Best Toys & Games to Buy at Bin Stores in 2026
Find LEGO, board games, and collectible toys at bin stores for a fraction of retail. Expert sourcing tips inside.
Key Takeaways
- LEGO is the most valuable toy category — sealed sets regularly appear at 80-90% off retail
- Board games are among the safest purchases since most returns are unwanted gifts, not defective products
- Post-holiday months (January-February) offer the best toy selection as gift returns flood the pipeline
- Vintage toys and collectibles require knowledge but can be worth 10-50x the bin store price
- Always verify completeness — missing pieces dramatically reduce value for games and building sets
Why Toys Are a Hidden Goldmine at Bin Stores
Toys have one of the highest return rates in e-commerce — especially after the holiday season. Amazon alone processes millions of toy returns between December and February, and the vast majority are in perfect condition. They were duplicate gifts, wrong age ranges, or simply changed minds.
This flood of returns creates a treasure trove at bin stores for parents, collectors, and resellers alike.
What to Look For
LEGO: The Crown Jewel
LEGO sets are consistently the most valuable toy finds at bin stores. Here's why they're special:
- They retain value — LEGO is one of the few toy categories that actually appreciates over time
- Sealed sets bought for $3-5 at bin stores can be worth $30-100+ at retail
- Retired sets are particularly valuable to collectors and can command premium prices
- Licensed themes (Star Wars, Harry Potter, Marvel) have the strongest resale demand
How to evaluate LEGO at bin stores:
- Check if numbered bags inside are still sealed (best scenario)
- Verify the box matches the pieces inside (sometimes boxes get mixed up)
- Look for minifigures — they're often the most valuable part of the set
- Check the set number on the box and look up current market value
Board Games & Puzzles
Board games are one of the safest toy purchases at bin stores. Most are returned as unwanted gifts and have never been opened:
- Strategy games (Catan, Ticket to Ride, Codenames) hold value well
- Classic games (Monopoly, Scrabble, Life) are great for families at $1-2
- Party games (Cards Against Humanity, Exploding Kittens) show up frequently
The golden rule: shake the box. A heavy box with shifting components usually means everything is inside.
Action Figures & Collectibles
Collectible figures are where brand knowledge pays off. Knowing which figures are rare or from limited runs can turn a $1 bin find into a $50+ sale:
- Funko Pops — check for exclusives and vaulted figures
- Hot Wheels — certain models (Treasure Hunts, Super Treasure Hunts) are worth $20-100+
- Vintage figures — 80s/90s toys in good condition are increasingly valuable
💡
The eBay app's barcode scanner is invaluable for toys. Scan UPC codes at the bin store to instantly check what items are selling for — some common-looking toys have surprisingly high secondary market values.
Seasonal Strategy
Toy inventory at bin stores follows predictable seasonal patterns:
- January-February: Peak season — holiday returns create the best selection of the year
- April-May: Spring cleaning donations hit Goodwill Outlets
- July-August: Summer clearance items enter the liquidation pipeline
- October-November: Pre-holiday inventory adjustments — stores clearing space
What the Experts Agree On
After reviewing expert sources across multiple channels:
- Best overall value: LEGO sets (sealed bags = guaranteed completeness)
- Safest purchase: Board games (easy to verify, rarely defective)
- Highest upside: Vintage and collectible figures (requires knowledge)
- Key timing: Post-holiday shopping (Jan-Feb) is essential for toy hunters
Sources We Reviewed
I FOUND LEGO IN THIS $2,002 Amazon Customer Returns TOYS Pallet Mystery Boxes
Franchise Kicks·42:05
Strength:Massive toy pallet unboxing with LEGO focus — shows real retail values and the variety of toys that come through Amazon returns
Gap:Pallet buying requires upfront capital — doesn't represent the walk-in bin store experience
This is Why You ALWAYS Open Boxes at the Goodwill Bins!
Hairy Tornado·23:54
Strength:Demonstrates the importance of checking inside boxes at Goodwill Bins — shows hidden treasures and common mistakes
Gap:Goodwill Outlet specific — different pricing structure than Amazon return bin stores
I found a doll bin at the thrift store! Toy Hunt & haul
xCanadensis·33:38
Strength:Collector's perspective on finding vintage and valuable dolls — covers Bratz, Barbie, and LOL Surprise with market value context
Gap:Niche doll collecting focus — doesn't cover broader toy categories like board games or action figures
A Whole Bin FULL of Vintage Toys — Wrestlers, Looney Tunes & Little People
Junk to be Loved·26:56
Strength:Vintage toy hunting at Goodwill Bins with identification tips — shows how to spot valuable retro toys among common items
Gap:Vintage focus means modern toy finds aren't covered
Bin Store Shopping Intelligence
AvailabilityCommon
Retail Price
$10–$300+
Bin Store Range
$1–$8
Condition Notes
- •LEGO sets are frequently missing pieces — always check for sealed bags inside the box
- •Board games often have all pieces intact — most returns are due to duplicate gifts
- •Action figures and dolls in original packaging hold significantly more value
- •Electronic toys need battery testing — bring common battery sizes
Inspection Checklist
- Shake board game boxes gently — a full box with shifting pieces is a good sign
- Check LEGO boxes for sealed numbered bags — if bags are open, pieces are likely missing
- For collectible figures, verify joints move freely and paint isn't scratched
- Test electronic toys with fresh batteries before buying
- Look for complete sets — a 1000-piece puzzle missing even one piece is worthless
- Check for recalled items — some toys are in liquidation because of safety recalls
Best Day: Post-holiday restock (January-February) is peak season for toy returns — summer clearance is another strong period
Skip If: LEGO sets with opened and mixed bags (impossible to verify completeness), puzzles with damaged boxes (pieces may be missing), or any toy with a safety recall. Board games missing instructions can usually be found online, but missing game pieces are a dealbreaker.
Our Verdict
Toys and games offer incredible value at bin stores, especially LEGO, board games, and collectible figures. The post-holiday return wave floods stores with barely-touched toys. The key is knowing what's complete — sealed LEGO bags, full board game boxes, and figures in original packaging are your targets.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are bin store LEGO sets complete?
It varies. Look for sets with sealed numbered bags inside — this means the set was returned without being opened. If bags are opened and pieces are loose, completeness is a gamble. Some experienced buyers purchase multiple partial sets and combine them. Sealed, retail-packaged LEGO is the safest buy.
What toys have the best resale value from bin stores?
LEGO sets (especially retired sets and licensed themes like Star Wars), vintage action figures, sealed Barbie dolls, and complete board games in good condition all have strong resale markets. A retired LEGO set bought for $3 at a bin store can sell for $50-100+ on eBay or BrickLink.
How do you spot valuable vintage toys at bin stores?
Look for toys from the 1980s-2000s in good condition. Key indicators: metal parts instead of all plastic, copyright dates on the bottom, brand names like Hasbro, Mattel, or Kenner from earlier decades. Hot Wheels from certain years, vintage Transformers, and original Star Wars figures can be worth significant money to collectors.