Where Can I Get Free Toys for Christmas

From LoveToKnow Save

If you're wondering "Where can I get free toys for Christmas?" you're not alone. Parents burdened by medical bills, credit card debt, and unexpected job loss are finding themselves forced to look for creative ways to celebrate the holiday season.

Free toys are available, but finding them takes work.

Answering the Question "Where Can I Get Free Toys for Christmas?"

To find free toys, patience is key. There are a number of resources that offer toys for children at Christmas, but finding a toy that is age-appropriate and a good match for your child's interests will take some time.

Charitable Organizations

Depending upon your income and your family's circumstances, there may be charitable organizations that can answer the question, "Where can I get free toys for Christmas?"

  • Toys for Tots provides toys for children in low income families.
  • The Salvation Army, best known for Christmas bell ringers, also collects toys to distribute to needy children.
  • Angel Tree provides toys for children who have a parent in prison.
  • Many churches have "Adopt a Family" programs during the holidays to provide those in need with food, toys, and decorations for a Christmas celebration.
  • In some communities, toys are distributed through the local food bank.

The LoveToKnow Save article Christmas Help for Low Income Families has additional information on this topic.

Freecycle

Freecycle is a non-profit network made up of people across the globe who are committed to reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. Members post items to give away with no strings attached. In the past, Freecycle listings have included items such as swingsets, bicycles, and play kitchens.

Host a Toy Swap

Get together all the parents in your neighborhood for a toy swap. Invite each parent to bring over their child's toys that are no longer needed, but still in good condition. With enough participants, you'll have plenty of toys suitable for a variety of age groups. A bit of scrubbing, a fresh coat of paint, or a pretty ribbon bow may be all that is needed to turn one of these items into the perfect gift for your son or daughter.

If you aren't familiar with the parents in your area, Toy Swap offers a similar service online. However, you'll have to consider that shipping may be pricey for some items.

Be a Savvy Shopper

It takes some time and creativity, but savvy shoppers can occasionally manage to purchase brand-new toys for little or no money. Strategies include:

  • Promotions that offer a specific free gift with purchase
  • Mail-in rebates to help you save money on your toy purchases
  • Coupons that can be combined with sale prices to reduce the cost of a toy even further

Bargain Shopper Lady offers several tips for obtaining a variety of free or low cost merchandise, including toys, on her blog.

Enter Contests to Win Free Toys

Although you're not guaranteed to win prize, the Internet is full of contests that can help you answer the question, "Where can I get free toys for Christmas?" Some contests require an essay or photo submission, but most are simply random drawings.

Freebies 4 Mom is a popular blog that often posts links to contests offering toys as prizes. Grandma Jam also has a small listing of sweepstakes offering toys for lucky winners.

A Final Thought

While every child certainly deserves a toy for Christmas, keep in mind that your children don't need to receive an entire room full of presents for the holiday to be special. Don't forget that toys are only one small factor in creating happy holiday memories. Traditions like baking cookies, singing Christmas carols, attending a worship service, or building a snowman can be just as meaningful as the opening of gifts.

Additional LoveToKnow Resources

For more tips on celebrating the holiday season, visit LoveToKnow Christmas.



 



Save Categories
LoveToKnow Tools