Where Can You Actually Donate Children’s Toys in Ireland This Christmas? (2025 Guide)

“Where can I actually donate children’s toys this Christmas?”

Some charities only accept brand-new items, others accept pre-loved toys but with strict safety rules, and many well-meaning donations end up being refused, or worse, thrown away.

Of course you can donate kids goods year round through Let’s Match Mums, but if you are looking for a few different options, here is what you can do this Christmas!

This guide is a verified, Ireland-specific breakdown of where children’s toys are genuinely accepted this Christmas, based on direct charity guidance.

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1. Enable Ireland – Pre-Loved Toys Accepted Nationwide

***We recommended calling ahead to check***

Enable Ireland charity shops across Ireland are accepting pre-loved children’s toys that are:

• Complete

• Safe

• In very good condition

These shops are frequently visited by families on tight budgets in the run-up to Christmas.

Why donate here:
100% of profits from toys sold support Enable Ireland services for children and adults with disabilities.

🔎 Best for: Good-quality toys that are ready to be reused.

2. Vision Ireland – Selected Stores Only

Vision Ireland is accepting new and gently-used toys, but only in specific locations with dedicated children’s departments.

Participating stores:

• Ashbourne

• Dunboyne

• Dunshaughlin

• Finglas

• Leixlip

• Whitewater (Newbridge)

• Mullingar

• Tullamore

• Athy

• Ringsend

⚠️ Important: Not all Vision Ireland stores accept toys — only those listed above.

3. Irish Cancer Society – Small Toys Only

Irish Cancer Society charity shops will accept:

• Small children’s toys

• Toys that are complete and in good condition

They cannot accept:

• Large plastic toys

• Cuddly / soft toys

There are over 20 Irish Cancer Society charity shops nationwide.

🔎 Best for: Compact, easy-to-store toys.

4. Sue Ryder Charity Shops – Strict Safety Rules Apply

Sue Ryder shops accept donations but have one of the strictest exclusion lists.

They cannot accept:

• Toys without CE marks

• Toys for children under 3 unless sealed in original packaging

• Nightwear or fancy dress not labelled fire-resistant

• Clothing with hood cords

• Used Play-Doh or plasticine

• Baby equipment (walkers, bouncers, baths, car seats, cribs, etc.)

🔎 Best for: Carefully checked items that meet all safety standards.

5. Oxfam Ireland – Brand-New Toys Only

**Ring ahead to confirm**

Oxfam Ireland only accepts brand-new toys that are:

• Unused

• Still in original packaging

There are 44 Oxfam shops across Ireland.

🔎 Best for: New toys you never opened or received as duplicates.

6. Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation – Donate Lego

Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation accepts loose Lego bricks.

These are sold through Jack & Jill Charity Boutiques to fund home nursing care hours for children with complex medical needs.

Who can donate:

• Families

• Schools

• Preschools

• Businesses

🔎 Best for: Lego sitting unused in playrooms or storage boxes.

7. Focus Ireland – New Gifts Only (Time-Limited)

Focus Ireland is accepting new essentials and small gifts only for their Christmas campaign.

📅 Deadline: Until Friday 12 December
📍 Drop-off locations:

• Dublin HQ

• Cork HQ

• Limerick HQ

• Woodlands Hotel, Adare (Gift of Giving campaign)

⚠️ Pre-loved toys are not accepted.

8. Concern Worldwide – Selected Charity Shops

Concern Worldwide charity shops accept good-quality pre-loved children’s toys at the following locations:

• Ballycastle

• Belfast

• Derry

• Hollywood

• Newcastle

All proceeds support Concern’s work tackling extreme poverty worldwide.

9. Toy Swaps & Circular Options (A Great Alternative)

If a charity cannot accept your items, consider circular reuse:

The Toy Library Ireland – Christmas Swap & Play

• 📍 St. Mary’s Hall, Portlaoise

• 📅 17 December | 🕚 11am–2pm

• Bring up to 5 toys in very good condition — or attend without donating

Community options:

• Freecycle groups

• Olio app

These options often ensure toys go directly to another family.

10. Donating Directly to Families in Need

Some families need toys immediately but cannot access charity shops.

Platforms like LetsMatchMums.com connect parents directly with:

• Children in Direct Provision

• Families experiencing hardship

This ensures donations are matched to real, current need.

Quick Summary: Where to Donate Toys This Christmas in Ireland

OrganisationAccepts ToysConditionsEnable IrelandPre-lovedComplete & safeVision IrelandNew / gently usedSelected stores onlyIrish Cancer SocietySmall toysNo cuddly or large plasticSue RyderLimitedStrict safety rulesOxfamNew onlyOriginal packagingJack & JillLegoLoose bricks acceptedFocus IrelandNew onlyTime-limitedConcern WorldwidePre-lovedSelected shopsToy Library IrelandSwapEvent-basedLetsMatchMumsDirect matchingFamilies in need

Final Thoughts

Donating toys at Christmas is generous — but where and how you donate matters.

Choosing organisations that can genuinely accept toys:

• reduces waste

• saves charities time and money

• ensures children actually benefit

If you know of other verified Irish organisations currently accepting toys, share them — accurate information helps everyone.