Why buying used toys for kids is a win-win

Thrifting — buying previously owned goods — has gained serious momentum in recent years. Budget-minded consumers love getting a great deal on unique fashion finds; environmentally conscious shoppers are also glad to slow the flow to the landfill. But thrifting isn’t just for clothing and furniture, it’s also a great way to save on toys. Instead of pouring money into the pockets of manufacturers, shop for something that may be even better on KSL Classifieds.

Save the planet, and yourself

About 3 billion toys are produced in the U.S. every year. If you consider all the plastic and paper packaging that goes along with it — that’s a lot of trash. Do you really need a 10-page manual in 11 languages to show you how to open a battery compartment and flip a switch? We didn’t think so.

No assembly required

The holidays can get pretty hectic, so having one less job to do is a definite plus. When you buy a previously owned play kitchen, for example, it’s ready to go. No digging out the screwdriver or figuring out which part goes where — someone else already did it for you. It’s like having your own elf, but not the lazy kind that sits around on a shelf all day.

Give it a whirl

Just as you take a car on a test drive, when you find a used toy on KSL Classifieds, you can try it out before buying. Does every moving part move? Does it work as you expected it to? No opening the package only to discover that it does not, in fact, come with the grenade launcher pictured on the box.

Originality

There are a lot of choices out there, but much of it is the same — just a different color or size. Trust us, your toddler won’t know the difference — or care. And when you search for used toys, you may find something that hasn’t been in production for a while. Surprise your older kids with a Lego set they haven’t seen before or a board game you enjoyed as a kid. 

Unbreakable

The quality of newly made versions isn’t always as good as the originals, either; an action figure or remote control vehicle made several years ago may be made of tougher stuff than one you could pick up in the store today. Buy used and you’ll likely pay much less for a better toy.

Let it go

When a toy breaks after a few hours — or minutes — of play, who’s more disappointed? Your child, or you? “Aww, I just paid a lot of money for that!” Sure, it’ll be disappointing if something gets stepped on or dropped from the top of the stairs, but at least you didn’t spend much on it.

How much will you save?

If you’re considering buying used toys, you want a good deal. But how do you know if you’re getting one? Thrifting experts suggest nearly new toys should be around 50% of the original price. For previously owned toys still in the original packaging, you can expect to pay about 60%.

Items with minor flaws might be about 20-35% of what you’d find in a big box store. Toys with any serious wear — dents and scratches — should be under $10. Of course, those numbers may be different if the item is a collectible, vintage or highly sought-after.

Are used toys safe?

Criteria for purchasing a used toy should have the same checklist as a new one. It should be age-appropriate, of course. Also consider:

• If it’s battery-powered, check that it works (be sure there’s no battery leakage)

• Avoid lead-based paint (and no flaking paint)

• No broken parts — if it looks worn out, it is

• No loose, small parts which could be a choking hazard

• No sharp edges

• Is it washable?

• Avoid water toys, they could harbor mold

• Avoid plush toys that have been heavily cuddled

Cleaning

Once you get your new-to-you toy home, give it a good sanitizing. Plastic toys can be washed in a solution of one gallon water, one cup chlorine bleach. Let them air dry for at least 30 seconds to kill any bacteria, then rinse with water. 

Electronic or battery-powered devices can be surface cleaned with a disinfecting wipe. A paper towel doused with rubbing alcohol works well, too. Solid toys with no nooks and crannies, such as blocks, can be placed in a mesh bag and sent through a dishwasher cycle.

Will my child be disappointed?

Remember your first car? Most likely, it was pre-owned. Did that make it any less awesome? You actually may have had even more affection for Betty Lou or Lady Jane. So why be concerned about giving your kids previously loved toys? Indeed, purchasing used ones is not just practical for you, it’s still as much fun for them.

Fast finds

Find toy listings — from educational games to tracks and trains — on KSL Classifieds. You can shop for vintage items to nearly new, all from the comfort of your chair.