What on earth to do with old toys

[Pennies]

I'm having a bit of a clear out and I've got loads and loads of old childrens toys (girls ages birth to 2) which are just cluttering up the place.

I was going to give them to charideee but I read somewhere (here?) that if the shops don't like the toys they just bin them. I really want them to be played with and loved because most of them are in really good condition and it seems such a waste.

Then I saw another suggestion that I give them to a local womens refuge. I rang my local one and they don't accept second hand goods.

I also tried the local toy library who didn't want any donations either.

I really really can't be bothered to Ebay / sell them (can't face posting them).

Any other options?

Freecycle!

What about doctors' surgeries or hospital waiting areas? They always seem to need toys to keep children occupied whilst waiting for appointments.

ditto freecycle
Children's ward at local hospital
doc/dentist surgeries
Mum and toddler groups
Creches

Ha! beaten to it!

Could do, but probably they will be fussed about health and safety and current standards or some such crap. But they should just accept them and be grateful as the toys in there are always old and dirty.

Your local Homestart.

I normally place ads on another parenting forums local boards (NM), buyer comes to buy at your home. I have even made friends that way!

Definitely freecycle.

I just don't trsut freecycle. I think it's 'free-stuff-i'm-going-to-just-flog-on-ebay-cycle". Obviously no disprespect to anyone who's a genuine freecycler, but I think there are enough people out there who take advantage, epsecially over sellable things like toys.

I suspect I'm bein overly prescious but I'd prefer to donate to something more worthwhile. Will try the local hospital though.

The local M&T group is heaving with toys (I should know as I cleaned most of them a while back - hideous job).

MN Christmas Appeal?

Is it OK to give second hand stuff to that?

I think the Christmas Appeal is new stuff only.

good condition used stuff welcome

I don't think charity shops usually bin toys in good condition, they'll bin the unsellable ones in bad condition. They do tend to have a surplus of cuddly toys to sell but otherwise charity shops are an easy way of getting rid of toys. Less effort than freecycling or Ebay. Or school fetes/Christmas fairs with toy stalls.

Well, there is always the Mumsnet Christmas appeal .... you could make someone's Christmas?

Not as far as I know, SSN

you could phone local social services i give mine to social services and they give to disadvantaged families good to know that these people will get the things for there dc

I gave used stuff last year. I think as long as it's in good condition it'll be fine for the mumsnet appeal, especially if they are for babies or toddlers they don't care if they are used or not.