Worthing Big Toy Swap event in run-up to Christmas
Families are being invited to swap toys they no longer need for Christmas presents at a free community event.
The toy-swap will take place at Audio Active, in Montague Street, Worthing, from 2pm to 4.30pm on Friday, November 27.
The event is part of The Big Toy Swap, a growing nationwide campaign helping communities make Christmas gifting more affordable and less wasteful by keeping good toys in circulation.
The Worthing Big Toy Swap is being organised by Climate REsilience centre Worthing (CREW) and Honey House and people can bring along clean, good-quality toys their children have outgrown and exchange them for something new-to-them.
CREW trustee Tanwen Morgan, who is organising the swap, said: “I was shocked to find out that over 80 per cent of toys end up in landfill, the incinerator or the ocean. By swapping toys, rather than buying new, our children can still have the excitement of a new toy but we aren’t harming the planet. If we normalise second-hand toys from a young age, our children won’t question it.”
A 2025 poll found almost one in three parents said they would struggle to afford Christmas. At the same time, a study found almost £900million was spent on toys in the UK at Christmas.
The Big Toy Swap hopes to offer a simple alternative: people bring what they can and take what they need, without spending money or buying new.
Charlotte Mason-Curl, founder of Party Pact CIC, which created The Big Toy Swap, said: “Most people would be very happy to get a pre-loved present but feel awkward giving one. We want these toy swaps to make that normal, even something to be proud of – as well as saving families money.”
The Worthing event will feature toys aimed at children up to ten years old and while people can take without donating, a swap would be preferable.
Anyone who would like to drop off toys in advance can take them to Norfolk House in South Street, Tarring – organisers said: “Please knock to leave donations – if no answer there will be instructions on where to leave in a safe hiding space.”
The drop off point will be open from 4pm daily from Monday, November 23, to Thursday, November 26.