Kids’ toys, especially popular branded items or high-quality educational toys, can be surprisingly expensive. Parents and gift-givers often want to provide engaging, durable toys, but face budget constraints. Fortunately, finding deals on premium or popular toys is possible if you know where to look beyond traditional full-price retailers. Several types of stores and platforms offer opportunities to snag great toys without breaking the bank. Here are eight places you might find high-end or sought-after toys at budget-friendly prices:
Image Source: Pexels
1. Discount Retailers (TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Ross)
Off-price chains like TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Ross Dress for Less, and HomeGoods often have surprisingly good toy sections. They acquire overstock, past-season items, or sometimes slightly damaged packaging inventory from major brands and department stores. You can frequently find popular brands like Melissa & Doug, LEGO (sometimes smaller sets), Fisher-Price, Barbie, Hot Wheels, and character toys at significant discounts compared to regular retail prices. Inventory is constantly changing, making it a “treasure hunt,” but deals on quality toys are common.
2. Warehouse Clubs (Costco, Sam’s Club)
Membership warehouse clubs often carry a curated selection of toys, especially during the holiday season. While the selection isn’t vast, they frequently offer bundles or larger sets from popular brands like LEGO, American Girl (accessories), Disney, or STEM toy manufacturers at prices lower per piece than typical retail. They focus on perceived value and often have exclusive multipacks or configurations, making them a good stop for larger gifts or stocking up.
3. Outlet Stores (Brand-Specific or Mall Outlets)
Some major toy manufacturers or brands have their own outlet stores (e.g., Disney Store Outlet, sometimes found in outlet malls). Additionally, large outlet malls often house toy stores that may carry discounted inventory. These stores typically sell past-season merchandise, items made specifically for the outlet channel (which may differ slightly in quality or features), or true clearance items at reduced prices compared to their regular retail counterparts.
4. Online Retailers’ Clearance/Deal Sections (Amazon, Walmart, Target)
Image Source: Pexels
Major online retailers like Amazon, Walmart.com, and Target.com have dedicated clearance sections or “Deals of the Day” that frequently include toys. Searching specifically within the “Toys & Games” category and filtering by “Clearance,” “Sale,” or discount percentage can reveal significant markdowns on brands you might not expect to find discounted elsewhere. Using browser extensions or apps designed to track price drops on these sites can also help you snag deals.
5. Consignment Stores and Sales Events
Children’s consignment stores (like Once Upon A Child) and seasonal pop-up consignment sales (like Just Between Friends) are excellent sources for high-quality, gently used toys. Parents sell items their children have outgrown, often including expensive brands like Brio trains, Playmobil sets, Little Tikes structures, American Girl dolls, and durable wooden toys. Prices are typically a fraction of the original retail cost, and items are usually inspected for quality and safety.
6. Facebook Marketplace and Local Buy/Sell Groups
Local online marketplaces, especially Facebook Marketplace and dedicated neighborhood buy/sell/trade groups, are treasure troves for used toys. Parents often sell bundles of specific toy types (e.g., a large bin of LEGOs, a collection of Barbie dolls and accessories) or individual high-value items (play kitchens, dollhouses, ride-on toys) at very low prices simply to clear clutter. Exercise caution with safety and meeting arrangements, but fantastic deals can be found.
7. Thrift Stores (Goodwill, Savers, Local Shops)
While hit-or-miss, traditional thrift stores can yield amazing toy finds for pennies on the dollar. It requires patience and frequent visits, but you might stumble upon vintage collectibles, complete board games, bags of building blocks, or high-quality wooden toys hidden amongst the clutter. Look for stores in more affluent areas for potentially better quality donations. Always inspect items carefully for safety and cleanliness.
8. Library Toy Lending Programs
While not for purchase, some public libraries now offer toy lending programs. These libraries often invest in high-quality, durable, educational toys (like STEM kits, building sets, puzzles, imaginative play sets) that patrons can borrow for free, just like books. This allows children to experience expensive or specialized toys without the commitment of buying them, offering significant value and access on a tight budget. Check with your local library system to see if they offer such a program.
Smart Shopping for Quality Play
Finding high-end or popular toys on a budget requires looking beyond traditional toy stores and department store aisles. Discount retailers, warehouse clubs, online clearance sections, consignment shops, local marketplaces, thrift stores, and even libraries offer numerous avenues for acquiring quality toys at significantly reduced prices. By exploring these alternative sources, savvy shoppers can provide children with engaging, durable, and desirable toys without straining their finances.
Read More
