Shopping for toys can get expensive! Especially if you're trying to get something educational. I usually try to mix it up a little bit and get some from thrift stores around my area. A good rule of thumb is to get something that is easy to clean and sanitize.
I use three different methods of cleaning my thrift finds such as putting the toy in a dishwasher, a wash machine & dryer (the heat in the dryer is what actually sanitizes unless, your putting bleach in your wash), and/or fully submerging the toy in watered down bleach ( you can substitute the bleach-water solution for a vinegar-water solution for a more natural option). Each of these methods has a sanitation element so that you child is safe from any unwanted residue that was left by the previous owner. If the toy is hard to clean then I wouldn't suggest buying it used.
Toys that can be cleaned in a dishwasher or bleach water are: plastics, wooden blocks, rubber balls etc. Do not clean electronics in either one!
Toys that can be cleaned in the laundry are: stuffed animals, dolls and anything cloth-like. Keep in mind that some teddy bears/dolls can be ruined in the dryer. I had a teddy bear that came out looking like a sheep!
When dunking in a bleach water solution simply dunk the toy in the water and set on a paper towel to dry. Once the toy is fully dry, it is then safe to play with. Although, some people choose to rinse after the toy has dried.
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