Research has shown that 80% of all toys end up in landfills. Given rising concerns about the environment, it’s no surprise that many people are concerned by this statistic.
From toy trucks to teddy bears, a build-up of discarded kids’ toys is causing a real recycling problem.
But who’s to say those childhood playthings have to be single-use? f you’re here, there’s a good chance you’re asking yourself what you can do with old stuffed animals. In this article, we’ll outline some of the ways you can repurpose stuffed animals instead of throwing them away.
1. Create a Cushion!
For those who are handy with a needle and thread—or who just want to give something new a try, consider turning your little one’s favorite plush toys into keepsake cushions once they start to grow up.
Here are the key steps:
- Collect Toys
- Wash Toys
- Remove Stuffing
- Create Cushion from a Net Bag & the Stuffing
- Put Inside Custom Cushion Cover
There are plenty of ways to get creative. You could even incorporate the stuffed animals themselves into the cushions you create, so your kids always have them as a memory even if they don’t need them to sleep at night. Remember, some stuffed toys have sentimental meaning; read this to find out what different beanie toys can stand for!
2. Make a Puppet
If you have other children in your family that need entertaining, you can try repurposing that old stuffed bear into a puppet. Though it might sound tricky, it’s much easier than it seems!
Simply open up the stuffed toy, then remove enough stuffing that you can fit a hand inside without the toy losing any shape or structure. Then insert a glove into the toy and position the fingers and thumb where they need to be so that you can control the animal like a puppet. Finally, attach the glove in place by sewing the cuff to the opening in the plush toy.
3. Donate Your Old Stuffed Animals
If you don’t have the time or inclination to do something creative with those old plush toys, that’s no problem. Instead of throwing them away, you can donate them to a local organization that has a use for them.
The emergency services can use stuffed toys as comfort items for children who are facing scary situations.
They are ideal for many charities that help young people facing homelessness, relocation, or other difficult situations that demand cheering up. Just clean up your stuffed toys and drop them off with someone who can use them!
For animal lovers, donating to a pet shelter is ideal. Your stuffed toys can keep the animals company, providing warmth and something to play with.
Don’t Just Throw Them Out!
There are plenty of ways to repurpose old stuffed animals. Think outside the box, and you’ll find the ideal way to keep them out of landfills!
If you’re looking for more tips and tricks that can help you help the environment, take a look at our latest blog posts. We have plenty of methods you can use to become more thrifty!