The Big Toy Swap
Hoole Community Centre
Westminster Rd, Hoole
CH2 3AP
Sun 22nd November
2:30 – 5.45pm (2pm for donations)
FREE entry!
💸 Save money on your Christmas shopping
♻️ Clear out the clutter
💝 Get sustainable gifts for your kids
Win-win-win!
Event Description
Swap toys, games, and books you no longer need – and get something new-to-you. This event is part of The Big Toy Swap, a national wave of events taking place in the lead up to Christmas.
Supported by Chester Eco Communities, the event will also be an opportunity to explore their Kids Party Kits, and along with pre-loved toys for party bag fillers, you can pick up everything you need you need to host a planet friendly party!
Let’s re-home as many toys as possible for Christmas, and reduce our burden on the planet!
How will the toy swap work?
- Drop off your unwanted toys, books, puzzles, games, costumes / accessories, party bag fillers ahead of the event, either:
- From Sat 15th Nov at Hoole Community Centre Eco Communities Locker (look back on yourself as you come in the gate/ 3950)
- From 2pm on the day
- Come along to the event on 22nd Nov 2:30 – 5.45pm and take whatever you like:
- Stocking fillers / smaller items FREE
- High value / larger items – small charge to cover costs / donation to KidsBank Chester
- Go home with your Christmas swapping sorted!
A few rules
- Items must be clean, in good condition, CE marked and in working order.
- If battery powered – make sure they’re either charged/include batteries, or make sure they work prior to donating
Interested in Volunteering / Supporting the Event?
If you can spare a couple of hours, we are seeking volunteers to either help on the day (setup, organising toys, assisting attendees), or ahead of the event (toy collections, sorting etc). Get in touch by emailing Amanda at: chesterbigtoyswap@gmail.com
We also welcome involvement from local kids groups, helping to bring kids on board with the notion of planet friendly presents, perhaps in organising toy collections, or promoting the concept. Please also visit The Kids Party Pact | Sustainable Kid’s Parties | No Crap Parties for further information on resources.
Thanks to The Big Toy Swap Campaign
We’re proud to be hosting this event as part of The Big Toy Swap, a National Lottery Funded campaign run by No Crap Parties. There are 50+ toy swaps happening across the country – aiming to rehome as many toys as possible for Christmas. Saving families money, reducing waste, and encouraging people to be proud of pre-loved presents.
FAQs:
Is there a limit on what I can take?
We run this event on good faith, helping people save money and reduce waste. As long as you are considerate of other people at the event, and not planning to resell toys for your own profit – you can take whatever you need.
What if I don’t have anything to donate?
No problem, come along, and take toys to help to keep them in circulation. This event is all about sustainable gifting, minimising the number of new things bought and saving existing toys from landfill.
What age group are the toys for?
There is no set range so feel free to donate items suitable for any age.
Can I bring kids along?
Of course. Although the event is an opportunity for grown ups to get Christmas gifts sorted, kids are welcome to come along and join in the swapping. Our volunteers will be happy to help you pick up gifts discretely.
Why should I swap toys, rather than buying new?
Saving money, obviously! And your impact on our planet. The energy that goes into the manufacturing, transport, retail, delivery and packaging of all our festive shopping is huge. Swapping or buying second-hand is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint – and save stuff from landfill.
What will happen to leftover items?
Any toys that don’t get taken will be donated to local community groups / charity shops.
Disclaimer
Taking part in this toy swap is at your own risk. No Crap Parties / Eco Communities no responsibility for the condition, suitability, safety, or provenance of any item swapped, and gives no warranty in relation to any item. Please check any item you take — including for broken parts, small parts, missing safety features, or age-appropriateness — before giving it to a child.
No Crap Parties / Eco Communities accepts no liability for any loss, damage, or claim arising from items swapped at this event.
