Free Toys Near Me: where to find free toys locally

Here's something most parents don't realize: every single day, households across the UK, USA, and many other countries give away toys they no longer need, from individual items to entire collections worth hundreds of pounds or dollars.

That’s not just better for the environment, it also saves serious money. In 2023, UK families spent £12.9 billion on toys, games and hobbies (Office for National Statistics), while in the USA, toy sales cost $28 billion (The Toy Association/Circana)

Whether you need baby toys, building blocks, board games, or outdoor play equipment, finding free toys locally is surprisingly straightforward when you know where to look.

This guide covers physical toys you can keep or borrow, including LEGO, puzzles, dolls, action figures, and more, using local networks, toy libraries, community programmes, and free sharing apps.

Local Giveaway Networks: The Fastest Route to Free Toys

Free stuff and reuse apps are often the quickest way to find toys being given away near you. When households declutter, move house, or have children who've outgrown toys, these items are frequently among the first things they offer, sometimes in large bundles.

Real example: one family recently gave away over 50kg of LEGO when their teenager lost interest. Another offered a complete play kitchen worth £150, simply because their children had outgrown it. One parent reported finding £300 worth of Playmobil free when a family moved abroad.

Search terms that work well on sharing platforms:

• toys, kids toys, baby toys (broad searches catch everything)
• board games, puzzles, jigsaws (popular giveaway items)
• LEGO, Duplo (and similar building toys, often given away in bulk)
• Specific toy types: dolls, action figures, toy cars, play kitchen, outdoor toys, ride-on toys, bikes, scooters
• Seasonal searches: "outdoor toys" in spring, "indoor toys" in autumn
• Special needs: sensory toys, adaptive toys, educational toys (less common but worth monitoring)

How to get the best results:

Set up alerts so you see new toy listings as soon as they're available. Popular items like LEGO or complete toy sets get claimed quickly, often within minutes of being posted. Most apps allow you to filter by category and receive instant notifications.

Respond quickly and clearly. Confirm the address, be specific about your pickup window, and be reliable. This builds trust in reuse communities and increases your chances of future offers.

Ask the right questions. For sets and puzzles, ask "Are all the pieces included?" before collecting. For electronic toys, ask if batteries are included and if it works. For large items, confirm dimensions. Most givers are honest about the condition.

Don't dismiss incomplete toys. LEGO works perfectly fine with pieces from different sets. Puzzles with 1-2 missing pieces from a 1000-piece set are still enjoyable. Board games and LEGO often have instructions available online as free PDFs. Sometimes the "imperfect" free toy is better than no toy at all.

Pro Tip: Instead of asking for one specific toy, try requesting a "toddler toy bundle age 2-3" or "LEGO collection any size". People often prefer to give away multiple items at once rather than coordinating several separate pickups.

Think about transport before you claim

Most toy givers expect you to collect, so consider how you'll get bulky items home before claiming play kitchens, ride-on toys, or trampolines. If you don't have a car, mention this in your request. Some givers are happy to help load items into taxis, meet you at a convenient location, or you might find someone local with a smaller item. For particularly large items, such as trampolines or outdoor playhouses, ask whether they can help with disassembly.

Post a request (often faster than browsing)

Rather than waiting for toys to appear, post a request yourself. Requests tend to succeed when you're specific:

• Child's age range ("toys for 2-year-old" or "age 5-7")
• Toy type ("toddler role-play toys", "Duplo", "puzzles age 6+", "outdoor toys")
• Your pickup availability ("can collect anytime this weekend" or "flexible weekday evenings")
• Your situation if relevant ("starting from scratch after house fire" or "new to the area")

Popular platforms for free toys:

Trash Nothing connects millions of people in local reuse communities across the UK, USA, and many other countries. You can browse toy listings, set category alerts, and post requests, all in one place. Because it's entirely focused on free giving, you won't find any sellers or scammers. New toy listings appear daily, with particularly high activity on weekends when people have time to declutter.

Freegle (UK) is a reuse network similar to Trash Nothing with a strong community presence across the UK.

Freecycle operates worldwide through local groups and email-based listings.

Facebook Marketplace has a "Free" category. Filter carefully, as some people mislabel items they want to sell.

Craigslist (USA) has a free section in most cities. Check daily as listings disappear quickly.

