How many toys can we rescue and re-home in time for Christmas?
337 million toys get purchased in the UK each year, and 80% go to waste. We want to rescue and re-home them – saving families money while protecting the environment.
Join The Big Toy Swap
This November, we’re going to support 50+ communities to host a toy swap – helping families save money on Christmas gifts and reduce waste.
Millions of brilliant toys, games and books already exist – they just need help finding a new home.
And we want YOU to get involved!
The Big Toy Swap is proudly supported by The National Lottery Community Fund.
What next?
1. Register your interest
Anyone can host a swap! Parents, grandparents, PTAs, nurseries, toddler groups, play centres, sustainability groups, workplaces, councils, libraries etc…or just a group of friends!
2. Get all the support
- Step-by-step guides
- Templates for everything imaginable
- Online Q&A sessions
- WhastApp community for peer support.
3. We’ll help pack the room
We will host a directory of toy swaps taking place and will proactively promote the swaps on social media and through the press. You’ll also get templates and tips to help promote your event locally.
We want to normalise giving second-hand gifts at Christmas and make toy swaps available to all.
Get involved
Want to join The Big Toy Swap?
Leave your details and we’ll be in touch with more information about taking part in The Big Toy Swap – as a host or an attendee!
There is zero commitment at this stage!
FAQs
What are the benefits of toy swaps?
Swap events save people money and reduce waste by rehoming things that may otherwise go to waste. They are also great opportunities for community connection.
Did you know in the UK we buy 337 million toys each year? 80% of them end up in the incinerator, landfill or ocean.
That’s pretty gross – and a colossal waste! Toy swaps help give perfectly good items a new home.
Who can host a toy swap?
Anyone! Whether you want to run a swap with a group of friends – or organise one as part of an organisation or group (for example as a PTA, toddler group, at work, church, nursery, sustainability network…the list goes on!).
What support will hosts get?
You’ll get:
- A step-by-step guide to hosting
- Templates to help organise, promote and host your event
- Online group Q&A sessions,
- A hosts WhastApp group for peer support and advice
Need something else? Just let us know!
I host a swap already, why should I register?
We will create a directory of toy swaps – and be heavily promoting them on social media and through PR activity. By registering your event you’ll gain more visibility and attendance – and help to encourage others to join in!
I don't want to host - but would like to help
That’s great! Register your interest and we will connect you with other local hosts – or let us know how else you can help!
What about swapping more than toys?
The focus of this campaign is on children’s toys, games and books. To register your event as part of The Big Toy Swap, we ask you include those things – but you’re welcome to go beyond that to include anything else you think your community would be interested in!
I don't want to host - but would like to go to a swap
Amazing! Register your interest in attending and we will let you know when we start getting events booked in.
Is it okay to give second hand gifts?
YES! 80% of people say they are happy to receive second-hand – and we think the others will soon catch on.
Are there costs?
There is no cost to use any of the resources and support from us.
Potential costs you will need to consider are for venue hire and refreshments (you may be able to get these for free).
You can charge for tickets, ask for donations, or find local business sponsors.
We will share advice on all of this.
Can PTAs & other orgs do this to raise funds?
Yes! You can use a toy swap event to raise fund for your own cause, whether that’s a PTA or another organisation.
I have more questions!
Just email hello@nocrapparties.org
