Where To Donate Toys

Where to Donate Christmas Gifts and Used Toys in 2026

Every year, right around October, I look at the mountain of toys in our house and feel a sense of dread. The holidays are coming, which means more stuff is about to pour in. It’s the perfect time to clear out the old and make room for the new, but I hate just throwing things away.

Finding the right place to donate Christmas gifts or gently used toys can feel overwhelming. You want to make sure your donation actually helps someone. I’ve spent years sorting through our own toys and finding the best spots, from national charities to local drives.

Here’s a breakdown of the best programs I’ve found for getting your toys to kids who will love them, whether you’re buying new for the holidays or decluttering the playroom.

 

 

Top Toy Donation Programs for the Holidays and Beyond

Marine Toys for Tots Toy Donation Program

Donating costs the price of one new, unwrapped toy, which is usually around $10 to $25.

You’ve seen the boxes everywhere during the holidays for a reason. Toys for Tots is probably the most straightforward way to donate Christmas gifts. It’s run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, and their system is simple: you buy a new toy, drop it in a box, and they get it to a kid in need.

It’s a massive operation with drop-off points all over the country. Last year in 2026, they gave out something like 24 million toys, which is incredible. If you want a reliable, no-fuss way to give a new toy at Christmas, this is it.

The Downside: Only accepts new toys and most giving happens in the holiday season, so it is not ideal if you mainly have used toys or want to donate outside campaign windows.

 

 

The Salvation Army Angel Tree & Toy Donation Programs

The cost is typically one or more new gifts for a specific child, usually totaling $25 to $75.

I really like the Angel Tree program because it feels personal. You pick a tag off a tree at a local store, and it has a specific child’s wish list on it. You get to shop for their age, their sizes, and the exact toy they asked for.

Beyond the Angel Tree, The Salvation Army also takes toy donations at their Family Stores. They accept both new toys for holiday drives and gently used ones for resale in their thrift stores. The money from those sales funds their year-round programs, so your old toys are still doing good work.

The Downside: Angel Tree and most toy drives are seasonal, and some corps locations limit what used toys they’ll take, so availability and rules vary by community.

 

 

Goodwill Toy Donation Program

There’s no direct cost to you; just drop off your gently used toys.

When I’m doing a major house cleanout, Goodwill is my go-to. It’s not a direct gift program—they resell your donated toys in their stores. But the money they make funds job training and employment programs in your own community.

The convenience is unmatched. Most locations have a drive-through drop-off, and you can get rid of clothes, housewares, and toys all in one stop. It keeps perfectly good toys out of the landfill and gives them a second life with a family shopping on a budget.

The Downside: Toys are resold rather than directly gifted, so your donation indirectly supports kids and families instead of going as a free present to a specific child.

 

 

Ronald McDonald House Charities Toy Donation Program

You’ll spend the cost of one or more new toys, typically $10 to $30 each.

This one really hits home. Ronald McDonald Houses provide a place for families to stay when their child is getting serious medical care far from home. The toys you donate go into playrooms or are given directly to kids to make a scary, stressful time a little brighter.

Because these kids are often medically fragile, they can only accept new, unopened toys that are easy to clean. Many local chapters post wish lists online, so you can buy exactly what they need, like craft kits, books, and quiet games that can be played in a hospital room.

The Downside: Most locations cannot accept used toys due to infection-control rules, and some have strict guidelines on what materials and toy types are allowed.

 

 

Second Chance Toys Donation & Collection Program

There’s no cost to donate your cleaned, gently used plastic toys.

If you have a mountain of plastic toys your kids have outgrown, this is a fantastic option. Second Chance Toys was created specifically to keep those durable plastic toys out of the landfill and get them to kids who need them.

They focus on plastic toys that are clean, complete, and don’t need batteries. Think play kitchens, building blocks, and ride-on toys. They partner with local community organizations to distribute the toys, so you know they’re going to a good home.

The Downside: Only accepts certain toy types and conditions, and drop-off or collection events are not available in every region, so participation may require extra coordination.

 

 

Children’s Hospitals Toy & Book Donation Programs (e.g., CHOC, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta)

The cost is whatever you spend on new toys, books, or craft kits, usually $10 to $30 per item.

Much like Ronald McDonald House, local children’s hospitals rely on donations to stock playrooms and provide distractions for kids going through treatment. These toys are used year-round for birthdays, holiday celebrations, or just to help a kid get through a tough procedure.

It’s absolutely critical to check their wish list before you buy anything. Hospitals have very strict rules for safety and infection control. They often ask for things like art supplies, LEGO sets, and video games that are easy to sanitize and suitable for a bedside.

The Downside: Hospitals usually accept only new items and may turn away donations brought without appointments or that do not meet strict safety and infection-control standards.

 

 

Stuffed Animals for Emergencies (SAFE) Donation Drives

It costs nothing to donate your new or gently used stuffed animals and toys, aside from your time to clean them.

This organization provides comfort items to kids in crisis. Think of children who have lost their home in a fire, are living in a shelter, or are being assisted by first responders. A simple stuffed animal can be a huge source of comfort in a scary situation.

SAFE accepts both new and gently used stuffed animals, as long as they are thoroughly cleaned and in great shape. They distribute them to police departments, fire stations, and other emergency service groups that work directly with kids in traumatic situations.

The Downside: Local chapters and drives may be limited, and donors must carefully follow cleaning and quality rules, which can take extra time.

 

 

Local Shelters, Foster Programs, and Community Toy Drives (e.g., Hope & Home, Community Action Holiday Toy Drives)

The cost can be a new toy purchase, often $15 to $40, or the value of used items you donate.

Sometimes the best way to help is to keep it local. Check with churches, homeless shelters, foster care agencies, and community centers in your town. They often run their own drives to directly serve families in your area, and the impact feels very immediate.

These local drives are also one of the best places to donate Christmas gifts for older kids and teens, who are often overlooked. Things like gift cards, headphones, sports equipment, and art supplies are always in high demand. Just call or check their website first to see what they need and if they accept used items.

The Downside: Programs are usually location-specific and seasonal, with varying rules on used toys and drop-off timing, so you must check details with the local group before donating.

 

 

What to Know Before You Donate

Before you pack up the car, always check the organization’s website or give them a call. Rules change, and nothing is worse than showing up with a trunk full of donations they can’t accept. This is especially true for hospitals and shelters with strict health guidelines.

Be honest about the condition of your used toys. Only donate items that are clean, complete, and unbroken. If a toy is missing pieces or is visibly grimy, it’s better to recycle or throw it away. A good rule of thumb: if you wouldn’t give it to a friend’s child, don’t donate it.

And finally, don’t forget the older kids. Toy drives get tons of stuff for little ones, but kids aged 12-17 are often left out. If you’re buying new gifts to donate, consider picking up a gift card, a nice hoodie, or a cool gadget for a teen. It will absolutely make their holiday.