Gumtree (UK) has a freebies section worth checking regularly.

Nextdoor connects neighbours and often has toy giveaways, especially in family-friendly areas.

Olio focuses on local sharing and often includes toys alongside food and household items.

If you're new to free stuff apps, our How to Get Free Stuff Online guide explains how to get started with local pickups and requests.

Quick Start: Get Free Toys Today

Want free toys as soon as possible? Here's your fastest route:

1. Sign up for Trash Nothing (or your preferred free stuff app)
2. Search "toys" + your area to see what's currently available
3. Set alerts for instant notifications when new toys are listed
4. Post a specific request with your child's age, toy type needed, and pickup availability
5. Respond quickly to offers (popular items go fast)

Most people see results within 48 hours using this approach.

Toy Libraries: Borrow Instead of Keep

Toy libraries work exactly like book libraries: borrow toys for a set period, return them, and swap for something new. This is one of the best long-term solutions for households whose kids outgrow toys quickly or who want variety without the clutter. It's also brilliant for trying out expensive items before deciding whether to buy them.

How toy libraries work:

• Membership: Most charge a small fee for access (typically £10-30/year in the UK, $20-50/year in the USA). This single payment gives you unlimited borrowing throughout the year.
• Borrowing: Most toy libraries let you borrow 3-8 toys at once, depending on their policy and toy size. Large items like play kitchens might count as multiple "toys."
• Loan period: Typical borrowing periods are 2-4 weeks, similar to book libraries. You can usually renew if no one else has reserved the toy.
• Toy selection: Collections often include expensive items you'd think twice about buying, such as £100+ play kitchens, ride-on toys, building sets, learning toys, and seasonal equipment.
• Hygiene: Toy libraries have strict cleaning policies. All toys are cleaned and sanitized between loans, giving you peace of mind about safety and cleanliness.
• Damage: Minor wear and tear is expected and accepted. Most libraries only charge if toys are deliberately damaged or not returned. Small lost pieces from sets are usually forgiven.

Finding a toy library near you:

USA: The US Toy Library Association (USATLA) maintains a searchable directory of toy libraries nationwide. Visit their "Find a Toy Library Near You" page to locate one in your area.

Canada: Toy libraries exist in major cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal, as well as in some smaller communities. Search "toy library + your city" or check with your local community centre or public library.

UK and other countries: Toy libraries are often run by councils, charities, or community organisations. There isn't one central directory, so try searching:

• "toy library + your town"
• "toy library + council + your area"
• "toy lending library + your town"
• "library of things + toys" (some "libraries of things" include toy-lending sections)

What toy libraries are ideal for:

• Early years learning toys (educational toys, puzzles, sensory kits)
• Expensive items you'd only use short-term ($100+ play kitchens, ride-on toys, play tents)
• Seasonal toys (outdoor play equipment in summer, craft kits in winter)
• Trying before buying (test whether your child likes something before investing)
• Keeping clutter down while still giving children variety and novelty
• Special occasions (borrow party games for a birthday, return them after)

Toy libraries are particularly valuable for babies and toddlers who develop new interests every few months, making it impractical to buy everything they need.

Of course, not everyone has a toy library nearby. If that's your situation, specialised programmes and community organisations can help fill the gap.

UK: Baby Banks for Baby and Toddler Toys

If you're looking for baby or toddler toys in the UK, baby banks can be an excellent resource. Baby banks are community organisations that provide essential items to households facing financial hardship, including toys, books, clothing, equipment, and play items.

What you can typically get from baby banks:

• Baby toys and rattles
• Toddler toys and play equipment
• Books and educational toys
• Baby equipment (cots, high chairs, prams, Moses baskets)
• Clothing and essentials (nappies, formula, clothing)

Baby banks focus on supporting households facing financial difficulty, so they're most appropriate when you need wider family support beyond just toys.

Finding a baby bank near you:

The Baby Bank Alliance runs a postcode-searchable map showing 400+ baby banks across the UK.

Little Village (a major baby bank operating in London) also provides an interactive UK baby bank map showing 300+ locations nationwide.

Important to know:

Baby banks operate independently and differ by location. Some require referrals from health visitors, social workers, midwives, or family support services, while others accept self-referrals directly from households. Check your local baby bank's website or call ahead to understand their process and eligibility criteria.

