Toy Swaps

[Lucia]

Has anyone taken part in a toy swap? I am thinking about organizing one for our playgroup and would love feedback or suggestions on how to do it.

Lucia
mom to Noah 2/2003

[redhookmom]

Ask participants to bring up to ten gently used toys or games to exchange. Stress that everything should be clean and in good repair. Smaller items, such as action figures or doll clothes, could be bundled together to make one item.

• Children drop off their toys at a designated location and time.
• For each item donated, the child receives a token of some kind in exchange.
• After children drop off their toys, have an adult entertain the children while you sort the toys into sections.
• Place books in one area, games in another, etc. This makes the event more like shopping in a real store.
• Open the doors and let the shopping spree begin Children select toys and pay for them with their tokens. A child who brings eight toys will have the chance to exchange them for eight “new” toys.

HTH