Every toy drive coordinator knows the moment. Distribution day arrives, and three tables of dolls and action figures are set up for 6-year-olds, but there is almost nothing for the baby in a car seat or the 15-year-old waiting in line with a younger brother.
Most donated toys land in the middle of the age range. Babies, toddlers, and teens are the groups most often left out because they are the hardest to shop for. Planning your drive by age group from the start is the simplest way to make sure every child walks away with something made for them.
This guide breaks down what works best for each age, with ideas your organization can buy in bulk to fill the gaps donations leave behind.
Infants and toddlers Ages 0–2
The youngest children need toys that are soft, sturdy and made for small hands. Look for bright colors, simple sounds, and pieces too large to fit in a mouth.
Shape Sorter & Stacking Rings View product → 
Learning Infant Toys View product → 
My 1st Drum Set View product → 
Plush Happy Monkey View product →
- Sensory and learning toys: the Learning Infant Toys Assorted and the PB and J Take Along Toy keep little ones busy in a car seat or stroller.
- First learning sets: a Shape Sorter and Stacking Rings set builds early motor skills.
- Music: the My 1st Drum Percussion Set is a favorite for toddlers who love to make noise.
- Plush: a 17 in Plush Happy Monkey is a comforting gift for babies and toddlers alike.
Preschool Ages 3–5
Preschoolers learn through pretend play. Toys that let them act out the world around them, or create something of their own, are a safe bet.
Doctor’s Travel Kit View product → 
Go Pop Puzzle Game View product → 
Mini Coloring Book View product → 
Slow Rise Cube Plush View product →
- Pretend play: the 14 PC Doctor's Travel Kit Play Set comes in a carry case that kids can take anywhere.
- Puzzles and games: Go Pop 3 in 1 Puzzle Games combine a fidget toy with simple matching games.
- Coloring: 48 Page Mini Coloring Books make an easy add-on to any gift bag.
- Plush: the 6.5 in Slow Rise Cube Plush is soft, squishy and popular with this age group.
Kids Ages 6–9
This is the age group that usually gets the most donations, so focus on quality and variety. Hands-on science kits and building sets are a strong choice because they mix fun with learning.
Science Experiments Kit View product → 
Chameleon Motion Blocks View product → 
Flip Action Stunt Car View product → 
Classic Family Games View product →
- Science kits: the 10 in 1 Science Experiments with Storage Case, Mummy Anatomy Experiments and Monster Maker Science Lab.
- Building: the 233 PC Chameleon Kinetic Motion Blocks Building Set.
- Remote control: the Flip Action Stunt Car is always a hit. See more in our remote control collection.
- Games: Classic Family Games give kids something to share with siblings.
Tweens Ages 10–12
Tweens are starting to outgrow "little kid" toys. They want gifts that feel more grown-up: real projects, tech, and things they can show their friends.
12-in-1 Science Kit View product → 
Plasma Ball & Energy Stick View product → 
Paint Pour Art Set View product → 
Retro Handheld Games View product →
- STEM: the 12-in-1 Science Experiments and the Plasma Ball and Energy Stick Science Kit. Browse all STEM gifts.
- Art and crafts: the Paint Pour Deluxe Art Set and Ultimate Jewelry Making Kit.
- Active play: the Hover Soccer Ball keeps tweens moving, even indoors.
- Gaming: a 100 CT Retro Games Handheld is a big gift that doesn't break the budget.
Teens Ages 13–18
Teens are the hardest age group to fill, and they're often the ones who notice when they've been forgotten. Skip toys altogether and think practical, personal and tech-focused.
Waterproof Speaker View product → 
Bluetooth Headphones View product → 
Curtain Lights View product → 
Aero Stunt Drone View product →
- Tech: the Black Waterproof BT Speaker, Gold Premium BT Headphones and 3 PC Black Wireless Audio Kit.
- Room decor: USB Powered Curtain Lights are a simple gift teens actually use.
- Grooming and self-care: the 3 PC Hair Styling Essentials Set, Sonic Facial Brush and 5 PC Boy's Body Care Dopp Set.
- Big-ticket: the X-Treme Aero Stunt Drone comes with two rechargeable batteries.
Shop the full Teen Gifts collection for more ideas.
Quick reference: what to give each age
| Age | Best gift types | Often short in donations? |
|---|---|---|
| 0–2 | Sensory toys, stacking sets, soft plush | Yes |
| 3–5 | Pretend play, puzzles, coloring | Sometimes |
| 6–9 | Science kits, building sets, RC cars, games | Rarely |
| 10–12 | STEM, art kits, handheld games | Sometimes |
| 13–18 | Headphones, speakers, grooming sets, decor | Yes |
Toy safety basics for every drive
- New and unwrapped only. Ask donors to give new toys in their original packaging, so the age labels and safety warnings stay visible.
- Check the age label. Toys with small parts are labeled for ages 3 and up. Keep them away from the infant and toddler tables.
- Sort as donations arrive. Bin toys by age group as they come in, so you can spot gaps weeks before distribution day.
- Include batteries. If a toy needs batteries and doesn't include them, add a pack to the bag.
Frequently asked questions
Click or tap a question below to view the answer.
What age group gets the fewest toy donations? View answer Hide answer
Teens and babies. Most donors pick toys for younger school-age kids, so plan to buy for the youngest and oldest groups directly.
Can we accept used toys? View answer Hide answer
Most toy drives accept new, unwrapped toys only. That keeps every gift safe and lets each child receive something brand new.
How do we fill the gaps on a tight budget? View answer Hide answer
Buy wholesale for the age groups donations miss. Mixing a few larger gifts with lower-cost add-ons from our Under $1 collection stretches every dollar further.
When should we order toys for a December distribution? View answer Hide answer
Order by early November to give yourself time for delivery, sorting and wrapping.
Fill every age group this season
HDI Wholesale works with nonprofits across the country to make sure no child is left out on distribution day. Shop toys and gifts for infants through teens at nonprofit pricing, with bulk orders welcome.
Create a free account to see pricing, or visit our Holiday Toy Drives page to plan your drive. Questions? Call an HDI toy specialist at 800-284-5449.
