The Surprising Place I Always Find Amazing Toys

Forget overpriced plastic junk and clutter-causing impulse buys. In this episode, I’m revealing one of my favorite secret sources for high-quality, imagination-boosting toys: estate sales.

I’ll walk you through why these hidden-in-plain-sight sales are a goldmine for classic toys that actually last, what to look for (and what to avoid), and exactly how to find estate sales near you. Plus, I’ll share how they totally outshine garage and yard sales when it comes to toy treasure hunting.

Perfect for parents who love a good deal and want playthings with real value, this episode will change how you think about secondhand shopping—and might just become your new Saturday morning ritual.

What You’ll Discover:

• The difference between estate sales, garage sales, and yard sales
• Why older toys are often better toys
• What I skip and what I grab (with stories!)
• Tools and tips to estate sale like a pro
• A simple weekend challenge to kickstart your hunt

Ready to score toys that last and play that matters? Let’s go treasure hunting.

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Transcript

00:00 Charlene DeLoach:
You've spent hours scrolling Amazon, bought all the hot toys, and still your kid is bored. Want to know where I find the best, most loved, most played-with toys? Well, it's not where you think.

Hey, Play Pals—welcome back to the Playroom Chronicles podcast. Again, I'm Charlene DeLoach, mom, toy expert, and your go-to guide for playtime. Today I want to dive into something a little unexpected… estate sales.

00:28 Charlene DeLoach:
Estate sales are where you walk through someone's home and everything is for sale. Shelves, dishes, curtains—and of course, toys.

But let me back up for a minute. Years ago, I stepped outside my front door on a Saturday morning—Amazon box in hand—and I noticed cars lining the street. I looked up and saw at least 40 people looking my way. Thankfully, I wasn’t in my bathrobe! I grabbed the box, closed the door, and peeked out the window. Turns out, there was an estate sale across the street.

00:57 Charlene DeLoach:
I quickly threw on shoes and wandered over. I wish I had found out about estate sales sooner! That day, I spotted Waterford decanters for $10, amazing LEGO sets worth hundreds going for $40, mint-condition Lincoln Logs, and board games from the 60s.

01:50 Charlene DeLoach:
Even if you're not a collector, it's such a fun way to bring play into your home. It's nostalgic and surprisingly affordable—and that's why I love estate sales. They’re hidden goldmines for toys that last.

02:18 Charlene DeLoach:
Here’s why I think estate sales are actually the best place for scoring great toys and staying on budget. Yes, there’s some junk—but more often than not, it’s good stuff. These aren’t garage or yard sales. These are homes full of things people valued and kept.

02:46 Charlene DeLoach:
But estate sales do take strategy. You can't just wander in and expect to score. First, you have to know what your child’s playroom actually needs. I always say—look for balance: cognitive, physical, and social-emotional toys. Brain, body, heart.

03:14 Charlene DeLoach:
Missing physical play? Focus there. Need more board games or puzzles? Now you’ve got your target. Knowing this helps guide what you grab—and what you skip.

03:40 Charlene DeLoach:
Most estate sales list items ahead of time, and they usually post pictures. Scan for train sets, puzzles, board games—whatever fits your playroom gaps. Study the photos and go in with a plan.

04:09 Charlene DeLoach:
If there’s something you really want, get there early. Some sales hand out entry numbers well before the official start time. Plan ahead—don’t show up at 9 a.m. hoping to grab that Brio set. Be early.

04:37 Charlene DeLoach:
The good news is, estate sales are usually run by professionals. They’ve already pulled out the true junk. So while yes, you still have to sift a bit, it’s often already curated.

05:07 Charlene DeLoach:
Here’s what I skip: electronics or anything battery-powered—because who knows what’s corroded inside. And inspect dolls closely. American Girl dolls, for instance, are amazing finds—especially retired ones—but double-check hair, limbs, all that.

05:36 Charlene DeLoach:
You’re saving money, getting better quality, and giving something a second life. And honestly? That’s a win for you, your budget, and the planet.

05:53 Charlene DeLoach:
Estate sales are not like yard sales where people are just cleaning out closets. These are the things people kept. The good stuff. The toys their kids cherished.

06:22 Charlene DeLoach:
So how do you find estate sales near you? Easy: I recommend EstateSale.net. Just pop in your ZIP code and browse away.

06:30 Charlene DeLoach:
And quick tip: always bring cash—though many now take cards—plus a tote bag (they don’t usually give bags), hand sanitizer (you’ll be touching a lot), and a measuring tape. Trust me, that one’s a lifesaver.

07:10 Charlene DeLoach:
Sometimes you’ll find a dollhouse or toy kitchen and wonder, “Will this fit in my trunk?” Measuring tape for the win.

07:23 Charlene DeLoach:
And yes, some sales are toy duds, while others? All toys, all day. It’s hit or miss, but it’s fun. You might even want to bring your kids—it can be a whole outing. And yes, they may walk out with something cooler than anything from Target.

07:53 Charlene DeLoach:
It’s an activity, a history lesson, a bonding experience—and sometimes a giant win in the toy department. And when you do find something amazing? Tag me!

08:06 Charlene DeLoach:
Share your finds with me @PlayroomChronicles on Instagram or Facebook. I seriously want to see what you score.

Thanks for hanging with me today. If you loved this episode, hit subscribe or share it with a friend who loves a good treasure hunt.

08:22 Charlene DeLoach:
Until next time, keep playing—and happy hunting.