Donating Toys: What We Accept and How to Donate




Do you have quality toys at home that your children have outgrown? Donating them to Port Melbourne Toy Library is a wonderful way to give those toys a second life, support local families, and reduce waste.


Toy donations help us keep our collection fresh, varied and exciting for children aged 0–8. Before donating, please read our simple guide below so we can make sure every toy added to the library is safe, suitable and ready for play.

What toys can we accept?

We welcome donations of toys that are:

  • Suitable for children aged 0–8 years
  • In good, clean, playable condition
  • Safe and sturdy
  • Complete, or still fully playable if a small piece is missing
  • Easy for families to borrow, use and return

We are especially happy to accept:

  • Games
  • Board games
  • Puzzles
  • Educational toys
  • Imaginative play toys
  • Construction toys
  • Baby and toddler toys
  • Toys that support learning, creativity and active play

Games and puzzles

We accept puzzles and games, but they need to be suitable for younger children and in good playable condition.

Please check that:

  • Puzzle pieces are complete where possible
  • Board games include the main pieces needed to play
  • Instructions are included if needed
  • The game is still playable if a minor piece is missing

If a puzzle or game has too many missing parts and can’t be enjoyed properly, unfortunately we may not be able to add it to the collection.

What we cannot accept

To keep our toy library safe, clean and easy to manage, we are unable to accept:

  • Soft toys
  • Toys in poor or broken condition
  • Toys with missing essential parts
  • Bikes with chains
  • Toys that require a wall charger
  • Toys that are not suitable for children aged 0–8

We know it can be hard to part with toys, but please only donate items that another family would be happy to borrow and play with.

Not sure if your toy is suitable?

If you are unsure whether your toys are suitable for donation, please feel free to contact us first.

You can:

  • Send us an email with details of the toys,
  • Send photos through our social media channels, 
  • Include information about the toy’s condition, age range and whether all pieces are included

This helps us let you know whether the toy is a good fit before you bring it in.

Why donate to the toy library?

Donating toys to Port Melbourne Toy Library helps:

  • Give toys a longer life
  • Reduce waste and clutter
  • Support affordable play for local families
  • Keep our toy collection fresh and exciting
  • Encourage sustainable sharing in our community

A toy that is no longer being used in your home could become a favourite for many other children.

How to donate

Donating is simple:

  • Check that your toys are clean, safe and in good playable condition.
  • Make sure they are suitable for children aged 0–8.
  • Bring them to the toy library during our Wednesday or Saturday opening hours.
  • If you’re unsure, email us or send us photos before bringing them in.

Thank you for thinking of Port Melbourne Toy Library. Your donations help make play more accessible, sustainable and shared across our local community.

When can I donate toys?

You are welcome to walk in with toy donations during our regular opening hours:

  • Wednesdays: 10:30am – 12:30pm Saturdays: 10:30am – 12:30pm

    Address: 833 Bay Street, Port Melbourne (the same building from City of Port Phillip Library).

As the toy library is only open on these days, we kindly ask that donations are not left outside the library when we are closed. Toys left outside may be damaged by weather, lost, or become unsafe before we are able to check them.