Kids and teens clothing, book and toy swap

Next date: Saturday, 30 May 2026 | 10:00 AM to 01:00 PM

Our local Net Zero Champion resident volunteers are hosting a Kids & Teens Clothes, Toys & Book Swap — a fun, feel-good way to refresh wardrobes, toy shelves and book collections while reducing waste.

Bring along quality items your children have outgrown and swap them for “new-to-you” treasures for the young people in your life.

By extending the life of clothes, toys and books, we reduce waste and keep items out of landfill — helping support our community’s Net Zero goals.

What to bring

Clothes

• Clean, good-quality clothes, shoes and hats (0–19 years)
• No underwear
• No stained, torn or damaged items
• No corporate-branded items

Toys

• Gently used toys in good condition
• Clean before bringing
• No broken items
• Include all pieces where possible

Books

• Children’s and teen books in good condition
• No torn, heavily marked or water-damaged books
• No coffee table or adult books.

What happens on the day

• Sign in and scan the QR code to estimate how many clothes, toys and books you’ve brought.
• Place items in the Drop Zone.
• Browse and choose items your family might enjoy.
• When leaving, scan the sign-out QR code and estimate how many items you’re taking home.

Our volunteers will sort items and restock tables throughout the event.

FAQs

Do I need to register?

Yes. The event is free, but please register in advance so we can plan the space and volunteers.

Do I have to bring items to participate?

We ask participants to bring quality items to swap. The event works best when everyone contributes.

How many items can I bring or take?

There’s no strict limit, but please swap fairly and take roughly a similar number of items to what you bring.

How should I pack items?

If possible:

• Bag clothes by size and gender (e.g. Age 4 Girl, Age 10 Boy, Teen)
• Separate clothes, toys and books into different bags or boxes
• Bag toy sets together.

Do I need to clean items?

Yes. Please ensure clothes are clean and toys are wiped down before bringing them.

Can I donate items without taking anything?

Yes. Good-quality donations are welcome even if you don’t swap.

Can I drop items off and leave?

Yes, although most people stay and enjoy browsing the swap.

I’m an expecting mum — can I attend if I don’t have items to swap?

Absolutely. Expectant mums are very welcome to come along and take baby clothes and toys.

Do I need to stay the whole time?

No. You’re welcome to stay for as little or as long as you like during the event.

Do children need to be supervised?

Yes. Parents and carers must supervise children at all times.

What happens to leftover items?

Suitable items may be donated to local charities or saved for the next swap event.

Why do you ask people to scan in and out?

The forms are anonymous and help us estimate how many items were saved from landfill. This data also supports grant applications that help fund storage and future swap events.

When

Location

Douglas Pickering Pavilion, St Ives Showground, 450 Mona Vale Road, St Ives, 2075, View Map