Amigurumis with a Charitable Purpose

Sometimes, when we crochet for fun or to practice new patterns, we end up with many amigurumis at home without knowing what to do with them. It’s not always possible to sell them or give them to friends and family. In these cases, donating them can be a wonderful way to give them a new purpose and bring joy to someone who truly needs it.

Amigurumis with a Charitable Purpose

Donating amigurumis is a beautiful way to share your creativity and make someone smile. While there aren’t always organizations dedicated solely to amigurumis, there are projects and NGOs that accept handmade items or crocheted dolls.

🐙 Octopus for a Preemie: A Real-Life Donation Example

Octopus for a Preemie is a global charity movement started in Denmark in 2013, providing crocheted octopuses to premature babies. The tentacles help babies feel calm and secure, similar to holding the umbilical cord. 

A real-life example comes from a neonatal unit where Alasdair, a premature baby, experienced the soothing effect of a crocheted octopus. His mother, Fiona, shared how the tentacles helped him feel secure:

“Alasdair likes to grab hold of the tentacles. He seems to find it comforting and it gives him security in the incubator.” MummyPages

This simple but thoughtful creation demonstrates how something as small as a crocheted octopus can provide comfort, emotional support, and a sense of security for premature
babies during a critical stage of their development.

Groups in this movement:

• Gather volunteers to crochet octopuses following safety guidelines.

• Collect and send octopuses to hospitals nationwide.

• Educate hospitals and families on how the octopuses help babies feel safe.

More info and local group contacts: Octopus for a Preemie

See below how these tiny crocheted octopuses help premature babies
This video shows the real impact of donated crocheted octopuses in neonatal units. A small gesture can make a huge difference!

Learn how to crochet your own charity octopus

If you want to help by donating crocheted octopuses for premature babies, here’s a step-by-step video tutorial showing how to make them:

Giving Your Amigurumis a New Home

While crocheted octopuses are a wonderful example of how a handmade toy can bring comfort, you don’t need to stop there. Any amigurumi you’ve made – for children, adults, or even as collectibles – can find a loving home through donation.
Below are some tips for donating amigurumis safely and responsibly.If your amigurumis are intended for babies, there are some special precautions to follow to ensure safety:

• Use baby-safe, hypoallergenic yarn that can be washed at high temperatures (around 60°C) to eliminate bacteria. 

• Avoid small loose parts such as safety eyes, buttons, or accessories. 

• Make sure all seams are tightly closed so that fingers cannot get caught. 

• Use durable yarn that can withstand repeated washes without losing shape or integrity. 

For amigurumis intended for older children or adults, these precautions are not necessary – any clean, gently used doll can be donated safely.

Organizations and Projects Where You Can Donate Amigurumis

There are many organizations and projects that accept these types of donations. Here are a few examples, though you can also search for local NGOs or associations near your city or country:

Proyecto YOTI (Spain)
Accepts crocheted dolls to provide emotional support to vulnerable children.
Website: https://www.proyectoyoti.es/

made4aid (UK / International)
Accepts handmade items for charitable projects.
Website: https://made4aid.org/donating-items/

Crochet Charity Directories
International directories to locate NGOs that accept amigurumis:
Website: https://sunflowercottagecrochet.com/crochet-with-purpose-donation-directory/

Other Ways to Donate Your Amigurumis

• Children’s hospitals and health centers
• Shelters, foster homes, and family support associations
• Libraries, schools, or community projects

📌 Often, the best approach is to contact the organization directly to confirm what they accept.

How to Find Organizations Near You

• “donate handmade toys + [your city/country]”

• “associations that accept crochet doll donations + [your city/country]”

• Contact local centers (hospitals, foundations, child or family support associations)

• Use volunteer directories and NGO networks in your country

Conclusion

Amigurumis are more than cute creations: they can convey love, comfort, and emotional support. Donating them to associations, hospitals, or charitable projects is a wonderful way to share your art and bring joy to others.
Remember: besides the websites mentioned, there are likely more options near you, depending on your country or city. Explore, reach out, and share your amigurumis with those who need them most! 
Depending on your country, there may be associations, NGOs, or local projects that accept handmade toys. Search online using terms like: