Buying Second-Hand Toys in Malta: What to Check and What to Skip

Second-hand toys can be a wonderful choice. Good wooden toys often last for many years, and buying pre-loved is kinder to the planet and to the family budget. Many parents in Malta buy and sell toys through local groups, markets and charity shops, and pass toys between cousins and friends.

But not every second-hand toy is a bargain. Some may be damaged, missing parts or no longer meet current safety standards. This guide helps you choose wisely.

Why buy second-hand

• Lower cost, especially for larger items like push walkers or play kitchens
• Less waste, as toys stay in use for longer
• Access to well-made toys that may no longer be sold
• The pleasure of giving a toy a second life

Our article on why we choose plastic-free explains how reusing toys fits into a more sustainable approach.

Where to look

In Malta, families often find second-hand toys through online selling groups, community swap groups, charity shops, school or parish sales and family networks. Check sellers carefully and meet in safe, public places if buying from strangers.

What to check

Inspect every toy closely before buying, or when it arrives.

• Cracks, splits or splinters in wood
• Loose or missing parts
• Peeling or chipped paint
• Sharp edges or points
• Small parts that could be a choking hazard for children under three
• Damaged strings or cords
• Signs of mould or water damage
• Strong smells

If a toy is damaged, it is usually best to pass it by. Our guide to EN 71 and European toy safety explains what to look for in more detail.

Older toys and paint

Older painted toys, especially very old or antique ones, may have been made before current safety rules on paints and materials. For babies and toddlers who mouth toys, it may be wise to choose newer or unpainted toys. Keep vintage toys as decorations or for older children.

What to skip

• Toys with button batteries in unsecured compartments
• Toys with small, strong magnets
• Cot bumpers and items for sleep, where current safety advice may have changed
• Car seats with an unknown history
• Teethers and dummies, for hygiene reasons
• Anything recalled for safety reasons

If you are unsure whether a product has been recalled, you can check the EU's Safety Gate system or contact Malta's consumer authority, the MCCAA.

Cleaning second-hand toys

Clean every toy before giving it to your child. Wipe wooden toys with a damp cloth and mild soap, and dry them well. Do not soak wood. Wash fabric toys according to their labels. Our guide to cleaning wooden toys in Malta's humidity has step-by-step advice.

Refreshing wooden toys

Unpainted wooden toys that look dry can sometimes be refreshed with a light coat of a food-safe oil or beeswax polish, following the product instructions. A light sanding can smooth rough spots. If in doubt, ask the maker or a specialist.

Good things to buy second-hand

• Wooden building blocks
• Wooden puzzles, if complete
• Push walkers in good condition
• Play kitchens and pretend play sets
• Wooden rainbows and stackers
• Books in good condition
• Wooden animal figures
• Baskets and storage

Selling and swapping

When your child outgrows a toy, consider passing it on. Our article on when to retire a toy explains how to tell when a toy has been outgrown and how to pass it on kindly.

Second-hand as gifts

A carefully chosen, cleaned and wrapped second-hand toy can make a lovely gift, especially among family and close friends. Be open about it, and include a note about the toy's story.

Mixing new and pre-loved

Many families mix second-hand toys with a few new, carefully chosen ones. This balance keeps costs down while ensuring the most mouthed toys, like teethers and rattles, are new and clean.

Questions to ask the seller

When buying second-hand, ask a few simple questions. How old is the toy? Has it been kept in a smoke-free, pet-free home? Are all the pieces included? Has it been stored somewhere damp? Honest sellers are usually happy to answer. If the answers are vague, or if the toy looks very different from the photos when you see it, it is fine to walk away.

Trust your instincts

If something feels wrong about a toy, it probably is. A bargain is never worth a safety risk.

Buying second-hand is also a lovely way to connect with other families nearby. Many parents in Malta enjoy swapping stories as well as toys, and pre-loved items often come with a little history attached.

Little Curio is curating plastic-free toys made to last and be passed on; see what is coming.