdoor equipment then you may be able to donate them to your local playgroup, day-care or toy library. There are hundreds of these groups across Western Australia, so it would be worth calling your local group to see if they would like your donation.

Things like Little Tikes bikes and cars, scooters, kiddie basketball hoops and other large wooden or plastic items would be gratefully received.
Click here for information on Playgroup.
Click here for information on Toy Libraries.



For smaller, indoor toys and baby toys, especially those which are plastic and easily cleaned, then consider taking them down to the following places, which might need 'new' toys to put in their kids' corner, waiting room or to be used when small people need comfort and distraction.

Always call first to see if they need your toys and consider things like choking hazards and safety when donating toys. The Little People play-set is great to donate. The 1,000 piece jigsaw, not so much.
- Local hospitals
- Dentist or doctors rooms
- Churches
- Health Centres
- Family daycare
- Fire stations and police stations (often looking for small stuffed toys to give to kids who have just been through something traumatic)
- And while they may not be charities, your local hairdresser or café might also appreciate a donation of quality kids and babies toys.

Things to do with older toys
If your kid's toys have seen better days but you still want to
a) help others and
b) get rid of the toys
then consider having a garage sale (or going to a local swap meet) and donating all the money raised to the charity of your choice.

By keeping prices low, you will have better chance of selling everything, and also make another family happy when they bag a bargain. Donating money to your favourite charity is great because they can then send the money to where it really needs to go.



Other things to do with stuffed toys
If you can't (or don't want to) sell your children's stuffed toys and you're a bit handy with a needle and thread, then here are two interesting ideas of what to do with both small and large stuffed animals.

For larger stuffed toys, click here to finds out how to turn them into a novelty backpack , and for smaller toys, click here to find out how to turn them into awesome scarves . Perfect for dress-ups.

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