It happens before you know it. One special companion becomes a shelf full of well-loved friends, each with their own adventures, favourite cuddle spots and treasured memories. Eventually, there comes a time to make a little more room, and that's when a new chapter can begin.

Passing on soft toys is a lovely way to share those companions with another family, giving another child the chance to dream up their own stories and adventures. If you're wondering where to donate soft toys, we've gathered some of the best places across Australia, the UK and the US.

Preparing your soft toys for their next adventure

A little care before donating helps ensure every companion is ready to be loved again.

Most charities ask that soft toys are:

• Clean and freshly washed

• In good condition

• Free from tears, stains or missing parts

Every organisation has its own guidelines, so it's always worth checking before you visit. If a toy has reached the end of its journey, recycling it where possible is often the kindest option.

Donating soft toys in Australia

The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army accepts soft toys in good condition at many locations across Australia. Donated items are sold through their stores, helping to support community programmes while giving treasured toys a new home.

Learn more about donating to The Salvation Army

St Vincent de Paul Society

Vinnies Op Shops welcome soft toys that are clean and in good condition. Every donation helps support people and families across Australia while passing cherished companions on to someone new.

Learn more about donating to St Vincent de Paul Society

Save the Children Australia

Save the Children often accepts new and near-new toys, particularly during seasonal appeals, although many local initiatives run throughout the year.

Learn more about donating to Save the Children Australia

Local family shelters and women's refuges

Many family shelters and women's refuges welcome soft toys for children staying in their care. A quick search in your local area can help you find organisations currently accepting donations.

Buy Nothing groups

If you'd like to pass a toy directly to another family, local Buy Nothing and community Facebook groups are a wonderful way to keep a companion's story going close to home.

Donating soft toys in the UK

British Heart Foundation

With charity shops across the UK, the British Heart Foundation accepts soft toys in good condition. Donations help fund life-saving heart research while giving toys another chance to be loved.

Learn more about donating to the British Heart Foundation

Barnardo's

Barnardo's charity shops welcome soft toy donations and use the proceeds to support children and young people across the UK. It's a fitting place for much-loved companions to begin a new adventure.

Learn more about donating to Barnardo’s

Local toy charities and toy libraries

Many local charities and toy libraries accept clean, good-quality soft toys before redistributing them to families in their communities. Searching for toy donation schemes nearby is a great place to start.

Women's Aid refuges

Women's Aid services often welcome soft toys for children arriving at their refuges. Their directory can help you find local organisations accepting donations.

Learn more about donating to Women’s Aid

Local Facebook groups

Neighbourhood Facebook groups are another simple way to pass a well-loved toy directly to another family nearby.

Donating soft toys in the US

Toys for Tots

Run by the US Marine Corps Reserve, Toys for Tots collects new, unwrapped toys during its annual holiday campaign, helping children across the country experience the joy of receiving a special gift.

Learn more about donating to Toys for Tots

Goodwill

Goodwill donation centres accept gently used soft toys, with proceeds supporting employment and job training programmes throughout the US.

Learn more about donating to Goodwill

The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army accepts soft toys alongside household donations at locations across the country, helping support communities while giving treasured toys another home.

Learn more about donating to The Salvation Army

Local shelters

Many family shelters and organisations such as Ronald McDonald House Charities welcome soft toys for children staying with them. It's always worth checking with your local centre before donating.

Facebook Marketplace and local community groups

Many families also choose to rehome soft toys through local Facebook groups and community marketplaces, helping companions find their next adventure close to home.

Foster creativity with Dinkum World

Every friend in Dinkum World arrives with their own name, personality and little story, ready to become part of yours.

A well-loved companion carries so much more than soft fabric and tiny stitched details. They hold bedtime cuddles, family adventures and the stories children create along the way. Passing them on gives another family the chance to begin a story of their own.

Touch the rainbow over your Dinkum's heart, close your eyes and imagine where the next adventure might lead.

Meet the Dinkum family and discover a world of play.