Do you remember the toys that made up your childhood? Whether they are action figures, stuffed animals, board games, LEGO sets, or fashion dolls – chances are good there is something in storage with fond memories attached.
What to do with all of these reminders of a simpler time can be difficult without ideas on how to repurpose them and make space. Thankfully we’ve got 8 fantastic uses for those beloved (and maybe not-so-beloved) items currently gathering dust in boxes under the stairs!
From creating inspiring décor to using them as conversation starters around the dinner table, read on to find out what you and your family can do with your childhood toys today!
Donate them to a charity or local thrift store
Have you ever found yourself with a closet full of clothes you no longer wear or need? Instead of letting them collect dust, consider giving them a new life by donating them to a charity or local thrift store.
Not only will this help those in need of clothing, but it also promotes sustainability by keeping clothes out of landfills. Plus, it’s a great way to declutter your home and give back to your community.
So go ahead, sift through your closet, and donate those clothes – it’s a small act of kindness that can make a big difference.
Have a toy swap with friends and family
Do you remember swapping toys with your friends and siblings back in the day? Well, now you can relive those memories by organizing a toy swap with your loved ones.
It’s a great way to declutter your home and at the same time, give old toys a new purpose.
You’ll be surprised at how excited both kids and adults get about the idea of trading in their toys for something new to play with.
Plus, it’s a budget-friendly way to refresh your collection without spending a dime. So go on, gather your friends and family, and host your very own toy swap!
Put them in storage for your future kids
Have you ever thought about keeping special items in storage for your future children?
It’s a beautiful concept that allows you to preserve cherished memories in a safe and secure place until the time comes to pass them down.
From photo albums and clothing to toys and furniture, the possibilities are endless. Imagine the joy in your child’s eyes as they discover the treasures you carefully saved for them.
It’s not just about practicality or sentimentality; it’s about creating a legacy and passing on a piece of yourself to the next generation.
Sell them online or at a garage sale
As we go through our homes, it’s easy to accumulate a pile of items that we deem unnecessary or have lost their usefulness in our lives. The question then becomes what to do with these unwanted possessions.
One solution is to sell them, either online or at a garage sale. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, but the key is to decide what works best for you. If you’re tech-savvy and have a lot of items to sell, then online may be the way to go. It’s convenient, so you should check it out and reach a wider audience. On the other hand, if you have a sense of community and would rather interact with potential buyers face-to-face, a garage sale may be worth your time. Ultimately, the goal is to declutter your home and make some extra cash along the way.
Repurpose the toys into artwork or decorations
Toys aren’t just for playing with anymore!
Nowadays, repurposing toys into artwork or decorations is all the rage. Not only is it a great way to showcase your creativity, but it also gives new life to toys that might otherwise be discarded or forgotten.
Imagine turning a pile of old action figures into a unique collage on your wall, or transforming a bunch of plastic animals into a funky centerpiece for your coffee table. The possibilities are endless and the results can be truly striking.
So if you’ve got a stash of old toys lying around, why not try repurposing them and breathe new life into your home decor?
Transform them – Upcycle the toys into something else, like making a wall hanging from old stuffed animals
Instead of throwing toys away, why not transform them into something new and useful?
Upcycling old toys can save them from landfill and give them a whole new purpose. For example, you can turn old stuffed animals into a unique wall hanging that adds character and charm to your home.
Not only is this a fun project to take on, but it’s also a sustainable way to give new life to your child’s beloved toys. So before you toss them, consider upcycling and see the magic you can create.
Give them away to younger relatives or neighbors
As we grow older, it’s common to accumulate belongings that we no longer need or use. These items can take up valuable space in our homes and clutter our minds. Instead of holding onto them, why not give them away to younger relatives or neighbors?
Not only will you be decluttering your home, but you’ll also be passing down items that could be useful or sentimental to someone else.
Plus, it’s a great opportunity to connect with younger generations and share memories or stories about the items you’re giving away. So, take a look around your home and see what you can share with those around you.
Frame them – Create a 3D memory box by framing your favorite childhood toy in a shadow box frame
Childhood memories often hold a special place in our hearts.
With a little creativity, you can frame your favorite childhood toy in a shadow box frame, and create a 3D memory box that captures the essence of your past.
Whether it’s a Barbie doll, a stuffed teddy bear, or a game that you cherished, it’s time to give them the attention they deserve. Displaying these treasures in a shadow box frame will not only preserve them but also add a touch of nostalgia to your home décor.
As you can see, there are many options to choose from when deciding what to do with your childhood toys.
Whether you decide to donate them, store them, repurpose them, or give them away, think of it as freeing up some extra space in your home while also passing on a piece of nostalgia.
Whichever option you pick, you can make sure that you part ways with the toys in an environment-friendly and meaningful way.
And remember, don’t be too hard on yourself if you end up keeping a few favorite pieces.
It’s totally fine if some of those classic selections make their way into your grown-up collection! With any luck, your future kids will enjoy playing with them just as much as you once did.