TOY DONATIONS

Approximately 98% of our curated collection of 2,000+ toys are gently used, recycled toys, most of which have come from 150+ families across the Cape, promoting a culture of sharing and care for the environment through sustainable re-use that helps to keep toys out of the landfills.

Our Toy Doctor volunteers can also repair donated toys to extend their useful life. Businesses have given toys as in-kind donations, and grants have enabled the Library to purchase toys such as science and math toys.

Please use the guidelines below to learn more about the types of toys we can and unfortunately cannot accept in our collection. Every donation is truly appreciated. We also invite Library supporters to sponsor a section of our collection.

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DONATION GUIDELINE

Below is a list of the categories of toys we have in our collection, along with examples of the types of toys in each category:  

Creative Play: Building blocks, construction / engineering toys, design toys

Sensory Play: Musical instruments, sequence beads, puzzles

Physical Play: Tossing games, climbers, slides, balance toys, hula hoops   

School Play: Alphabet and word toys, math and science toys, cultural toys

Pretend Play: Cars, trucks, boats, animals, dolls, cooking / food sets, tool sets  

Infant Toddler Play: Music boxes, stacking, sorting and pull toys

Game Play: Cooperative, matching, memory, word, strategy and family games

Special Needs Play: Specialized and adapted toys for various needs

We especially appreciate:

  • Wooden and other eco-friendly toys.

  • Toys that can be used in more than one way.

  • Toys that can be used by more than one age group.

  • Toys that have been selected as Parent Choice Award winners.

  • Toys and books that authentically represent different cultures and families.

  • Children’s picture books by award-winning authors and illustrators.

  • Reference books about child development, play, and parenting.

  • Storage bins / attractive baskets of all sizes for storing and displaying toys.

We do not accept:

  • Toys manufactured before 1978 or toys recalled due to safety concerns.

  • Toys that are in poor condition (e.g., irreparably damaged) or not clean.

  • Toy guns, swords or others that encourage violent play.

  • Barbie dolls or similar glamour dolls.

  • Television or movie character toys, including Disney and other character-“branded” toys

  • Stuffed animals (for hygienic reasons)

  • Electronic / battery-operated toys that do not function without a power source.

There are exceptions, however, so please feel free to ask.

  • We sometimes accept parts of toy sets to replace missing pieces or create a new set.

  • We occasionally accept some limited household items and furnishings for use in the Community Play Space, as well as recycled items for creative play.


For more information regarding items you would like to donate, please contact the Library at info@capecodtoylibrary.org or (508) 648-3227. Please note that some donated items may be given to other organizations or families, or sold for fundraising purposes.

Thank you for donating toys and books to the Cape Cod Toy Library.
Many children and families benefit from the play-based learning
that your donations help to make possible.