Recycling Toys
Toys are an important part of childhood. But they are also a huge drain on the pocketbook and leave a huge impact on the landfills not only with the tossed toys but also the amount of packaging they use. I’m having such a strong feeling that this is something our family needs to do differently. That this is one of those great ways to set an example for the boys. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. So what can we do about it?
A few months ago we traded toys with a fellow twin Mom and her twin boys for a couple of months. It was a great way to expose all four to new things but without any expense.
I was investigating www.babyplays.com but considering how little we play with toys right now, that seems like too much money. It’s all about the outdoors these days. But maybe in January when the cold and rain finally hit Texas, it might be a great idea for 2 - 2 year olds stuck inside for a few months. Since they do gift subscriptions this might be a great Christmas gift from a grandparent. Has anyone tried this service (Netflix for toys they are calling it) or know anyone who has?
Freecycle has landed us some toys and I think they are a great resource. I just need to use it more often by putting out my “wants.” I need to take the time to check out the Goodwill stores in our neighborhood as well. I also intend to make better use of Craig’s List. I tend to turn to them for the big ticket items but there is so much more.
I’d love to hear other suggestions. How have you dealt with reducing the expense of toys in your home?
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Comments
What works for us is giving our toys to you guys and then you giving them back. Repeat, etc.
This Circle of Life for toys has saved us an unimaginable amount of money, and it’s good karma too.
Thanks for the toys and clothes Dawn!
You bring up a good point. Toys are so expensive, and some don’t even get our money’s worth before they get tossed in the bottom of the bin and forgotten. And not only do they cost a lot, they take up too much room. I’ve been putting toys I want to donate to goodwill in a box and in the garage, but my little man found it one day so now everything is back in the house. :-|
We do our best to buy toys from Craigslist, garage sales and the used children’s store. I’ve purchased a few new things from IKEA when we’ve been Outside, but that’s only because it’s the ‘thrill’ of IKEA! I’ve been handing down outgrown toys, although it seems like lately they aren’t really outgrowing toys, just using them in a different way.
Lately Finn and Reid have been all about books, books and more books. And a few non-toys like our plastics in the recycling bin, cardboard oatmeal containers, the colander, brooms, etc.
Dear Dawn,
I stumbled across your blog today when doing some research for my 21 month old twin boys. I am the founder of BabyPlays.com and I just wanted to share with you a little something about our program that differs significantly from free programs and Goodwill. I choose toys for the program that are 100% phthalate free. We send all of our toys to a lab to be tested for lead and we set our standards higher than any company we know. We choose high quality stimulating toys and our program is designed so that you play with the toys until your child has lost interest, then send them back. Customers never pay shipping charges and there are no late fees. We include fresh batteries in all of our toys, and most importantly our toys are thoroughly sanitized using a non-toxic EPA approved disinfectant. We will also ship toys to your vacation destination. I hope this has helped you. I am happy to personally address any further questions you have.
Have a blessed day,
Warmest Regards,
Lori Pope