Toy Swap

Have done it, it was great.

Do not have children there, they will want to play with everything and if they see their toys there they may want them back.

It was permanent, I don't know how we could have guaranteed getting something back, and it not being broken or worn out.

We decided what we felt things were worth (three moms and a dad did this when someone brought toys in, they were fair) and had tables set up for $1, $5, $10, and $15 tops, regardless of how much you paid for it, it depreciates once your child put their hands on it and used it ;) So each person got a voucher for "x" amount of toys and "shopped" for that amount. Say a parent had $15 "credit" they could choose one $15 item, three $5 items, or whatever equaled the amount they had. No one was upset, we knew we didn't have to buy new toys, and if it broke, well, that happens with new toys, too. No one complained.

There's even an online toy swap,
http://www.toyswap.com/

I have never heard of this, but just wanted to say I think it is a great idea! I would have done that when my kids were younger. And saying that they only bring 2 things is a good idea so there isn't too much stuff all over the place. I liked Everley's idea of a mommy only dinner too. That way you can get out and socialize a bit, and get rid of your old toys too.

Sure - my friends and I have done this, and several ways. I hosted a mommy only dinner once and everyone brought two toys that their kids just didn't like anymore. Then as we sat around chatting, we all swapped. Everyone went home with something new, and no one worried if their new toy was less expensive than the ones they brought. The swap was for good so that people didn't have to worry about how the toys were taken care of.

I've also swapped toys with friends temporarily when our kids have gotten bored with the current selection. Those were not formal swap parties, just "here - take this with you" at the end of a playdate. In those cases, we did take good care of them and replaced if broken.

I have not been to a toy swap however I have been to a book swap. First we did a donation at church of books. Anyone who wanted to swap brought there books and were given number tags saying how many books they brought in and they could swap out for the same number of books. (this will be a little different for you as toys are not the same as books) then when we had the actual swap people paid $1 each to come in. if they had brought books they could use the numbered tags to trade for books. or they could just out and out purchase books. it might be hard to do with toys as some toys are quiet expensive. I think you might do better to organize a toy sale.

This can be done in any one of a number of ways.

1. permanent, or temporary.
2. new/ like new or well loved.
3. bring 2, bring 2 of at least $20 value, or bring as many as you'd like to get rid of/ your kids no longer play with.
4. draw lots, blind exchanges, bid chips and give the money to charity.
5. a nice thing to do, if there are multiples, or unwanted items is to give them away to charity. i.e. everyone comes in with the same melissa and doug alphabet puzzle, that everyone's kid is no longer interested in, pass it or at least some on to charity.

Good luck to you and yours,
F. B.