It all started with a single plastic dinosaur.
Picked up from a charity shop for £1—slightly scratched and missing a tail. But to the child, none of that mattered. The moment it was in their hands, it came alive: roaring, chomping, and fighting off invisible enemies under the table.
That’s when the realisation sets in—brand-new toys aren’t always necessary.
The truth is, second-hand toys can be just as magical. Sometimes, even more so.
If you’re a parent in the UK looking to cut costs, reduce waste, or avoid overspending on plastic, this guide is for you. Here’s a closer look at the myths and the considerations and why used toys might actually be the best toys.
New Doesn’t Always Mean Better
Walking into a toy shop can be overwhelming: flashy packaging, loud noises, and toys that come with batteries that stop working in two days. You might spend £40 on a plastic truck, only for it to break within a week.
With second-hand toys, it’s a different story. The hype is gone, and you’re not paying for presentation or packaging—just the toy itself.
And if a toy has already survived one home? That’s usually a sign it’s built to last.
What About Safety?
This is a valid concern.
Some worry that second-hand equals unsafe. And in some cases, that’s fair. Caution is important, but it doesn’t mean all used toys are problematic.
Here’s what to look out for:
- Check for the CE or UKCA mark—this indicates the toy meets UK safety standards.
- Avoid anything with loose or small parts, particularly for children under three. Choking hazards are a real risk.
- Skip old electronic or battery-operated toys unless you can test them first. Faulty wiring and toddlers don’t mix.
- Avoid toys that have been recalled. You can check recalls at gov.uk/product-safety-alerts-reports-recalls.
- Clean everything. Warm water, a bit of soap, and disinfectant wipes usually do the job.
Most of the time, a quick inspection and some common sense are all it takes.
Where to Find the Good Stuff
Not all second-hand toys are equal, and finding the good ones can take a bit of effort. But once you get the hang of it, it can be quite rewarding. Here are some of the best places to look:
Charity Shops
Oxfam, Barnardo’s, British Heart Foundation, and local charities often have children’s sections filled with puzzles, books, and soft toys.
Prices are usually very affordable, and your purchase supports a good cause.
Car Boot Sales
They may be chaotic, but if you go early, they can be treasure troves. Many parents use them to clear out garages, offering great bargains.
Tip: bring cash, and don’t hesitate to haggle.
Facebook Marketplace
It’s convenient for quick searches and finding local sellers. You can ask questions, request additional photos, and arrange same-day pick-up.
Look out for bundle deals—there’s often someone offering 10 toys for £10.
eBay / Vinted / Gumtree
Ideal for finding specific items. For example, if a child becomes fixated on a particular Paw Patrol figure, these platforms can help track it down. Just make sure to check seller ratings and delivery charges.
What to Avoid (No Matter How Cheap)
Some toys simply don’t stand the test of time.
- Old soft toys with matted fur or questionable stains are best avoided.
- Toys with peeling paint or rusted metal—especially vintage items—might look charming, but they can be unsafe.
- Puzzles or board games missing pieces, unless incomplete chaos is your thing.
- Surprise toys filled with slime. Enough said.
Stick with durable plastic toys, wooden blocks, books, Lego, action figures, and sturdy ride-ons. These tend to survive well in busy households.
Cleaning Second-Hand Toys (Without Losing Your Mind)
You bring a bag home, and it smells… off. Time to clean.
- Plastic toys: Use warm water and washing-up liquid. Soak, scrub, rinse, and dry thoroughly.
- Lego and small parts: Put them in a mesh laundry bag and run them through the dishwasher on the top rack—no heat drying. Alternatively, soak them in disinfectant in the sink.
- Stuffed toys: Check the label. Most are machine washable on a gentle cycle. Tumble dry on low or air dry in sunlight.
- Books: Wipe covers with disinfectant wipes. Avoid wetting the pages.
No need to overcomplicate it—just ensure everything is clean enough to handle the next round of snack-covered hands.
Why It’s Worth It (Besides the Obvious Savings)
Yes, it’s cheaper—and that’s a major benefit. But there’s more value than just saving money.
- Kids don’t care about “new”. Adults might worry about scratches or missing stickers, but children see colour, movement, and possibility.
- It teaches value. When toys don’t cost £70, parents are more likely to let kids really play with them—breaking, sharing, and learning along the way.
- It reduces waste. The toy industry generates enormous plastic and packaging waste. Buying second-hand slows that down.
- It adds story and character. A random wooden train can spark a whole new world. There’s a sense of history—perhaps once loved by another child, with dents from old adventures.
Used toys often have character. A bit of mystery. Something new toys can lack.
Final Word: It’s Not About Settling
Choosing second-hand toys isn’t about compromise. It’s about making thoughtful decisions.
It means offering more play, more freedom, and less pressure around cost. There are fewer batteries, less noise, and more space for imagination.
When a £1 dinosaur becomes the centre of a child’s universe for an entire afternoon, it becomes clear—brand new was never the point.
So, next time you’re tempted by a flashy, overpriced toy in a high street shop, take a moment. Consider checking the charity shop next door. You might just discover something better.
Used. Loved. Ready to roar again.