Parents of babies and toddlers may also find our How to Get Free Baby Stuff guide helpful, which covers nappies, clothing, equipment, and wider family support programmes.

Schools, Nurseries, and Educational Settings

Schools, nurseries, and early years settings are often overlooked sources of free toys, but they regularly clear out equipment and run community events.

Toy swaps and exchanges

Many schools and nurseries organize toy swap events where children bring toys they no longer use and take home different ones. These are usually free to attend and happen:

• Before Christmas (clear out before new toys arrive)
• End of term (particularly summer term)
• During community events or school fairs

Nearly-new sales and jumble sales

PTAs (Parent Teacher Associations) and school fundraising groups run nearly-new sales featuring toys, books, and children's items. Towards the end of these sales, unsold items are often given away free rather than taken home.

End-of-year clear-outs

Schools and nurseries refresh their resources annually, particularly in June and July. Equipment that's lightly worn but no longer needed is sometimes offered to parents or put on free tables in reception areas.

How to find out: Check your school's newsletter, parent WhatsApp groups, or notice boards. If your children haven't attended yet, contact your local nursery or children's centre to ask whether they offer any toy swaps or giveaways.

Faith Organisations and Community Groups

Churches, mosques, temples, synagogues, and other faith organisations often run community support programmes that include toy distribution.

What they offer:

• Toy banks (similar to food banks but for toys and children's items)
• Community days with free toy tables
• Blessing boxes or community cupboards where people leave items for others to take
• Holiday programmes (particularly Christmas, Eid, Diwali) with toy giveaways
• Mother and toddler groups where toys are often swapped informally

Finding programmes near you:

Contact local places of worship directly, even if you're not a member of that faith community. Many welcome everyone regardless of religious affiliation. You can also search "community toy bank + your town" or "free toys + church + your area."

While baby banks and faith organisations serve specific needs, toy giveaway events are open to everyone and happen throughout the year in most communities.

When to Look for Free Toys

Timing makes a huge difference when hunting for free toys. Certain times of year see significantly more toy giveaways:

April-May (Spring decluttering): Households make space for summer activities and outdoor play. This is peak season for indoor toy clear-outs. It's also when bikes and scooters are most common, as children often outgrow them over winter.

June-July (End of school year): Children finish school years and outgrow toys that match their previous developmental stage. An excellent time to find age-specific educational toys and summer outdoor items such as paddling pools, garden toys, and sports equipment.

August-September (Back to school): Households make room for school supplies and new routines. Toy giveaways spike as priorities shift from play to learning. This is also when students move to university, and parents clear out childhood bedrooms.

November (Pre-Christmas clear-outs): Many households declutter before the holiday season to make space for incoming gifts. This is an excellent time for LEGO, board games, and quality toys in good condition.

January (New Year decluttering): Post-Christmas clear-outs as people deal with duplicate gifts or realize they have too much. Winter weather also means more indoor toys being listed as outdoor items get stored away.

Moving season (Late spring/summer): House moves generate the most toy donations. Toys are bulky, heavy, and expensive to move. People often give away perfectly good items rather than pack them.

Seasonal outdoor toy patterns:

• Summer: Trampolines, paddling pools, garden toys, bikes, scooters, outdoor play equipment
• Winter: Indoor toys spike as outdoor items get stored or given away
• Spring: Bikes and scooters reappear as children have outgrown them over winter

Pro Tip: Check free stuff apps on weekends, particularly Saturday and Sunday mornings. This is when most households have time to sort through cupboards and list items they've decided to give away.

Free Toys for Christmas (Seasonal Programmes)

Several organisations run seasonal toy programmes, primarily around Christmas. While these aren't year-round options, they're worth knowing about if you're looking for holiday support.

USA Christmas toy programmes:

• Toys for Tots is one of the largest Christmas toy programmes in the United States. Households must apply through their local chapter or campaign, not nationally. Use their local campaign finder to locate your area and check eligibility requirements. Applications typically open in October.
• 211 (United Way) connects people to local resources, including holiday toy programmes. You can call 211 from any phone or use the"Your Local 211" finder online to discover programmes in your area.
• Salvation Army Angel Tree provides Christmas gifts for children in many locations across the US. Registration and availability are managed locally, so check with your nearest Salvation Army location starting in October or November.

