Where to Donate, Sell, or Recycle Baby and Kid Items

Let’s be honest — kids outgrow things fast. One moment you’re knee-deep in onesies, the next it’s scooters and soccer cleats. Surprisingly, the hardest part of decluttering isn't letting go — it's keeping space in your home for the bins, bags, and stuff you intend to deal with later.

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That’s why creating a sorting center in your home (paired with a few sturdy tote bags or bins) can be a game-changer. It’s an ongoing task, but it helps keep the chaos under control.

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When you have a pile of stuff to pass on, here’s how you can get rid of baby and kid items without sending them straight to a landfill:

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Donate or Give Away

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Start by passing on what’s still in good shape to folks who need it.

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• Charitable organizations: Give gently used clothes, toys, and gear to places like Habitat for Humanity or local family support centers. Be sure to call first and ask organizations what they actually need. Don’t just drop stuff off — only give what they'll use.
• Friends and family: Ask around. Chances are, someone you know could really use that high chair or extra winter coat.
• Local groups: Post photos in your Buy Nothing group, school forums, or community WhatsApp chats. Be clear about the condition — people appreciate honesty.

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As a last resort, try big nonprofits like Salvation Army or Goodwill, but call ahead to check what they'll accept. Because they receive such high volumes of items, a lot of what they receive ends up in landfills, so this should be a last resort.

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Also read: 8 Places to Buy Secondhand Baby Gear

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Sell

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If you’ve got the time and energy, selling can help recoup a bit of the cost. But where can you sell baby stuff? Some brands offer trade-in or buy-back programs specifically for kids’ stuff.

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• GoodBuy Gear makes it easy to resell baby and kid gear like strollers, high chairs, swings, and bassinets. They’ll handle everything — pick-up (in select cities), cleaning, listing, and shipping — and you get paid once it sells. It’s a hassle-free way to offload big items that still have life left in them.
• Rebelstork specializes in premium and high-end baby gear — think designer strollers, monitors, bassinets, and carriers. Use their instant pricing tool to see what your items are worth, then ship them in or schedule a pickup if you're in a supported city. They’re picky, but perfect for branded gear in good condition.
• ThredUp is your go-to for selling gently used baby, kids, and maternity clothes — but they don’t take toys or gear. Just send in your items using their Clean Out Kit or a free shipping label, and they’ll handle the rest. You earn cash or store credit once they sell.
• Once Upon a Child is a chain of physical stores that buys baby and kid clothes, shoes, toys, books, and gear. Walk in with your items, and they’ll offer you cash on the spot for what they can resell. It’s quick, local, and a great way to declutter in one go.

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You can also sell on online marketplaces such as Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and even local consignment stores. Just clean things up, take clear photos, and set a fair price.

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If you’re into podcasts, you’d like our episode Are the Kids Alright? Raising a Sustainable Generation

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Recycle or Compost

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Some things are too worn out to donate or sell, but that doesn’t mean they have to go to the trash. Here are some thrifty ways to reuse:

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• Textiles: Many recycling centers or donation programs accept old clothes, even if they’re not in great shape. Look for textile-specific bins in your area.
• Diapers: Some places recycle diapers, though it’s not common everywhere. Research if your community offers this.
• Hard-to-recycle items: Try services like Trashie or Ridwell, which offer pick-up recycling for tricky items.

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No matter how you do it, the key is to keep stuff moving thoughtfully. Whether you're donating, selling, or recycling, making space and making sure your kid's things have a second life is a win for you, your home, and the planet.

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