Toys are an essential part of childhood, and they can be much more than just a source of entertainment. Toys that give back are a great way to teach children about social responsibility and the importance of giving back to the community.
These toys come in various types and serve different purposes, but they all have one thing in common: they support a cause, program or organization that helps people in need.
One of the critical things to consider when purchasing toys that give back is the cause they support. Some toys support environmental causes, while others support social and humanitarian causes.
It’s essential to choose a cause to donate to that aligns with your values and beliefs. Another critical thing to consider is the quality of the toy. A toy that gives back should be durable, safe, and made of high-quality materials.
Some toys give back by instilling values; for example a love for animals or passion for social justice. Others give back by donating proceeds to a named charity for every toy or doll purchased. Some give back due to their sustainability or through donation schemes- there are all kinds of ways that toys can power change.
We spent hours researching and testing ten toys that give back to identify the ones that are not only fun and engaging for children but also support a worthy cause. Our top picks include toys that support environmental conservation, education, and social causes.
These toys are not only fun to play with, but they also teach children about the importance of giving back and making a positive impact on the world around them.
Toys That Give Back
Looking for a way to make a difference while shopping for toys? Consider purchasing from these companies that not only offer high-quality, fun toys, but also give back to communities and charitable organizations.
From eco-friendly materials to the donations supporting children in need, these toys are sure to bring joy to both the recipient and the world around them.
Little Live Pets – Mama Surprise
If you’re looking for a fun and interactive toy that gives back, Little Live Pets – Mama Surprise is a great option for families with kids ages 4 and up!
Little Live Pets can help instil kindness, empathy and a love of animals even if you aren’t prepared to bring a real animal in to your home.If you’re looking for a toy that will encourage your child to care for animals and provide hours of free imaginative play, Little Live Pets – Mama Surprise is a great choice.
The interactive mama guinea pig is soft and cuddly, and the surprise babies add an element of excitement and surprise to the play experience.
However, parents should be aware that the toy may lose its novelty after a while and that it requires six AAA batteries which are not included.
Little Live Pets Mama Surprise
Teach your children the importance of love and respect for animal friends great and small with this adorable interactive play set.
This toy will not only provide hours of fun, but promote empathy and nurturing behaviours.
Pros
The interactive mama guinea pig is soft and cuddly, making it a great toy for snuggling and playing with.
Mama Surprise comes with a deluxe hutch and three surprise babies, providing hours of imaginative play.
The toy encourages nurturing and caring for animals, teaching kids about responsibility and empathy.
Cons
The toy may lose its novelty after a while, as the surprise babies can be reloaded but the play experience is essentially the same each time.
The price point may be a bit high for some parents, especially if they are not sure how much their child will enjoy the toy.
The toy requires six AAA batteries, which are not included, so parents will need to purchase them separately.
LEGO Marvel Infinity Gauntlet Set
Lego are a brand known around the world, and for good reason- their lego bricks are long lasting and thus can be used for generations, or popped in a tote bag and handed to your local goodwill store.
LEGO even have a “REPLAY” scheme on their website, allowing you to donate your old bricks and give thousands of American children the chance to learn.
If you’re a Marvel fan or a fan of LEGO building sets, the LEGO Marvel Infinity Gauntlet (76191) building set is a must-have. This challenging construction project rewards the builder with an impressive display piece that perfectly evokes Marvel’s captivating style.
With movable fingers and vibrant colors, this Thanos gauntlet has an engrossing construction challenge that results in a timeless display piece that’s sure to be the center of attention and admiring comments wherever it’s displayed.
The LEGO Marvel Infinity Gauntlet (76191) building set is a great Avengers gift, Christmas present, or personal treat for any model-making enthusiast or adult fan of the Marvel Universe. Escape the busy world and immerse yourself in the relaxing pleasure of adult LEGO building sets, perfect for anyone with an interest in creative construction or comic-book culture.
Measuring over 12.5 in. (31 cm) high, 5 in. (13 cm) wide, and 4 in. (11 cm) deep, this LEGO building set for adults offers an iconic office or home décor piece sure to be the center of attention and admiring comments.
Whether you’re a seasoned LEGO builder or just starting out, the LEGO Marvel Infinity Gauntlet (76191) building set is a challenging and rewarding project that’s sure to impress. With its impressive size and intricate design, this collectible Thanos glove is a must-have for any Marvel fan or LEGO enthusiast.
LEGO Marvel Infinity Gauntlet
Lego are about as durable a toy as we can think of. Though Lego bricks may be made of plastic, the ability to use these over generations or donate after use actually make them a sustainable toy option.
Older users who are Marvel fans will adore this set.
Pros
The LEGO brick recreation of the iconic Infinity Gauntlet with Infinity Stones and a sturdy stand with a descriptive tablet
The golden Thanos glove captures forever the captivating style of Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame movies making it a perfect gift for Marvel Fans.
This impressive homage to Marvel features Thanos’ Gauntlet with movable fingers and vibrant colors resulting in a timeless display piece
Cons
The price is a bit high for the number of pieces included in the set
The flimsy parts may require extra care during assembly and display
The set may be too challenging for younger children to assemble without adult assistance
GUND Baby Official Animated Flappy The Elephant Stuffed Animal Baby Toy Plush
Looking for an interactive, singing plush toy that will entertain your baby for hours? Look no further than the GUND Baby Official Animated Flappy The Elephant Stuffed Animal Baby Toy Plush!
Since 2017, GUND have been donating stuffed animals for every purchased of their 10 inch snuffles bear, putting plush toys in to the arms of little ones around the world who need them most.
The GUND Baby Official Animated Flappy The Elephant Stuffed Animal Baby Toy Plush is the perfect addition to any baby’s toy collection.
With two different play modes, including peek-a-boo and singing, this plush toy is sure to keep your little one entertained and engaged for hours. And with enhanced audio and volume controls, you can customize the play session to your baby’s liking.
This plush toy is also safe for the girls of all ages, with baby-safe embroidered details, super-soft limbs, and a huggable body. And when it comes time to clean it, simply surface-wash the toy for easy cleaning.
While some users have reported issues with the toy speaking in French instead of English, this seems to be a rare occurrence. And while the toy may not be as durable as some other plush toys on the market, it is still a great investment for any parent looking to provide their baby with a fun and engaging toy.
GUND Flappy the Elephant
The benefits of soft toys, such as promoting attachment and empathy, are well known, which is why parents across the globe gift soft toys from birth.
We love that the GUND brand runs campaigns whereby they donate plush toys to children in need around the world.
Pros
Two different play modes, including peek-a-boo and singing, keep baby entertained and engaged
Enhanced audio and volume controls allow for a more customized play session
Surface-washable for easy cleaning and safe for all ages
Cons
May not be as durable as some other plush toys, especially if your baby is rough with it
Some users have reported issues with the toy speaking in French instead of English
Higher price point compared to some other plush toys on the market
LEGO Star Wars Ultimate Millennium Falcon 75192 Expert Building Kit
Fancy another reason to love Lego? Not only do Lego preach the importance of ditching gender stereotypes when it comes to toys, they are also committed to gender equality with UN women.
If you’re a Star Wars fan and love building models, the LEGO Star Wars Ultimate Millennium Falcon 75192 Expert Building Kit is a must-have for your collection. The LEGO Star Wars Ultimate Millennium Falcon 75192 Exert Building Kit is an incredibly detailed and impressive model that will delight any Star Wars fan.
The set includes everything you need to build a highly-detailed replica of the Millennium Falcon, complete with all the intricate exterior detailing and interior features that fans of the movies will recognize.
While the set is quite expensive and time-consuming to build, the end result is well worth the investment.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of the Star Wars franchise or simply enjoy building intricate models, the LEGO Star Wars Ultimate Millennium Falcon 75192 Expert Building Kit is a must-have for your collection.
Amazing Product Item
Aside from their promotion of recycling and donating, we love that Lego have strong stances on gender equality, from recognising that toys have no gender to equality in the workplace.
