If your home is overflowing with soft toys that have been hugged, loved, and gently outgrown, you’re not alone. Teddies seem to multiply when little ones aren’t looking — and saying goodbye can feel surprisingly hard.
At Soft Darlings, we believe every plush friend still has more love to give — which is why we partner with the Canberra Circle of Women to make it easy for families across the ACT to donate pre-loved plush toys to children who need them most.
Why donate soft toys?
Every year, thousands of soft toys end up in landfill — even though most can be rescued, refreshed and rehomed. By donating your gently used plushies, you’re helping us do three beautiful things at once:
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Reduce textile waste and keep soft toys out of landfill
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Give comfort and companionship to children living in hardship or crisis situations
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Support local women-led initiatives that make a tangible difference in our community
It’s a small act of kindness that ripples wide — from your home to another child’s arms.
Where your donations go
Every donated plush toy is sorted and processed by the Canberra Circle of Women — a grassroots group providing essential items to women and families in need.
Toys that need a little extra love visit our Soft Darlings Beauty Parlour, where they’re:
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Gently cleaned and repaired
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Fluffed up and made fresh again
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Matched with a new home through our One-for-One Adoption Program
And for every plush toy adopted, another is gifted forward — meaning your donation keeps on giving.
What we accept
We gladly accept:
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Clean, gently used soft toys, plush animals, teddies and comforters
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Handmade plushies in good condition
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Unused or new soft toys (great for hospital or emergency packs)
We can’t accept toys that are:
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Torn, mouldy, or damaged beyond repair
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Containing electronics or batteries
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Contaminated with pet hair or strong odours
How to donate in Canberra
You can drop off donations year-round at:
🧸 The Little Capsule Co.
Pearce Community Centre
Collett Place, Pearce ACT
Just let our friendly team know your plushies are for Soft Darlings / Canberra Circle of Women, and we’ll make sure they find their next adventure.
If you’re donating in bulk (more than one large bag), please email ahead so we can prepare storage and processing:
📧 hello@thelittlecapsuleco.com.au
A cuddle that keeps on giving
Every plushie has a story stitched into its seams — and your donation helps that story continue. Together, we’re building a softer, kinder, more sustainable Canberra — one cuddle at a time.
💛 Thank you for helping every Soft Darling find their forever home.