We’ve all been there. You open up the storage bin and find your favorite dog toy from when you were a kid, or maybe even just a few years ago.
Your first thought is probably something along the lines of: “Aw, how cute! I haven’t seen this in ages!” But then you remember that it’s not so cute anymore it’s ripped, faded and stained. So what do you do with old dog toys?
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Repurpose old dog toys creatively. |
| Donate old dog toys to shelters and rescue organizations. |
| Explore local pet toy recycling programs. |
| Use eco-friendly disposal methods for damaged or broken dog toys. |
| Consider organizing a toy swap with other pet owners. |
| Upcycle old dog toys into DIY projects. |
| Share unused dog toys with friends or family who have dogs. |
| Create a sentimental keepsake using parts of old dog toys. |
| Teach your dog new tricks using old toys as training tools. |
| Properly clean and sanitize dog toys before repurposing or donating. |
Donate Them
You can donate old dog toys to a local animal rescue, fire department or police department. You could also donate them to your local school or church.
If you want to give back a little more and really make someone’s day, take the time to drop off an old toy at the hospital and nursing home in your community.
Is your puppy possessive about its toys? Learn effective techniques to address this behavior in our comprehensive guide on stopping puppies from guarding toys and promote healthy playtime.
Upcycle Them
You can make good use of your old dog’s toys by upcycling them. The process of upcycling is the conversion of waste materials or useless products into new materials or products of better quality or for better environmental value.
Upcycling is the opposite of downcycling, which is the conversion of higher quality materials into lower quality products. This can be done with many types of items, including old dog toys!
There are many ways to turn an old toy into something completely different and useful for another pet:
- Turn it into a chew toy for another pet (like this DIY catnip-filled treat dispenser)
- Make it into an ornament that can be hung on a Christmas tree (like this DIY catnip Christmas tree ornament)
- Use it as part of your garden landscaping (like this diy recycled tire planter)
Repurpose Them
If you have a dog, there’s almost no limit to the uses for old toys that can be repurposed.
If your dog is a chewer, they’ll love an old toy as a chew toy. Now they won’t have to tear up your new shoes and furniture while they get their chewing fix.
Old tug and toss toys can also be used to play fetch with your dog. This will help him burn off excess energy and relieve boredom, making him less likely to destroy things around the house or act out in other ways.
If you’re looking for something small enough for apartment dwellers who don’t have yards, try making a tug-and-toss toy out of fabric scraps—it will work just as well as the store-bought version!
Are your dog’s chewing habits causing trouble with cat toys? Discover effective strategies to prevent dogs from chewing on cat toys and maintain a harmonious environment for your furry friends.
Recycle Them
Recycling old toys is another great option. You can simply drop them off at your local recycling center, or you can donate them to a local shelter. Most of these places will also accept old clothing, shoes, and other items that you no longer need.
If you’re lucky enough to live in an area where there are multiple options for recycling plastics such as plastic dog toys, then this is obviously a great way to go! If not though (and most of us don’t), I would suggest that you check out the materials used in the toy before making any decisions about what to do with it.
Plastic is one thing but if there are any small parts on it such as eyes or noses then it’s probably best not to risk throwing those away in your regular garbage bin because they could end up causing problems for someone else later on down the line when they find them while sorting through their trash!
| Recycling Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Curbside Recycling | Place {POINT} in designated recycling bin for pickup. |
| Local Recycling Center | Take {POINT} to a nearby recycling facility. |
| Manufacturer Take-Back | Check if the manufacturer offers take-back programs. |
| Upcycling | Repurpose {POINT} into new functional items. |
| Donation | Donate {POINT} to organizations or individuals in need. |
Give Old Toys New Lives
Use old toys to make new toys. Old dog toys can be used to make a toy train or other car for kids, and old cat toys can be made into a fishing pole for your cat.
If you have an old stuffed animal lying around, create a dog toy by removing the stuffing and replacing it with tennis balls!
Give away your old dog toys. If you don’t want to keep them around, pass them along to someone else who will appreciate them.
You might find that there’s someone out there who loves having an extra ball or two lying around—but don’t give away anything that has holes in it (unless they’re meant specifically for stuffing).
Use Them as Decorations
If you’re feeling crafty, you can also use old toys as decorations. You could use them as a centerpiece on your table or as a bowl for candy or other treats.
Just make sure to check them carefully before using them—if they have any pieces that could potentially be swallowed or come off, remove those first.
Looking for creative and safe alternatives for your dog’s toys? Check out our step-by-step guide on making safe homemade dog toys to provide your pet with engaging and budget-friendly play options.
Make a Mosaic in the Yard
Here’s a fun idea: make a mosaic in the yard. A mosaic is a piece of art made from small pieces of colored glass, stone, or other materials.
The mosaic should be made in the yard because it is a good way to reuse old toys. When you are done, you can use it as a base for your garden and plant flowers on it!
Make a Bird Feeder
Another option is to make a bird feeder out of your old toys (or something else, if you don’t have any). You need an empty plastic bottle; it should be the kind with holes in the bottom.
