Top tips on buying second hand kids toys

Buying second hand toys for your children can be a smart and eco-friendly choice. But it’s essential to ensure the toys are safe, clean, and suitable for your child’s age and developmental stage. We’ve put together some tips in this guide to help you make better decisions when purchasing second hand kids’ toys. A little strapped for cash? You can look for used toys on many sites, including Rumage.com.

Safety First

Re-calls – Before purchasing any second hand toy, research if it has been ever been recalled. You can visit the Product Recalls and Alerts – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) page to find information about recalls.

Wear and Tear – Get up close and personal and examine the toy thoroughly for any signs of damage, sharp edges, or loose parts. This is hard when buying online, but if you search locally online, you can pop over and have a look. Ensure that there are no small, removable parts that could pose a choking hazard.

Check the labels – Pay attention to any safety labels and age recommendations. If they have been removed – walk away. Only buy toys that are appropriate for your child’s age and developmental level.

Brand Research – Some toy brands are known for their durability and safety standards. Research the reputation of the brand before making a purchase. Read the online reviews from other parents who have purchased the same toy. This can provide insights into the durability and safety of the product.

Question the seller

Ask about the history of the toy. How much was it was used? Has it ever been repaired? Also, ask how the toy has been stored. Toys stored in a dry, clean environment are less likely to have issues.

Give it a good clean!

Wherever it’s been stored, however it’s been looked after a good clear is ALWAYS necessary. Clean the toy thoroughly before giving it to your child. Use disinfectant wipes or a mild solution of water and soap. Make sure to clean all the nooks and and crevasse where germs can hide. Inspect the toy for any signs of Mold. Mold spores can be a health risk, especially if your kids have allergies. To that point we prefer toys made of washable materials, so you can easily keep them clean.

Working and moving parts

If the toy has electronic components, such as sound or lights, ensure they are in working condition. Again, hard to know when buying online but wither buy from someone local or check the seller’s ratings.

Ideally replace any batteries – even if it’s working – to make sure there is no chance of battery leakage. And, if there are moving parts or mechanisms in toys, make sure they function correctly and do not pose a safety risk.

Above all – Trust your instincts!

Whenever possible, inspect the toy in person before making a purchase. This allows you to identify any issues that may not be apparent in photos. And, if buying from an online marketplace, consider the reputation of the seller. Choose sellers with positive reviews and a transparent history.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that the second hand toys you purchase are as safe, clean, and appropriate for your child’s age as possible. Making informed choices not only benefits your child but also contributes to a more sustainable and eco-friendly approach to parenting.

why buy new?

Getting the best price

Make sure you investigate the original retail price of the toy to get a better understanding of its value. Use this information to negotiate a fair price with the seller. AND, if you are buying multiple toys from the same seller, ask about bundle deals or discounts. If you don’t ask you won’t get!

Age appropriateness

Choose toys that are for your child’s developmental stage. It’s best to avoid toys with small parts for toddlers so they can’t choke on them. Always make sure that the complexity of the toy matches your child’s abilities.

The best toys are not only entertaining but also have educational value. Toys that promote creativity, problem-solving, and learning are ideal.

Keep it local – and collect

Even if you shop online, you can keep it local with Rumage.com by setting a search location near your home, a friend’s home or the office. Make a bid and pop on over to meet face to face if you can. Take a friend if you can. If you can’t meet in person because it’s too far away it’s better to pay through Paypal for extra buyer protection.

PayPal will keep the money secure throughout the process, and you’ll also have a satisfactory paper trail should you need it later. If you can’t use PayPal then check if your credit card or bank gives you protection.

Avoiding buying new all the time saves you money and is better for the planet as you are avoiding new materials being used. The bulk of the carbon footprint associated with making a games console is actually the energy cost from its production.

All second hand, all in one place

At Rumage.com we bring together many second hand sites so with one search you can let us look for you rather than having to individually search the many online sellers. If you give us your email address, you can set-up an alert and we can search for you every day till you find that perfect second hand tool.

Avoiding new is better for the planet as you are avoiding new materials being used. Rumage exists to lighten the load on the planet as well as save you money. We search many sites we are linked to so you can find second hand with ease. We are building relationships with many sites who believe, like we do, that second hand should be the first choice as much as possible.