By Melissa Meehan
It’s an all too familiar story – old, once-loved toys sent to what could be described as a graveyard at the back of the playroom.
Soon enough it builds up and you have unwanted toys coming out of your ears.
Vikki Marmaras has the answer.
Don’t waste money and space on buying new toys – borrow them from your local toy library.
“The idea behind a toy library is the same as a book library – you can borrow toys so you don’t have to buy them,” Ms Marmaras said.
“There is a three-week rental period but at the end of that period you can renew the toys you have or come back and swap for new ones.”
Canterbury Toy Library’s Ms Maramas says she’s noticed her little boy still has a short attention span.
He loves the toys for a good couple of days or weeks when he first gets the toy, but by the end of the three-week period he is ready for something new.
“And because we borrowed it instead of buying we don’t have those toys cluttering up our house,” she said.
“He still gets the excitement of choosing a toy and having something new, but it doesn’t take up space in our home.”
She said children’s learning and interests change over time to and being able to borrow age relevant toys was another great thing about using a toy library.
At the moment, her son loves the push-along rabbit he borrowed – but in a year or so he’ll most likely be choosing puzzles and games.
Toys for children with special needs are also available.
Canterbury Toy Library also provides party packs to its members – which includes ride-on toys, ball pits and other party fun.
It means those having a party don’t have to buy and then store all of these things at home once the party is over.
