Toy Exchange: Here’s What I Think
This experience made me excited for all the possibilities of a goods exchange! Many of us know by now that the average middle class family in Western culture has more possessions than any culture in history (1). PLUS there are many benefits to children who live with less stuff and less materialism. Kids with fewer toys have a longer attention span, brighter imaginations, higher confidence and let’s face it… less stressed parents (2-3)!
This year the owners from our local refill store organized a toy exchange to help us reduce and reuse over the holidays. They had a great setup that was easy to navigate. Toy drop off was between 7-8 PM. Participants received one token per toy, that they could later use to “buy” a toy. Then, between 8-9 PM participants purchased toys using the tokens. I had a commitment at 8 PM, so I dropped off toys around 7 and came back around 8:30. The selection was picked over by then, but I found a few great items I know my kids will enjoy. These items are getting a second life and didn’t cost me anything (except trading in a few toys we weren’t using). Next time I would make a night out of it and hope to pick things out when selection is still good!
One challenge is picking toys to donate. If you’re like me (and if your kids are like my kids) decluttering is a constant battle. I picked out a few items and then found my kids were playing with them, or that they specifically didn’t want to trade that toy. I backed out of donating an EXTRA doll stroller and a toy barn! Hopefully toy exchanges become a regular thing and we become more comfortable with the process. Positive experiences will build trust as we see the benefits of trading.
Three KEY Benefits
It’s Good For The Environment
New toys come in packaging that goes to the landfill. The whole production process creates waste… assembly, transportation, and retail. By organizing a toy exchange, items that would end up donated or in the landfill can be selected by people who know their kids will enjoy it. The biggest key is that you actually replace gifts you plan to buy new with toys from the swap. I’ve realized this will require a mindset change on my part. I wasn’t prepared to have a good haul from the toy exchange this year. I hope that it becomes a regular event so that I come to depend on it for almost all of my kids gifts.
It’s Good For Your Bank Account
What is your budget for Christmas presents each year? We probably spend $500, which covers each other, kids, parents, other family and a few friends. This budget is actually pretty low based on what I observe in other families, but imagine you took your budget and used that for something else. Maybe towards a family trip, a few family outings, or to make a donation. By using a toy and gift exchange (maybe even something for adults!) families can save a nice chunk of money to use however they see best.
It’s Good For Checking Your Family’s Materialism
I consider myself pretty balanced when it comes to materialism. I don’t rush to upgrade to the newest technology. I love to shop second hand for items I need. And yet, I don’t feel content to give ONLY toy exchange presents to my kids this Christmas. One big reason is that my daughter is old enough to look in ads and stores and identify things she wants. I have this feeling that she should get something (if not a few things!) on her long list of things she has seen in ads and stores. My goal is to be zero waste with gifts as time goes on. I found one cool solution (that will only work for so long). That is, showing my daughter pictures of the second hand items ahead of Christmas. She happened to notice a photo I took for this blog post and she was asking me about the items in the picture. This helped her build interest and excitement about the items!
I hope this inspires you to attend or plan(!!!) a toy exchange. I promise you will learn something about yourself, declutter some things, and find something neat for your kids. Let me know what you think about toy exchanges via contact page.
