Every parent knows the cycle: a toy is the favourite for two months, then lives at the bottom of a box. Books are read twenty times, then outgrown. Knowing where to give old children's books and toys means another child gets the same joy, and your home gets its space back.
Check before you give
Children's things need a little more care than adult ones.
Toys
Safety first: no sharp edges, cracks or loose parts on toys for small children.
Small parts: toys with small pieces should be labelled "not for under 3s".
Batteries: remove old batteries; they can leak. Mention if the toy needs new ones.
Complete sets: count puzzle pieces and board-game parts. A puzzle with missing pieces is frustrating.
Clean: wipe plastic toys, wash soft toys if the label allows.
Books
Remove loose pages, or tape them back in.
Check for mould or insects, especially books from storage.
Group by age: board books, picture books, early readers, chapter books.
Who wants them
Neighbours and friends with younger children are the easiest match, and you'll often find one within a few streets.
Schools and anganwadis often welcome picture books and educational toys. Ask first.
Community libraries and reading rooms take good-condition books.
Families moving to a new city may have had to leave toys behind.
On Trezow you can list books and toys for free, and parents nearby can request them. Listing them as a set ("20 picture books, ages 3-6") makes giving fast.
School textbooks and uniforms
Textbooks for the current syllabus are valuable to students moving into that class, and they can be expensive to buy new. Pass them on at the end of the school year, when they're most needed. Uniforms in good condition go quickly to families from the same school.
Baby gear
Prams, cots, high chairs and baby carriers are used for a short time and can last for years. They are some of the most useful things to give away. Check them carefully for safety, and read our guide to giving away baby and kids' items safely before you do.
What about broken toys?
Repairable: a loose wheel or a torn seam is often an easy fix.
Electronic toys that are dead: treat them as e-waste. Remove batteries and give them to an authorised e-waste collector.
Broken plastic toys: if they cannot be repaired, keep them with dry waste for recycling.
Let your child help
Children can choose which toys to pass on. It teaches them that things can make someone else happy, and it makes the decision easier for everyone. Many children love knowing their old toy has gone to a "new friend".
The short version
Check safety and completeness.
Clean and group by age.
Give to neighbours, schools or libraries.
Treat dead electronic toys as e-waste.
Ready to clear the toy box? Give them away on Trezow.
Frequently asked questions
Can I give away toys with small parts?
Yes, but say clearly that they have small parts and are not for children under 3. Check that nothing is broken or sharp.
Do schools and libraries take old books?
Many do, especially picture books and early readers in good condition. Ask first, because space is limited.
What about old school textbooks?
Textbooks for the current syllabus are very useful to students in the next class. Older editions are better recycled as paper.
Your turn
Have something you no longer use?
Give it away free on Trezow. Listing takes about 30 seconds.
Give an item