#Australia - #ToySwaps!

Toy Swaps are happening across Australia in all year round​

- Melbourne
- Perth
- Sydney
- Wollongong

"Toy Swap Australia is an initiative by the Joy of Giving Network, created to spark a movement around swapping. It's about rethinking how we utilise resources like toys, fostering community connections, and minimising our impact on the planet.

​Toy Swap brings families and children together to exchange preloved toys, share stories, and enjoy the joy of giving. Each swap is more than just fun — it helps keep toys out of landfill, saves resources, and teaches kids the value of reuse and caring for the environment.

Everyone can be part of it. Whether you're a school, local council, community group, or a parent who wants to make a difference, you can host your own Toy Swap. We’re here to help with ideas, tools, and support.

Join the Toy Swap movement and help build a future where sharing is normal, waste is reduced, and every toy gets a second life."

FMI:
https://www.toyswap.com.au/

#SolarPunkSunday #ToySwap #ToySwapsAustralia #CircularToyEconomy #ReduceWaste #SharingToys

#PlayCycle - What is a #ToyLibrary?

"Toy libraries are community resources to help children learn and grow through play. Similar to a library of books, a toy library enables families to check out toys, enjoy them, and return them before borrowing more. Toy libraries benefit children, families, and communities by:

ENCOURAGING PLAY- The American Academy of Pediatrics says that play is essential to development because it contributes to the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being of children and youth (Ginsburg 2007). Toy libraries help facilitate imaginative play by providing access to hundreds of toys that children might otherwise not encounter because of limitations due to finances or space. With a toy library, children can borrow toys that spark their imagination and simply return toys when they are ready to explore something new.

SAVING MONEY AND PREVENTING CLUTTER- According to a Toy Industry Association report, the average family spends $581 per year on toys. One fifth of households surveyed had over 100 toys. A toy library allows families to save money on buying individual toys and also reduce clutter by returning toys to the library when they have finished enjoying them.

REDUCING WASTE- The lifecycle for toys after purchase usually involves play for a few weeks or possibly years, followed by being thrown away or donated. Toy libraries help reduce toy waste and promote a circular economy. Toy library toys have their useful lives extended by years while they are enjoyed by children from multiple households. They also reduce the number of toys that each household needs to buy and store.

It is estimated that there are over 300 toy libraries in the United States, but they can still be hard to come by. Toy libraries are found all over the world, sometimes supported by local government bodies or as part of local public libraries. One thing they all have in common is the mission to encourage growth and development through play. We are thrilled to join the assembly of toy libraries making play accessible for children all over the world."

Learn more:
https://www.playcycle.org/toylibraries

#SolarPunkSunday #CircularEconomy #CircularToyEconomy #SharingToys #SharingEconomy #EncouragingPlay #ToyLibraries #MorePlayTimeLessScreenTime

A free #DinosaurFestival is coming to #MexicoCity with concerts, #games, and a #ToySwap

A free event in Mexico City featuring workshops, live music, and themed games for kids who love dinosaurs

by Elva Pérez, April 10, 2026

"If you’re looking for a unique way to celebrate the little ones, this dinosaur festival in Mexico City is just what you need. It’s an event designed especially for young dinosaur fans that promises a morning full of fun, creativity, and plenty of Jurassic imagination.

"One of the event’s biggest draws is its variety of activities. There will be dinosaur mask-making so every little one can tap into their artistic side, plus a fun dinosaur scavenger hunt that will put their spirit of exploration to the test.

"You’ll also find activities like a toy swap, ideal for encouraging exchange and giving new life to those forgotten items. And if that weren’t enough, there will be a plaster mini-dinosaur casting activity that’s sure to delight the most curious visitors.

"Music is not left out either. The festival will feature a live concert with artists such as Jack Ditortion, Manu Choque, and Crazysaurios, who will set the perfect mood to keep the energy at its peak.

"The event is designed to be enjoyed as a family, so we recommend wearing comfortable clothes and, of course, bringing your best dino spirit to make the most of every activity."

📅 Saturday, April 25
📍 Mercado Público 221, Santa Isabel Tola
⏰ 11:00 a.m.
🎟️ Free admission

https://cdmxsecreta.com/en/gam-dinosaur-festival/

#SolarPunkSunday #SpendTimeOutdoors #Mexico #SharingToys