Press/Media Materials – Unsettling Toy Removal and Rehoming

Hi! Thanks for visiting the Unsettling Toys press/media page! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to send an email to unsettlingtoys@gmail.com Sara and Brian love talking about Unsettling Toys, and have hundreds of strange photos and even stranger stories. From haunting to heart-warming, they’ve seen it all.

Who We Are: a note from Brian and Sara

At Unsettling Toy Removal and Rehoming, we appreciate that not every toy is suited for every household. We are Sara Derrickson and Brian Jillson, and we know that a doll who changes rooms or a fluffy bear who stares may be a delight to some, and a horror for others. Located in Portland, Oregon, we take pride in matching unsettling toys with people who appreciate their “quirks.” Since our beginnings in 2019, we have made hundreds of successful placements. Our toy removal and substitution services can make transitions easier for both the family and the unsettling toy. We believe that each toy deserves be loved and valued FOR their differences, not despite them. Although we started this business with a sense of humor, our experiences over the past five years have left us humbled, and with open minds and a deep respect for the paranormal.

What We Do

Unsettling Toy Removal: We will work with you to find the best way to respectfully and compassionately remove any undesired or unsettling toy. Our work is guaranteed. If, in very rare instances, a toy reappears in the home, we will re-remove it promptly.
Substitution Services: In some cases, a child or pet may be attached to an unsettling toy that needs to be removed from the home. For this situation, we offer substitution services. If you let us know in advance, we can provide a comforting and fluffy substitution toy to help the child or pet with the change.
Rehoming Services: Once an unsettling toy is in our custody, we will evaluate the toy and gather as much information about it’s attributes and history as we are able. We will then attempt to match the toy with a person or family who fits well with toy’s “personality”. For an adoption fee, we will rehome the toy with its new people.

Bio

Unsettling Toy Removal and Rehoming, or Unsettling Toys for short, was established in 2019. Co-owners Brian Jillson and Sara Derrickson remove unsettling, unusual, and sometimes downright frightening toys from homes where they are unwanted. They then find the toys new homes with people who love them and appreciate their quirks. Toys range from antique porcelain dolls to modern, well-loved plushies. Once, they even received a haunted yo-yo! Several times a year, Sara and Brian will attend conventions or events, giving people an opportunity to take a free photo in the infamous Doll Throne. Although they may dabble in the paranormal, Brian and Sara are anything but a pair of normal people.

Unsettling Toys now has clients in many countries around the world. When new boxes of toys arrive, the couple often posts unboxing videos on their YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@unsettlingtoys), allowing their followers to meet the new arrivals. Most adoption fees are between $35 and $90, which includes a certificate and shipping within the United States. Available toys can be viewed on the Unsettlingly Available page.