Hosting Your Own Toy Swap Scheme This Christmas: A Fun, Frugal and Eco-Friendly Festive Idea

Christmas is a magical season, but it can also be expensive, clutter-inducing, and surprisingly wasteful, especially when it comes to toys. 

Many families find themselves buying new gifts while last year’s hardly-played-with items gather dust. 

A toy swap scheme is a brilliant solution: budget-friendly, eco-conscious, and great fun for children and adults alike.

Here’s how to set up your own festive toy swap this year.

Why Host a Christmas Toy Swap?

1. It saves money

Buying new toys at Christmas adds up quickly. A swap lets families refresh their children’s toy boxes without spending a penny.

2. It reduces waste

Pre-loved toys get a second life instead of heading for landfill. It’s a simple but meaningful step towards a greener Christmas.

3. It teaches children generosity

Little ones learn the joy of passing things on, caring for the planet, and valuing experiences over “newness.”

4. It builds community spirit

Whether it’s held in a village hall, a school, a church hall, or your own living room, a toy swap brings people together during a season that’s meant to be all about connection.

Planning Your Toy Swap: Step-by-Step

1. Choose a format

You can keep it tiny or make it a local event:

Small family or friends’ swap – Perfect for newcomers or those short on space.

Street or neighbourhood swap – Use a communal space or rotate houses.

Community hall swap – Great for schools, clubs, or charities wanting to include more families.

2. Pick a date

Aim for early to mid-December so families have time to wrap swapped toys as gifts.

3. Set clear guidelines

This keeps the event fair and enjoyable. For example:

Toys must be clean, complete, and in safe working condition.

No broken items, no recalled toys, and no batteries leaking.

Limit the number of items each family brings to keep things manageable.

Decide on a token system (e.g. one token per item donated = one toy chosen in return).

4. Advertise your swap

Spread the word via:

Local Facebook groups

WhatsApp chats

School newsletters

Community noticeboards

Simple printable posters

Encourage families to involve their children in selecting toys to pass on. It helps build pride and reduces reluctance at swap time!

Setting Up on the Day

1. Create “toy stations”

Organise tables by category:

Puzzles and board games

Dolls and soft toys

Action figures

Craft kits

Books

Outdoor toys

Baby items

Clear labelling makes browsing easy.

2. Offer a “quality check” table

This ensures only safe, complete, and clean toys enter the swap area.

3. Provide gift-wrapping supplies

A wrapping table instantly adds festive flair. Recycled paper, leftover ribbons, and simple kraft tags make the event feel like a community Santa’s workshop.

4. Add refreshments

Tea, mince pies, hot chocolate, or biscuits keep everything friendly and relaxed. If you’re hosting at home, mulled wine never hurts!

What To Do With Leftover Toys

Most toy swaps have extras at the end. These can be donated to:

Local charities and shelters

Baby banks

School fundraising stalls

Church Christmas appeals

Hospital children’s wards (always check requirements first)

No toy need go to waste.

Make It a Tradition

A Christmas toy swap can quickly become a much-loved annual event. Once families experience the joy of sustainable gifting—and the savings—they’re usually eager to do it again next year.

It’s an easy, heart-warming way to reduce consumption, tidy up your home, and spread festive cheer without the usual financial stress.

This year, why not give it a go?