UK Christmas toy programmes:

Local charities, food banks, and community organisations often run Christmas toy appeals. These vary significantly by area. Contact your local council's family support services or search "Christmas toy appeal + your town" to find programmes near you.

Important: These programmes are seasonal and capacity-limited. Apply early (typically October-November) and be aware that eligibility requirements vary by organization.

Free Toy Giveaway Events

Many communities host free toy giveaway events throughout the year, with more during the holiday season. These are typically one-time events with set dates, times, and locations.

How to find local toy giveaway events:

• Search "free toy giveaway + your city" or "toy giveaway event + your county"
• Check 211 in the USA (call or search online for local events)
• Follow local community centres, churches, and family support organisations on social media
• Check local Facebook community groups and neighbourhood apps like Nextdoor
• Look for announcements at schools, libraries, and children's centres
• Check your local council or city website's events calendar

What to expect:

• Set dates and times (often first-come, first-served)
• Queues and limited stock (arrive early for best selection)
• Eligibility requirements may apply (some events are income-based, others are open to all)
• Age-appropriate sections (events often separate toys by age group)
• One toy per child limits (to ensure fair distribution)
• Proof of residency sometimes required (check event details)

These events are especially common around Christmas, during the back-to-school season, and at community festivals or fun days.

Board Games and Puzzles: Free Physical Games

Board games, puzzles, and jigsaws are among the most commonly given away toys because households accumulate them over birthdays and holidays, but struggle with storage space.

Where to find free board games and puzzles:

Local giveaway networks are excellent for board games. Search specifically for "board games", "puzzles", or "jigsaws" and set alerts. People often give away 5-10 games at once when decluttering game cupboards or moving house.

Toy libraries frequently stock board games and puzzles suitable for different ages. This is perfect if you want to try games before committing to ownership or if you want variety without buying.

Community centres and libraries sometimes have "free shelves" or community swap areas where people leave board games and puzzles for others to take.

Charity shops occasionally give away damaged boxes or incomplete puzzles rather than trying to sell them. It's worth asking if they have any free items, particularly at the end of the day.

Questions to ask before collecting:

• "Are all the pieces included?" (critical for puzzles)
• "Does it have the instructions?" (Most can be found online if missing, but worth checking.)
• "What age range is it suitable for?"
• "Are there any damaged or missing parts?"

Note: Looking for free digital board games to play online instead? That's different from what this guide covers. We focus on physical games you can collect and keep for family game nights.

What to Avoid: Toys Not Worth the Hassle

While most free toys are worth collecting, some aren't worth the effort or expense once you get them home:

Toys with proprietary batteries that are expensive or difficult to find (some ride-on toys use specific rechargeable batteries costing £40-60 to replace).

Electronic toys without batteries included if you're on a tight budget. The cost of batteries might exceed what you'd pay for a similar toy at a charity shop.

White or light-colored soft toys that show every stain. Unless they're in pristine condition, they'll never look clean.

Toys with multiple tiny pieces if you have pets or younger siblings who might create choking hazards (think tiny doll accessories or miniature playsets).

Toys with strong chemical smells or visible mould. These aren't salvageable and could pose health risks.

Broken electronic toys, unless you're confident repairing them. The fix might require specialist skills or expensive parts.

Safety and Cleaning for Second-Hand Toys

Free toys are generally safe, but it's always worth doing a quick check before giving them to children, especially toys for babies and toddlers who put everything in their mouths.

Check for recalls

UK: The Office for Product Safety and Standards maintains a database of recalled products. Visit GOV.UK, search "product recalls and safety alerts" to check if a toy has been recalled. You can search by product name or browse recent recalls.

USA: The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) lists all recalled toys and provides comprehensive guidance on toy safety. Search their website by toy name or browse recalls by date before giving second-hand toys to young children.

Quick "bin it" checklist

Avoid toys with:

• Broken plastic, sharp edges, or exposed stuffing (injury risk)
• Missing small parts (choking hazard for children under 3)
• Loose magnets or accessible button batteries (serious injury risk if swallowed; these are particularly dangerous and have caused child deaths)
• Peeling paint (may contain lead, particularly on toys made before 2011)
• Strong chemical smells or visible mould (sign of damage or unsafe materials)
• Excessive wear on fabric toys (threads coming loose can be choking hazards)
• Damaged wheels or moving parts on ride-on toys (injury risk)

When in doubt, bin it. It's not worth the risk, and another toy will come along soon.

