How to Organize a Neighborhood Kids Toy Exchange Program

Will the kid's toys you have be adequate for the three months of summer? Is your budget already tight and buying more outdoor toys is not an option? Are there other families in your neighborhood, or in your circle of acquaintances, with kids? Start a kids toy exchange program between the families and watch your kids have fun playing with new toys all summer long.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Set Up The Kids Toy Exchange Program
   
   • Get the names of the parents in your neighborhood and/or the parent's names of the kids your child goes to school, or participates in extra curricular activities, with.
   • Talk about how you want to begin the kids toy exchange program, how to handle toys that are broken or lost, and if there will be any type of reward for when a child has followed the cleanliness and promptness requirements your group has put in to place.
   • Determine what types of toys to put in to the exchange including books, kids outdoor toys, indoor toys, electronic toys, etc..
   • Label the toys and put each toy in to a box or some sort of storage/carrying case.
   • On the date the kids toy exchange begins write a list of the kids toys and who is taking which ones. Provide a copy of the list of toys to the parents so they can supervise the cleaning and packing when it is time to exchange again.
   • On a weekly or bi-weekly basis exchange the selection of toys in a rotating manner. Keep the same set of toys together and pass them on to the next child. This will ensure that each child can play with all the toys in the exchange throughout the summer.

2. The Variety of Children's Toys Helps The Kids
   
   • Play is an essential element for the development of healthy children. Keeping the kids toys fresh provides an opportunity for the kids to expand their horizons with the variety of toys.
   • Develops responsibility in the children when they realize that they need to take care of other children's toys so the other kids will take care of theirs.
   • Benefits the kids with a variety of indoor and outdoor toys throughout the summer.
   • Teaches your child to share their toys and respect other's

3. The Kids Toy Exchange Helps Parents
   
   • Saves on the need to shop for toys leaving money in your budget for other items.
   • A chance to get to know the other parents in the neighborhood or the parents of the kids who are your child's friends in school or other activities.
   • Keeps the adults involved in the children's activities.
   • Anytime families combine their efforts in a positive way it creates a community that is conducive to raising kids who contribute positively when they grow up.

Tips & Warnings

• A kids toy exchange is a positive investment of time for everyone involved. It is a great way to keep the fun in summer.

Resources

• How to Refinance Your Mortgage and Lower Payments -Obama Administration Program
• How to Avoid Foreclosure With The 'Home Affordable Modification' Program

[Elander]

on 4/17/2009 I never considered the possibility of a toy exchange before. This is a great way for families to save money keeping their kids entertained.

[Nephilian]

on 4/11/2009 This is an excellent article! 5*, very good.

[mkh1958]

on 4/8/2009 Your article on a neighborhood toy exchange is one of the best ideas I've read! *****

[makaksa]

on 4/8/2009 A toy exchange sounds like a great idea.

[tiffhaze]

on 4/8/2009 I would have never thought to set up a toy exchange. Great idea! 5*