Becoming a new parent brings with it a whirlwind of emotion and excitement as well as numerous decisions. With clothes, gear, and other necessary purchases, an often overlooked one involves toys for your newborn.
And if you’ve been shopping for toys lately, you’ve likely witnessed something unsettling — the price tags seem to keep climbing higher and higher.
And you’re not just imagining it — between inflation and tariffs, families are facing higher costs on everyday items, and toys are no exception.
In fact, reports sugggest that the toy market is likely to see a boost of up to $103.8 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 2.5% from 2021.
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However, before you resign yourself to spending a small fortune on the latest stuffed animals or building sets, there’s a budget-friendly solution that’s becoming the new go-to for parents — shopping second-hand.
Getting discount toys can not only save you money, it's also a more sustainable way to shop—helping both your wallet and the planet.
Why Are Toy Prices So High?
Toy prices have been increasing steadily due to many factors, some of which are inflation, tariffs on imported toys, and the increasing demand for toys.
Nearly every corner of the world is victim to inflation, and the toy industry is impacted as well. The cost of raw materials sourcing and manufacturing has surged, leading to higher retail prices.
Another important factor is tariffs on imported goods. A report suggested that the 10% increase in tariffs on imported goods (from China) are likely to lead consumers to pay higher prices for these goods in the future.
Lastly, the high demand for toys, especially educational and entertainment options for kids spending more time at home, has driven prices even higher.
As a result, families are finding it harder to afford new toys for their children.
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However, there’s a way to easily steer clear of these rising costs without sacrificing quality or fun — getting discount toys online.
The Smart Way to Shop: Why Second-Hand Toys Make Sense
People often think that shopping second-hand is limited to furniture or clothing — what many don’t know is that it is also an excellent way to find high-quality toys at a fraction of the original price.
Here are the top 5 reasons why parents are more keen on opting for pre-loved cheap toys.
1. A Smart Way to Save Without Sacrificing Fun
Kids grow fast—one minute, they’re obsessed with stacking blocks, and the next, they’ve moved on to puzzles and pretend play.
For you, keeping up with these ever-changing interests can get expensive, and that is why you need pre-loved cheap toys online. They offer the same fun and excitement at a much lower price.
HABA Building Blocks
2. A Simple Choice That’s Kinder to the Planet
There’s also something satisfying about knowing that a toy has had a life before it found its way to you. Rather than adding to the endless cycle of production and waste, choosing second-hand gives new life to something that might have otherwise ended up forgotten.
It’s a small decision, but one that adds up—less plastic waste, fewer discarded toys, and a step toward a more sustainable way of living.
3. Durability You Can Trust
Think about it—if a toy has already survived the hands of one child and is still in great shape, that’s a pretty solid sign it’s built to last. Many second-hand toys are surprisingly sturdy, often from brands known for their quality. And with a little cleaning, they’re good as new.
The best part? Sometimes, you might even stumble across items that are still in their original packaging.
4. A World of Possibilities
Another great thing about shopping second-hand is that it brings you a wide variety and within your budget. Resale marketplaces are full of surprises – who knows, you might even get your hands on a perfect vintage toy set.
Be it cheap soft toys or remarkably cheap infant toys, you're sure to find something perfect for your baby.
Loog 3-String Mini Acoustic Guitar
5. A Different Way to Think About Buying
At the end of the day, choosing preloved toys is about shifting the way we think. It’s easy to get caught up in the habit of always buying new, but when you realize that great toys don’t have to come straight from the store, it changes things.
It’s a simple lesson in being mindful, valuing what already exists, and finding joy in giving something a second chance.
Preloved Toys Make a Big Environmental Impact
Have you ever walked into a store, scanning shelves stacked high with brand-new toys, only to wonder how long they’ll actually be played with?
Nearly 80% of toys end up in landfills, making up about 6% of all plastic waste. That’s millions of discarded toys each year, often tossed after just a short time in use.
Choosing preloved toys can help reduce this cycle of waste. Every second-hand for-sale toy bought means one less new toy produced, cutting down on plastic consumption and the carbon footprint tied to manufacturing and shipping.
It’s a small choice that, collectively, makes a big impact.
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Final Thoughts!
Raising kids is expensive, but finding ways to save doesn’t mean sacrificing fun or quality. If you’re looking for where to buy toys cheap, getting a pre-loved toy can be the most economical and sustainable option for you.
So next time your child’s birthday rolls around or you’re looking to surprise them with a new toy, consider exploring second-hand options. Your budget (and the planet) will thank you!