Fill it about half-way with birdseed and place it on a tree branch. Birds will peck through the holes, eat all of the birdseed and then leave you alone for another day or two before returning to enjoy more delicious mealworm snacks!
| Bird Feeder Type | Materials Required |
|---|---|
| Bottle Bird Feeder | {POINT}, plastic bottle, string, birdseed |
| Plate Bird Feeder | {POINT}, plate, chain or string, birdseed |
| Pinecone Bird Feeder | {POINT}, pinecone, peanut butter, birdseed |
| Milk Carton Bird Feeder | {POINT}, empty milk carton, string, birdseed |
| Terracotta Pot Bird Feeder | {POINT}, terracotta pot, chain or string, birdseed |
Make a Planter for Flowers
If you have a garden, or want to start one, consider using an old tire as a planter for flowers. The tire can be any size and price point; even if it’s been sitting in your garage for years without purpose, it could be the perfect vessel for adding some color to your outdoor space.
Assemble the planter by making sure that all pieces fit together tightly with no gaps between them. Then fill with soil and plant flowers in the top opening of the tire! You could also use toys as both fillers at bottom and at top (or vice versa).
Searching for durable and long-lasting chew toys for your canine companion? Explore our curated list of the strongest chew toys for dogs to satisfy your dog’s natural urge to chew while ensuring their safety.
Use It as a Pumpkin for Halloween!
You can use old dog toys for so many things. Here are some ideas:
Turn them into pumpkins for Halloween! Just take a small piece of the toy and cut it into a pointy shape, then glue it onto an orange ball to look like a pumpkin.
Use them as scarecrows or decorations for your Halloween party! Turn the stuffed animals into scary-looking creatures using old clothes and yarn.
Try making one big scarecrow out of all the stuffies you have collected over time, but don’t use any fabric because they will rip easily when you move them around in windy weather outside on Halloween night—and that would be tragic!
| Use Case | Description |
|---|---|
| Halloween Decoration | Transform {POINT} into a festive pumpkin for Halloween decor. |
| Dog Toy Alternative | Provide an engaging and safe play option for dogs during Halloween. |
| Craft Project Material | Utilize {POINT} as a crafting material for Halloween-themed projects. |
| Photo Prop | Incorporate {POINT} into Halloween photo shoots for added fun. |
| Party Favor | Offer {POINT} as a unique and unconventional party favor for Halloween. |
Use It for Craft Projects with the Kids
There are many ways to reuse old dog toys! If you have kids, you can use them for craft projects. For example, a toy with a squeaker inside might be useful if you’re making a Halloween costume for your child or pet.
You can also use it as part of a gift for another person like an animal-themed birthday party favor! And finally, they make great decorations around the house because they’ll bring back memories from better times (if there were any).
Tired of your cat’s toys getting lost under the couch? Discover practical tips and tricks in our guide on keeping cat toys from going under the couch and create a clutter-free play area for your feline friend.
Turn Old Toys into New Toys!
You can also use old dog toys to make new toys for other pets. If you have a cat or another animal that usually doesn’t play with their own toys, a second-hand toy from your dog might be just the thing they need. Just make sure it’s clean before giving it to them!
You can also use old dog toys to make new kids’ toys for inside or outside play. Kids love playing with anything that moves and makes noise, so an old squeaky toy is sure to delight them!
Just be careful not to give them any parts of the toy that could potentially break off into smaller pieces; they could choke on these if swallowed by mistake
Conclusion
We hope that these ideas have inspired you to start thinking about how old toys can be used in new ways.
Remember, though, that even the most worn-out dog toys still have some use and value. They might not be suitable for your pet anymore, but there are plenty of other ways to put them to good use!
Further Reading
Donate Dog Toys: A Guide to Giving Back to Dogs in Need: Learn how you can make a difference in the lives of dogs by donating your unused or old dog toys to shelters and rescue organizations.
Can You Donate Dog Toys? Find Out How to Help Shelter Dogs: Discover the impact of donating dog toys to shelters and find out how you can contribute to the happiness and well-being of shelter dogs.
How to Get Rid of Toys Without Throwing Them Away: Explore sustainable options for disposing of unwanted toys, including dog toys, without adding to landfill waste.
FAQs
How can I donate my old dog toys?
Donating your old dog toys is a wonderful way to help dogs in need. Consider reaching out to local animal shelters, rescue organizations, or pet charities to inquire about their donation policies and procedures. You can also check their websites or contact them directly to find out if they accept toy donations and how to go about it.
Are there any specific requirements for donating dog toys?
Different organizations may have varying guidelines for donated dog toys. Generally, it’s advisable to donate toys that are in good condition, clean, and free from any potential hazards. Check with the recipient organization to see if they have any specific requirements, such as the type of toys they accept or any restrictions on materials.
Can I donate plush or stuffed dog toys?
Many shelters and rescue organizations accept plush or stuffed dog toys. However, it’s important to ensure that these toys are in good condition, without any tears, loose parts, or potential choking hazards. Washing the toys before donation is also recommended to maintain hygiene.
Are there other ways to help dogs in need besides donating toys?
Absolutely! Donating toys is just one way to support dogs in need. You can also consider volunteering your time at animal shelters, fostering dogs, or making monetary donations to organizations that provide care and assistance to dogs. Additionally, spreading awareness about pet adoption and responsible pet ownership can make a positive impact on the lives of dogs.
What should I do if I have damaged or broken dog toys?
If you have damaged or broken dog toys that are beyond repair, it’s best to dispose of them responsibly. Look for recycling programs or facilities in your area that accept plastic or rubber toys for recycling. Another option is to check with local waste management authorities to see if they have specific instructions for disposing of these types of toys.
I’m Dr. Hellen James, a professional veterinarian with a deep interest in the ways that litter size affects the health of animals. I’ve spent years studying this subject and performing research on reproduction in many different kinds of creatures.
