Swapping Instead of Shopping: The Rise of Toy Libraries
Have you ever looked at a room full of toys and thought, “Why are they acting like they have nothing to play with?”
You’re not alone. Many parents feel overwhelmed by toy clutter, yet underwhelmed by how often their child actually plays with what they already have. That’s because children’s interests change quickly. What’s exciting one week might be forgotten the next.
Instead of constantly shopping for something new, families are starting to swap instead. Enter the toy library - a beautiful, practical solution that gives children access to new toys without the cost, waste, or clutter.
Here’s why toy libraries are growing in popularity and how they can bring more play and less stress into your home.
What Is a Toy Library?
A toy library is a community-based lending system where families borrow toys for a few weeks at a time, then return them and choose something different. Most offer:
Open-ended, high-quality toys
Play kits sorted by age or interest
Educational and sensory-rich options
A mix of sustainable, often plastic-free toys
Low-cost memberships or donation-based borrowing
Some toy libraries even run play sessions or community events, giving families a chance to connect in real life.
The Sustainable Side of Play
On average, a child receives over 70 new toys a year. Many of them end up broken, unused or in landfill within months. Most are plastic, often noisy, and built to entertain quickly… but not for long.
Toy libraries offer a better way. They support:
Reuse and shared ownership
Less waste in homes and landfills
More meaningful play with fewer toys
Slower, more intentional parenting
They also give families a chance to try before they buy, reducing pressure to constantly purchase something new.
What Kids Get From It
Borrowing toys isn’t just good for the environment. It’s great for brain development too.
With a steady rotation of toys, children:
Stay curious and engaged
Play with greater focus and creativity
Develop new skills through different play experiences
Learn responsibility and gratitude
Kids often take better care of toys that aren’t “theirs,” knowing they’ll be shared with someone else. That simple understanding builds respect and empathy.
The Power of Community
Toy libraries are about more than toys. They’re about people. Becoming part of one helps you:
Connect with like-minded parents
Support local educators and volunteers
Learn about sustainable parenting practices
Feel part of something bigger than your own home
When families share resources, everyone wins. Play becomes a community effort, not just a personal expense.
How to Join or Start a Toy Library
If you’re curious about toy libraries, here’s how to take the first step.
1. Search Your Area
Look online or check with your local council. Try searching “toy library + [your suburb or city]” or ask at your library or community centre.
2. Host a Toy Swap
If there’s no formal toy library nearby, start small. Invite a few friends to bring toys their kids have outgrown and trade them. Everyone leaves with something new.
3. Donate or Volunteer
Toy libraries often run on donated toys and volunteer time. If you’re decluttering, consider gifting gently used items. Or offer to help clean, sort, or catalogue.
4. Start Your Own
A single shelf at a playgroup or daycare can grow into something much bigger. Begin with what you have and grow as interest builds.
Toy libraries are a simple, beautiful way to bring more play, less waste, and stronger connections into family life. They remind us that we don’t need more stuff. We just need better systems for sharing what we already have.
So next time you’re tempted to add another toy to the cart, pause and ask could we borrow instead?