Cleaning basics

Hard plastic toys: Wash with warm soapy water, rinse thoroughly, and dry completely. For extra hygiene, use a diluted disinfectant spray (child-safe) and wipe down. Pay attention to crevices where dirt tends to accumulate.

Soft toys and plush: Check the care label. Most can be machine-washed on a gentle cycle (30-40°C). Dry thoroughly to prevent dampness and mould. Tumble dry on low if possible, or air dry completely before giving to children. For toys that can't be washed, leave them in direct sunlight for several hours or use a fabric-safe disinfectant spray.

Wooden toys: Wipe with a damp cloth and mild soap. Avoid soaking, as this can damage the wood and cause splitting. Dry immediately and thoroughly.

Electronic toys: Wipe surfaces with a slightly damp cloth. Avoid getting moisture inside battery compartments. Remove batteries before cleaning if possible. Test that they work before giving them to children, and check any battery compartments for corrosion.

LEGO and building blocks: Wash in warm soapy water in a mesh laundry bag or colander. Rinse well, drain, and spread out on towels to air dry completely. Don't use a dishwasher, as high heat can warp plastic pieces.

Ride-on toys and outdoor equipment: Hose down or wipe with soapy water. Check wheels, axles, and moving parts for safety. Allow to dry completely, particularly any fabric or foam components.

What Types of Toys Are Most Commonly Free?

Across local giveaways, toy libraries, and community programmes, the most frequently available toys include:

• Baby toys and rattles (outgrown quickly, usually in excellent condition)
• Building toys (LEGO, Duplo, Mega Bloks; often given away in large collections or complete sets)
• Board games and puzzles
• Dolls, action figures, and soft toys (very common giveaways, often in bundles)
• Play kitchens, tool sets, and role-play toys (bulky items people don't want to store or move)
• Ride-on toys and outdoor play equipment (particularly during spring/summer clear-outs)
• Books and educational toys (frequently bundled with other items)
• Arts and crafts supplies (often given away when children lose interest)
• Bikes and scooters (children outgrow these quickly)
• Seasonal items (paddling pools in spring, indoor games in autumn)

Higher-value items like electric ride-ons, gaming consoles, trampolines, or brand-new toys in original packaging are less common but do appear, particularly during house moves or when households are significantly downsizing.

Free Stuff Etiquette: Being a Good Community Member

Local reuse communities work because people are generous and respectful. Following basic etiquette helps everyone and improves your chances of receiving toys in future.

When claiming toys:

• Respond promptly and clearly. If you're interested, say so quickly and confirm your pickup availability with specific days and times.
• Be reliable. If you commit to a pickup time, show up. If plans change, message immediately. People have often turned down other offers for you.
• Say thank you. A simple "thank you, this is perfect for my daughter" goes a long way. It encourages people to keep giving.
• Mark items as received on the platform so the giver can close their listing.

When things don't work out:

• Politely decline if the toy isn't as described. It's okay to say "I'm sorry, but this isn't quite what I was looking for" when you arrive. Good givers understand.
• Don't ghost people. If you're no longer interested, send a quick message rather than leaving someone waiting.
• Don't claim things you don't need. It's tempting to grab everything free, but if you won't use it, leave it for someone who will.

When your children outgrow toys:

• Pass them on. As your children grow and outgrow toys, consider giving them away through the same networks that helped you. This keeps the cycle going.
• Be honest about the condition. Describe items accurately in your listings. Mention missing pieces, wear and tear, or functional issues.
• Be flexible with pickup times where possible. People with children often struggle with rigid schedules.
• Building a good reputation in your local reuse community means you'll have better access to high-quality items in future. People remember reliable, grateful members.

Why Getting Free Toys Matters

Finding free toys isn't just about saving money, though that's certainly valuable..

Environmental impact

The toy industry is one of the most plastic-intensive industries in the world. Approximately 90% of toys sold are made of plastic, and the industry uses 40 tons of plastic for every $1 million in revenue (Green Matters/The World Counts). This has serious consequences: worldwide, toys make up 6% of all landfill plastics, and in France alone, 40 million toys are discarded into landfills annually (Yale Environment Review).

Research shows that 80% of plastic toys eventually end up in landfills. When plastic toys break down, they release harmful chemicals and microplastics into soil and water sources. By accepting and giving away toys, you're directly reducing manufacturing demand and keeping usable items out of waste streams.

Building community

Free toy networks connect neighbours who might never otherwise meet. They create opportunities for conversations, mutual support, and community resilience. Many people form genuine friendships through local reuse groups, creating stronger, more connected neighborhoods.

Teaching children values

When children see you collecting free toys or passing on outgrown items, they learn valuable lessons about sustainability, sharing, and community support. It normalizes reuse and challenges the constant consumer messaging they receive from advertising and peer pressure.

Accessibility and fairness

Free toy networks make quality toys available to all households regardless of income. Children's access to play and learning shouldn't depend on their parents' financial circumstances. These networks help level that playing field, ensuring every child can benefit from educational and entertaining toys.

As your children grow and outgrow toys, consider passing them on through the same networks that helped you. Free toy economies work because people give back. It keeps toys in use, helps other households, and reduces the environmental burden of constant new production. Every toy that gets passed on is one less toy manufactured and one less toy going to landfill.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Where can I get free toys near me?
  The fastest way is to use a local giveaway network like Trash Nothing (which connects millions of people around the world), set alerts for toys, and post a specific request. Toy libraries, baby banks (UK), school toy swaps, faith organisations, and community giveaway events are also excellent options depending on what you need.

• Are free toys safe for children?
  Yes, most free toys are safe. Always check for recalls (UK: GOV.UK Office for Product Safety and Standards, USA: Consumer Product Safety Commission), inspect for broken parts or sharp edges, and clean thoroughly before use. Avoid toys with missing small parts if you have children under 3, and immediately bin anything with loose magnets or button batteries.

• Can I really get LEGO for free?
  Absolutely! LEGO and Duplo are among the most commonly given away toys because households accumulate large collections over time, and the pieces last for decades. Set alerts for "LEGO" or "Duplo" on free-stuff apps, and respond quickly when listings appear. Complete sets can be worth £50-200+.

• How do toy libraries work?
  Toy libraries work like book libraries. You pay a small membership fee (usually £10-30/year or $20-50/year), then borrow toys for 2-4 weeks at a time. You return them and borrow different ones. Most let you borrow 3-8 toys at once. All toys are cleaned between loans.

• What's the best time of year to find free toys?
  Spring (April-May) and early summer (June-July) are peak decluttering times when households clear out toys. November sees pre-Christmas clear-outs, and January has post-holiday decluttering. Moving season (late spring/summer) generates the most toy donations overall. Check apps on weekend mornings for newly listed items.

• Do I need to give toys back if I get them from a giveaway network?
  No. Items on giveaway networks like Trash Nothing are yours to keep permanently. This is different from toy libraries, where you borrow and return items. Once someone gives you a toy through a free stuff app, it's yours.

• What if multiple people want the same toy?
  The person giving away the toy chooses who gets it. Improve your chances by responding quickly, being specific about pickup times, explaining why you need it (without over-sharing), and building a good reputation in your local community by being reliable and grateful.

• How do I know if a toy is age-appropriate?
  Check for age labels on the toy or packaging. Search the toy name online to find manufacturer recommendations. When in doubt, supervise play initially or ask the giver what age their child was when they used it. Small parts are generally unsafe for children under 3.

• What if the giver doesn't show up or respond?
  This occasionally happens. Wait a reasonable time (24-48 hours), send one follow-up message, then move on. Don't take it personally. People's circumstances change. Keep browsing, and you'll find another toy soon.

• Can I ask for specific brands or items?
  Yes, but be realistic. Requesting "any LEGO" is more likely to succeed than "LEGO Harry Potter Hogwarts Castle set." Being flexible improves your chances significantly.

• Is it rude to turn down a toy if it's not what I expected?
  No. It's better to politely decline when you see it than to take something you won't use. A simple "I'm sorry, but this isn't quite what I was looking for, but thank you for offering" is perfectly acceptable. Good givers understand.