Let’s face it, children’s toys are expensive! As parents, it can be hard to keep up with the costs as your children’s interests develop and change over time. We all want to nurture our children’s passions, but sometimes, buying brand new just isn’t an option. Luckily, there are lots of places, both online and in brick-and-mortar shops, where we can pick up second hand toys for a fraction of the original price.
Buying second hand toys is a great way to save money and keep up with your children’s developing tastes in toys. There are, however, a few things that you need to watch out for when it comes to purchasing second hand toys. Here are 3 of the most important things to look out for when purchasing second hand toys.
1 Ensure the toy can be cleaned properly.
Children have a habit of spilling food and drinks, wiping their noses, and sticking foreign objects in various orifices, so it’s always a good idea to give second hand toys a good clean before you offer them to your children. Second hand toys could harbour all sorts of bacteria or even harmful mould, so make sure to sterilise or wipe down any toys with antibacterial wipes before you allow your children to play with them.
It’s especially important to pay extra attention to the cleanliness of cuddly toys and LEGO when purchasing these as second hand toys for your children. Cuddly toys are hard to keep clean and germ-free as most of them feature a “wipe clean only” washing instruction label. This means that they could be home to all sorts of bacteria, as well as other nasties like headlice. LEGO is another type of toy that’s hard to clean – it’s best to soak it all in a bucket of hot soapy water or use cold water sterilisation tablets to thoroughly clean the plastic pieces. Make sure to dry it all thoroughly before giving it to your child.
2 Look out for any missing or broken parts when purchasing second hand toys.
From jigsaw puzzles to action figurines, it’s always best to go over the toy in question thoroughly before purchasing. Hopefully, no one has listed an incomplete jigsaw puzzle for sale, but you never know! Ensure you check with the seller before purchasing – if they’re unsure – you may be better off leaving this one alone.
Make sure any moving parts and accessories that come with the second hand toys are in tip-top condition. Not only will these cause a choking hazard if they were to come loose, but you will be losing out on your money as the toy will be unfit to play with. It’s best to avoid any disappointment by thoroughly checking all moving parts of toys before purchasing.
3 Watch out for battery compartments.
At best, you’ll find a toy with an easily accessible battery compartment that’s been well looked after and has had old batteries removed. At worse, you’ll either find corroded batteries left in the compartment, or an inaccessible compartment that’s been sewn shut.
When purchasing second hand toys that require batteries, always check the state of the battery compartment. If it is inaccessible or has evidence of leaked battery fluid, it’s best to give this toy a miss.
Finally words on the important things to look out for when purchasing second hand toys.
There are lots of places to purchase second hand toys from and, for the most part, these toys will be in brilliant condition. Obviously, there may be some wear and tear along the way, but we all know what children are like! Follow the tips above to ensure that any second hand toys you do pick up are safe and clean before you allow your children to play with them.
