Caregivers can find affordable toys through Toys for Tots, Salvation Army Angel Tree, USPS Operation Santa, toy lending libraries and thrift stores. These options provide free or low-cost toys during the 2026 holiday price spike. Retail Dive reported that toy prices rose sharply before the holidays, with details in the Retail Dive report on the September price jump. Prices increased 4.2% on a seasonally adjusted basis from August to September 2026, while overall prices rose 0.6%.
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Table of Contents
- Why do holiday toys cost more this year?
- Where can you request a free holiday gift?
- Can you borrow toys instead of buying them?
- How can thrift stores lower costs safely?
Why do holiday toys cost more this year?
Reuters reported the same surge as a 6.6% year-over-year increase in toy prices. Reuters tied the rise to tariffs and higher energy and manufacturing costs.
The increase squeezes cash-strapped holiday shoppers. For caregivers already managing care costs, even a small toy budget buys less.
Where can you request a free holiday gift?
Marine Toys for Tots Foundation distributes new unwrapped toys each October through December. Families request help through its Find Your Local Campaign map by state, county or city, described in the Marine Toys for Tots campaign finder. Local deadlines matter. The City of Albuquerque says its 2026 season is active, with online registration Oct. 1 through Dec. 6, 2026 and in-person events starting Oct. 28, after which no registrations are accepted. The Salvation Army Loudoun County Corps says eligible families can register children for Christmas gifts through Angel Tree.
Donors adopt registered children and buy their gifts. The Loudoun portal opened Sept. 30, 2026 at saangeltree.org. The U.S. Postal Service says USPS Operation Santa lets children write to Santa. Volunteers adopt letters at USPSOperationSanta.com to fulfill wishes. Letter adoption for the cited program opened Nov. 17, 2025.
Can you borrow toys instead of buying them?
The University of New Mexico Early Childhood Services Center says regional hubs lend toys, books and educational materials free. The program serves families and caregivers over 18 with valid ID, with details in the University of New Mexico toy lending library guide. Hours vary by location.
Check the listed hub before visiting. Borrowing helps caregivers rotate play materials without buying more. It also limits clutter at home, which can ease daily care routines.
How can thrift stores lower costs safely?
Goodwill Dallas says Goodwill and other thrift stores resell donated toys affordably. Sales also fund job programs. Stock varies by store, so selection is unpredictable.
Secondhand toys carry safety risks. New York consumer guidance from the NY Department of State advises added care with used toys. The guidance is summarized with practical steps in the New York toy safety guidance. Wash every secondhand toy, even when it looks clean.
- Avoid recalled, damaged, sharp, small-part or peeling-paint toys
- Check CPSC recalls before purchase or use
- Wash toys before giving them to a child
- Skip items with missing parts or unclear age labels
