Kids outgrow toys super fast, and it doesn’t take long for bins and closets to fill up with things nobody plays with anymore.
Instead of letting them collect dust or tossing them in the donation pile, you can turn a lot of that clutter into cash.
Here’s where to sell your old toys, whether you’ve got a bag of everyday plastic toys or a few vintage collectibles worth real money.
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eBay
eBay is one of the best places to sell toys, especially if you have vintage or collectible pieces.
Rare and discontinued toys tend to attract serious buyers here, and you can choose between an auction format, which is great for driving up the price on something collectors want, or a fixed Buy It Now price for toys with a more predictable value.
For everyday plastic toys that aren’t worth much individually, selling them as a bundled “lot” is usually a better strategy than listing each piece individually.
Before you list anything, search completed and sold listings on eBay to get a realistic idea of what similar toys have actually sold for.
Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace is a solid option for toys, especially bulkier items like play kitchens, ride-on toys, or large sets that would be expensive to ship.
There are no listing fees, and local parenting or kids’ resale groups on Facebook can help you reach buyers who are specifically looking for what you have.
Clear photos and an honest description of the toy’s condition go a long way here, since buyers are picking items up in person and want to know what they’re getting before they show up.
Once Upon a Child
Once Upon a Child is a resale chain that buys gently used kids’ items, including toys, clothing, and gear, directly from you in the store. You bring your items in, an employee looks them over, and you’ll usually walk out with a cash offer the same day, or you can take store credit instead.
The tradeoff is that payouts tend to be lower than what you’d make selling directly to a buyer online, since the store still needs to resell the item at a profit. But if you want cash fast without dealing with listings, photos, or shipping, it’s a convenient option, and it’s worth calling ahead to ask what they’re currently looking for.
Mercari
Mercari works well for toys that are in good condition but not necessarily rare. Listing is quick, and shipping labels are provided once an item sells, which makes the process pretty hands-off compared to meeting up with local buyers.
Craigslist
Craigslist is still useful for selling toys locally, particularly bigger items like playsets, trampolines, or ride-on toys that aren’t worth shipping. Expect some back-and-forth communication and the occasional no-show, but for bigger items it can be worth the extra effort.
Yard Sale or Local Buy/Sell Groups
A yard sale is still one of the fastest ways to clear out a large volume of toys in a single day.
Everyday toys, games, and puzzles tend to sell quickly, and shoppers expect low prices, so keep your pricing simple and be ready to negotiate.
Local Facebook and neighborhood groups work similarly, and they’re a good option for smaller toys that aren’t worth the effort of an individual online listing.
Tips for Selling Your Old Toys
Check for value before you price low. Limited edition toys, discontinued sets, and anything tied to a popular franchise can be worth far more than you’d expect. Search eBay’s sold listings before deciding what to charge.
Clean everything first. Wipe down plastic toys, spot-clean plush toys, and test anything with batteries. Toys that look cared for sell faster and for more money.
Sell in lots when it makes sense. Bundling smaller, lower-value toys together is often easier and faster than selling each one individually.
Check for recalls. Before selling anything, it’s worth a quick check with the Consumer Product Safety Commission to make sure the toy hasn’t been recalled.
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