Learning how to get free toys or how to save money on them is something every parent needs.
Kids outgrow their toys faster than you think. Birthdays come around. Then it’s the holidays. It seems as though as parents, we’re always trying to keep our kids happy and entertained with toys they’ll love.
Unfortunately, toys can be a little costly. This isn’t ideal when money is tight – as it is for many people nowadays.
Knowing where to get free toys can ease the financial stress that can come along with being a parent.
That’s what this post is all about – how to get free toys!
Table of Contents
A Quick Note About Safety
Obviously, there are many ways to get new toys for free and we’ll cover those below.
However, some of these tips involve getting used toys.
In that case, it’s important to do your due diligence. Before you accept any used toys, or any kids or baby stuff for that matter, be sure to have a quick research online to make sure that there have been no safety recalls and to make sure that the item still meets current safety guidelines.
Guidelines can change over time, so a toy that was once deemed safe may not be any more. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) often improves guidelines as dangers or risks of injury become clear.
How to Get Free Toys
Here are 20 tips for getting free new and used toys that your kids are sure to love!
1. The Salvation Army
If you are a family in need, The Salvation Army is a great organization that can help.
The Christian organization helps families with everything from clothing to furniture and of course toys for kids.
You may be able to get free toys through your local chapter. Just get in touch to ask.
2. Request free toys directly from companies
You may be able to get free toys by getting in touch with toy companies directly.
Some companies send out free toy samples.
All you need to do is get in touch to ask. Most companies have a “contact” page somewhere on their website where you can get contact details.
Contacting companies directly can be an easy way to get free samples in the mail.
3. Use cashback sites
Although this may not get you free toys from the outset, it does give you some great savings over time.
Shop through cashback websites like Rakuten and Mr. Rebates to earn a percentage of your spending back. Then use the cashback you get to purchase toys for free!
4. Friends and family
My aunt just gave my daughter a toy that her grandkids have outgrown. I didn’t even have to ask! People with kids or grandkids often have toys lying around that children have outgrown.
Most people want to clear out their homes so would be glad to donate this stuff to you. All you have to do is ask your friends and family. Same goes for other baby stuff too like furniture and clothing.
I’ve been offered cribs, beds, and clothing for my daughter.
5. Toys for Tots
Toys for Tots is a program operated by the United States Marine Corps Reserve. It distributes toys to children whose parents can’t afford them.
You can request free toys from your local Toys for Tots chapter.
6. Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace has a whole host of freebies available. This can include toys. Take a look on there and you may be able to snag some free toys.
7. Be a toy tester
Toy companies sometimes look for kids to test out their toys. The process varies depending on the company.
Here are some toy testing opportunities that you can check out:
- Far Out Toys Fun Lab
- Fisher-Price Play Lab (Western New York area)
- Hasbro’s Fun Lab
- Mattel Imagination Center
You could also contact toy manufacturers directly to ask if they have any product testing opportunities available.
8. Look out for Prime Days
Prime Days feature some fantastic deals on kids’ toys. This can be a good way to get toys on Amazon for cheap.
Amazon has toys available for all age groups.
I’ve bought everything from newborn toys to toddler toys on there. Prime Days have provided my family with excellent savings. I’ve used the money that I’ve saved to get free toys.
9. USPS Operation Santa
The USPS has a very sweet program called Operation Santa where kids can write letters to Santa and have them posted on the USPS site. Then, generous people can find these letters, choose a letter writer, and then purchase the gifts on their list.
Just have your child write a list of what they want and address it to Santa at the North Pole. Then a generous individual may decide to become Santa for your child.
10. Toy lending libraries
Many communities have toy lending libraries. These are community spaces where parents can take their children to play with toys, socialize with other children, and borrow toys to take home.
Search the internet for “toy lending libraries near me” to find toy lending libraries in your area.
11. Facebook Buy Nothing Groups
On Facebook Buy Nothing Groups, you can find people giving away items they no longer need. This can include free toys, as well as other stuff for babies and children like books and clothing.
Find your local group by searching the internet for “Facebook buy nothing groups [name of your town, city, or state].”
12. Craigslist
Craigslist is another place to source free toys. Find everything from dolls to toy cars to toy kitchens on there.
Simply go to the “For Sale” section of your city’s Craigslist, and you’ll see a link to the “Free” section. Click on this and you’ll be able to view free stuff near you.
Filter the results by searching for “toys” or the specific type of toy you’re after, like “doll” or “wooden puzzle” or “toy car.”
13. Operation Homefront
Operation Homefront’s Holiday Toy Drive is an initiative that helps veteran, wounded, and active-duty military families by providing toys during the holiday season.
Register for an account on the site and then once you’re registered, events will appear on your dashboard.
You can also get in touch with Operation Homefront if you want more details about the Holiday Toy Drive.
14. Freecycle
Freecycle features free stuff. People on the platform can give away the stuff they don’t want and get the stuff they need. Sometimes you can find free toys on there. Just have a browse of the site.
15. PoundFun
PoundFun is a British retailer that sells cheap toys. Sometimes it offers free toys.
You can get one freebie per order, but you can order as many times as you like.
16. Local police and fire departments
Local police and fire departments sometimes run a locals-only toy drive. So, be sure to check with yours.
17. Look out for sales
Many retailers, like Target and Walmart run sales where you can get discounts on sales. This could be 10% off toys for example.
It’s a good idea to look out for these sales and buy ahead if you can.
See a good deal? Snap it up for Christmas, even if its June. Same thing goes for birthdays.
18. r/SantasLittleHelpers
There’s a subreddit called Santa’s Little Helpers where the reddit community pools together their resources to provide a Christmas for thousands who’re in need.
Families who’re struggling can sign up to make request gifts for Christmas on there.
19. Start a blog
Bloggers who have a decent following can get toys sent to them for free. Brands often do this so that the blogger can review the toys or feature their toys in a post.
The blogger gets a free toy, and the brand gets publicity for its products. It’s a win-win.
Consider getting a domain and hosting from sites like Bluehost, HostGator, and GoDaddy and publishing your content on your own blog through WordPress.org.
20. Earn free toys with reward sites
Use reward websites, like Swagbucks, instaGC, InboxDollars, QuickRewards, and Qmee, to earn free toys.
These reward sites pay you with PayPal cash and gift cards for doing simple tasks like taking surveys, shopping online, playing games, reading emails, and watching videos.
Use the cash and gift cards you earn to get toys for free.
Wrapping Up: Enjoy Free Toys with These Easy Tips!
It’s good to know that you have plenty of ways to get free toys whether it’s for a Christmas gift, a birthday, or just to keep your kids entertained throughout the year.
Hopefully you can use these tips to get a few free toys for your kids and save some money!
