Does Goodwill Take Legos/Duplos? (Best Places To Donate Them)


*This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Ah, the age-old question: “Does Goodwill take Legos or Duplos?” If you’re a parent like me, with three Lego-obsessed kids, you know the struggle. You’ve probably stepped on a rogue Lego brick at least once in your life, and let me tell you, it’s a pain you wouldn’t wish upon your worst enemy.

So, as a loving and concerned parent, I’ve made it my mission to find out if Goodwill can help me (and you) declutter my life, one Lego brick at a time. So can you donate them to Goodwill?

Goodwill does take donations of Legos and Duplos. Virtually all Goodwill locations will accept both complete LEGO kits in their original box and clear Ziplock bags of LEGOs or Duplos. They do request that you clean them (as with all toys that you donate).

In the rest of this article, I will dive into more detail about donating Legos and what options are available besides Goodwill if you don’t have one nearby or want to give your Legos or Duplos to another cause as well.

The Magic of Legos

History of Legos

Ah, Legos. These colorful little bricks have been capturing the hearts and minds of children and adults alike since their invention in 1949. And what’s not to love?

They’re versatile, durable, and perfect for the aspiring architect in all of us. You’d be hard-pressed to find a toy that has stood the test of time as well as Legos have.

But did you know that these beloved bricks were actually born out of a wooden toy workshop in Denmark? Yep, that’s right. Ole Kirk Christiansen, a Danish carpenter, created the first Lego brick in his small workshop, and the rest is history.

Educational benefits of playing with Legos

Now, as a parent, I’m sure you’re well aware of the “educational” spiel that comes with every toy. But with Legos, this isn’t just a marketing gimmick. These little plastic bricks have some serious brain-boosting power!

From honing fine motor skills to fostering creativity and problem-solving abilities, Legos truly are a powerhouse when it comes to learning through play.

The Lego community and fan base

As if being an awesome educational tool wasn’t enough, Legos also boast a massive and enthusiastic fan base. From casual builders to hardcore collectors, the Lego community is as diverse as the bricks themselves.

They even have a name for adult fans of Lego – AFOL (Adult Fans of Lego). And who can blame them?

With endless possibilities for creativity and a plethora of themes and sets to choose from, it’s no wonder that Legos have amassed such a following.

Want to know more about the Lego community and how to join the fun? Head on over to Lugnet, the international Lego users group network.

The market for used Legos

If you thought the Lego community was impressive, wait until you hear about the market for used Legos. These bad boys hold their value like nobody’s business.

And why wouldn’t they?

Legos are the ultimate collectible – they’re durable, customizable, and practically indestructible (unless you decide to introduce them to a hydraulic press, but that’s a story for another day). So, it’s no surprise that there’s a thriving market for used Lego sets and individual bricks.

Some of the platforms to trade and sell your used Legos include:

  • BrickLink: The eBay of the Lego world, BrickLink is the go-to marketplace for buying, selling, and trading all things Lego.
  • BrickOwl: Another popular platform for Lego enthusiasts, BrickOwl offers a user-friendly interface for buying and selling used Lego sets and pieces.
  • eBay: Good ol’ eBay is never a bad choice when it comes to selling your used Legos, especially if you’re looking to reach a wider audience.
  • Facebook Marketplace: For a more local approach, Facebook Marketplace is a great option for selling used Legos to fellow enthusiasts in your area.

Goodwill’s Mission and Donation Policy

Brief history of Goodwill

Now that we’ve established the cultural phenomenon that is Legos let’s turn our attention to Goodwill – the potential solution to our Lego-induced clutter woes. Goodwill, also known as Goodwill Industries International, is a nonprofit organization that provides job training, employment placement services, and other community-based programs to people facing barriers to employment.

Founded in 1902 by Edgar J. Helms, a Methodist minister, Goodwill has grown into a global organization that operates in 12 countries, with over 3,000 stores in the United States alone. If you’re interested in learning more about Goodwill’s noble mission and impressive history, check out their official website.

Goodwill’s mission and objectives

At its core, Goodwill’s mission is all about empowering people and strengthening communities. By providing job training and employment opportunities to those who need it most, Goodwill is breaking down barriers and creating a more inclusive workforce.

Their objectives include:

  • Helping people find meaningful employment
  • Offering job training and skill development programs
  • Providing resources for people with disabilities and other barriers to employment
  • Fostering a more sustainable and environmentally friendly society through recycling and repurposing efforts

General donation guidelines

Now, let’s talk about what Goodwill can and cannot accept in terms of donations. As a general rule of thumb, Goodwill is happy to accept items that are clean, safe, and in working condition.

This includes clothing, shoes, accessories, small appliances, furniture, and, of course, toys. However, there are some items that Goodwill cannot accept due to safety, legal, or environmental concerns. You can find a comprehensive list of accepted and prohibited items on Goodwill’s donation guidelines page.

Factors affecting Goodwill’s acceptance of items

Although Goodwill provides general donation guidelines, it’s important to note that each local store may have slightly different policies based on factors such as:

  • Storage capacity: A small store in the middle of a bustling city might have less space for storing large items than a sprawling suburban location.
  • Local laws and regulations: Some areas may have specific restrictions or requirements for accepting certain items, like electronics or furniture.
  • Community needs: A store in a college town might have a higher demand for textbooks and dorm room essentials, while a store in a family-oriented neighborhood might be more interested in children’s clothing and toys.

