Toy Exchanges

Programs that provide a venue for events that allow families to bring their old, unwanted toys and swap them for toys brought in by other families. Included are permanent toy exchange facilities that families can visit whenever they are open and those that are hosted on a one-time basis by a particular family. Steps in setting up a hosted toy exchange include finding a facility (the living room of one of the parent's homes or a larger space), identifying participants, setting ground rules for the exchange process e.g., what to bring, a consensus on what is acceptable condition, how to trade, whether kids can take part, what to do with leftover toys (charitable donation an option), and setting up the space for the exchange.