Most importantly- their toys are great fun! This particular set is great for teens and grown ups who love Star Wars
Pros
With 7,541 pieces, this is one of the largest LEGO models ever created.
The set includes two crews of minifigures, including classic crew members like Han Solo and Princess Leia, as well as newer characters from The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi.
The model features intricate exterior detailing, quad laser cannons, landing legs, a lowering boarding ramp, and a 4-minifigure cockpit with a detachable canopy.
Cons
The set is quite expensive, so it may not be suitable for those on a budget.
It takes a long time to build, so it may not be suitable for those who don’t have the patience for intricate models.
The model is quite large, so it may be difficult to display in smaller spaces.
LEGO Star Wars AT-AT Walker 75288
If you’re a LEGO Star Wars fan, this AT-AT Walker set is a must-have with its authentic details and posable legs. These also make a great holiday gift for any Star Wars Fan.
LEGO cater through various sets to people of all ages, this set is great from approximately age 10.
The LEGO Star Wars AT-AT Walker 75288 set is a great addition to any Star Wars fan’s collection. The posable legs and different sections that open up for easy play make it a fun toy to interact with, and the included minifigures with weapons add to the overall experience.
However, some of the panels are poorly designed and can break easily during assembly or routine handling, and the price point may be a bit high for some buyers.
Due to the complexity of the build, it may not be suitable for children under 10 years old. Overall, if you’re a LEGO Star Wars fan, this set is definitely worth considering.
The set includes 1267 pieces and is recommended for ages 10 and up. It features a winch to pull up Luke and his thermal detonator element, foldout panels, a speeder bike, and a bottom hatch so Luke can throw in the thermal detonator element.
The set is part of the Star Wars 40th Anniversary collection and includes 6 minifigures – Luke Skywalker, General Veers, 2 AT-AT Drivers, and 2 Snowtroopers, all with weapons.
Amazing Product Item
Star Wars fans will love this 1267 piece set from LEGO. Suitable from around 10 years old, this set is a perfect activity for budding builders or avid collectors.
Also makes a great parent- child bonding activity.
Pros
Authentic details from the Star Wars universe make it a must-have for fans
Posable legs and different sections that open up for easy play
Includes 6 minifigures with weapons to inspire Star Wars role-play missions
Cons
Some of the panels are poorly designed and can break easily during assembly or routine handling
The price point may be a bit high for some buyers
May not be suitable for children under 10 years old due to the complexity of the build
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying toys that give back, there are a few things to consider to ensure you are getting the best product for your money. Here are some features to look for:
1. Cause
Consider the cause that you hope the toy supports. Is it a cause that you are passionate about? Does the organization have a good reputation? Make sure to do your research to ensure that your purchase is making a positive impact.
Keep an eye on campaigns supporting charities that matter to you; for example Magic Bag Warmies ran a promotion on their warmies, filled with hypoallergenic rice, in support of the Make a Wish Foundation.
Some causes, including the Make a Wish Foundation, list the companies that support them on their website so you can check with your preferred cause too.
2. Age Range
Make sure to check the recommended age range for the purchased toy. This will ensure that the child receiving the toy will be able to use it safely and get the most enjoyment out of it.
3. Quality
Check the quality of the toy to ensure that it is durable and will last. Look for materials that are eco-friendly and non-toxic.
4. Price
Consider the price of the donated toy and make sure that it fits within your budget. Remember that toys that give back may be priced slightly higher than regular toys due to the charitable aspect.
5. Brand
Research the brand that produces the toy. Do they have a good reputation for producing high-quality products? Do they have a history of giving back to the community?
Age Range: Check the recommended age range to ensure safety and enjoyment
Quality: Look for durable, eco-friendly, and non-toxic materials. Board games for example tend to stand the test of time and can be passed along later
Price: Donating is important but make sure the toy fits within your budget
Brand: Research the brand’s reputation for producing high-quality products and giving donations back to the community,
Cause: Research the organization and ensure that it aligns with your values. Are your priorities for social justice issues such as violence against women, or would you prefer to support local charities providing nutritious meals for families in need? There’s a huge variety of causes to choose from out there.