So, the moral of the story? When in doubt, give your local Goodwill store a call to find out if they’ll take your beloved (but no longer needed) items.

Does Goodwill Accept Toys?

Goodwill’s stance on accepting toys

Now that we’ve covered the basics of Goodwill’s donation policy, let’s get to the million-dollar question: Does Goodwill accept toys? Drum roll, please… the answer is yes!

Goodwill generally accepts toy donations (including Legos and Duplos), so long as they are clean, safe, and in good working condition. So, if you’ve got a mountain of unused toys (including building bricks) cluttering up your living space (or, you know, serving as a booby trap for unsuspecting parents), Goodwill might just be the answer to your prayers.

Exceptions and restrictions on toy donations

However, as with all things in life, there are some exceptions to Goodwill’s toy-accepting ways. Some items that may not be accepted include:

  • Toys with missing or broken parts: Let’s face it, no one wants a jigsaw puzzle with half the pieces missing, or a board game that’s missing all its vital components.
  • Toys that are excessively dirty or damaged: A little wear and tear is normal, but if your toy looks like it’s been through the wringer (or a muddy battlefield), it might be best to find another home for it.
  • Toys that have been recalled: For safety reasons, Goodwill cannot accept toys that have been recalled by the manufacturer. Be sure to check the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s recall list before donating.

Importance of donating clean and safe toys

When donating toys, it’s essential to ensure that they are clean, safe, and in good working condition. Not only will this make the donation process smoother, but it will also ensure that the toys you donate can bring joy to another child (and, let’s be real, isn’t that what it’s all about?).

Here are some tips for prepping your toys for donation:

  • Wipe down plastic toys with a gentle cleaning solution to remove dirt and grime
  • Wash stuffed animals in the washing machine, following the care instructions on the label
  • Check toys for any loose or broken parts and repair them if possible

Alternative organizations for donating toys

If, for some reason, your local Goodwill store cannot accept your toy donation, don’t fret! There are plenty of other organizations out there that would be more than happy to take them off your hands.

Some alternatives include:

  • Local toy banks and charities: Many communities have local organizations dedicated to collecting and distributing toys to children in need.
  • Toys for Tots: This nationwide program, run by the United States Marine Corps Reserve, collects and distributes new, unwrapped toys to less fortunate children during the holiday season.
  • Ronald McDonald House Charities: These homes-away-from-home provide a place for families to stay while their children receive medical treatment, and they often accept toy donations for the kids staying there.
  • Local schools, daycare centers, and hospitals: Many educational and healthcare facilities welcome gently used toy donations to keep the children in their care entertained and engaged. Just be sure to call ahead and inquire about their specific needs and guidelines.

The Moment of Truth: Does Goodwill Take Legos?

Goodwill’s stance on accepting Legos

Now that we’ve established that Goodwill does, in fact, accept toy donations, let’s address the ultimate question: Does Goodwill take Legos? Well, my fellow Lego enthusiasts, I’m pleased to report that the answer is a resounding yes!

Goodwill is generally more than happy to accept your Lego and Duplo donations, whether it’s a single set or an entire collection.

Prepping your Legos for donation

Before you triumphantly march your Legos over to your nearest Goodwill, there are a few things to consider. First and foremost, make sure your Lego sets are in good condition and free of any missing or broken pieces.

Here are some tips for prepping your Legos for donation:

  • Organize and sort your Legos by color or set, if possible
  • Ensure all sets have their original instructions (if you’ve misplaced them, you can often find PDF versions on the Lego website)
  • Consider bagging individual sets or smaller collections to keep pieces organized
  • Wipe down any excessively dirty or dusty bricks with a gentle cleaning solution

Donating incomplete or mixed Lego sets

If you’ve got a collection of mismatched or incomplete Lego sets (hey, it happens to the best of us), don’t despair! While Goodwill may not be as enthusiastic about accepting these types of donations, there are other options out there.

Some organizations, like BrickRecycler, specialize in recycling and repurposing used Legos, regardless of their condition. They’ll even cover the shipping costs if you’re donating a large collection. So, if your Legos are less than perfect, consider giving them a second chance at life through recycling.

Donating Legos with sentimental value

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “But what if my Legos have sentimental value?” Trust me, I get it.

Legos have a magical way of capturing our hearts and transporting us back to simpler times. But remember, by donating your Legos to Goodwill, you’re not only decluttering your life but also providing a new opportunity for another child (or AFOL) to experience the joy and wonder of building with Legos.

So, take a deep breath, say your goodbyes, and rest easy knowing that your Legos are off to create new memories and spark creativity in someone else’s life.

Conclusion

So, there you have it – the answer to the burning question on every Lego-loving parent’s mind: “Does Goodwill take Legos or Duplos?” The short answer is yes, they do!

Goodwill is more than happy to accept your Lego and Duplo donations, so long as they are clean, safe, and in good working condition. Just be sure to follow the tips and guidelines provided in this article to ensure a smooth donation process.

And remember, by donating your Legos, you’re not only making space in your home, but you’re also giving another child (or adult) the opportunity to experience the magic and wonder of building with Legos.

So, go forth and spread the joy of Legos, one donation at a time!

Matthew R

Hi, My name is Matt and I am all about toys! When trying to find accurate information online about toys I was finding it difficult so I decided to make this site.

Recent Posts