toy library

In another example of spending money to save money, we joined the toy library this week.

It was unplanned, which is bad. I got caught out a bit. I thought it was just a part of the regular library, so we sauntered in with my library card, we picked out a few toys and hit the checkout desk. Where we were introduced to what the toy library is really about.

Joining the toy library costs about $1 a week. So it costs $60 to join. But then you have to be made aware of what it is you are buying into. Being a not-for-profit community organisation, they rely heavily on membership and fundraising to keep going. As a member, you commit to helping out three hours a year in the 'shop'. You commit to participate in the two major fundraising events, the Teddy Bears Picnic and the Fashion Parade. You also commit to participating in other fundraising events that my arise and you are encouraged to join in with the committees that run the organisation. Sell raffle tickets, make sure the toys are always cleaned before returning them and count the pieces before you bring them back. Phew.

If you don't want to do all that, you can pay $20 and be absolved from the fundraising activities. Time in the shop can be diverted onto willing relatives or others.

It is an amazing resource. They have puzzles and games across all ages, dress-ups and large toy equipment that you can book for parties and such. They have push toys and instruments and, just everything. I'm really happy we joined, and I'm going to put the annual membership cost down as a gift request for the baby boys birthday each year. If no one else wants to pay it, then we will, because it's such good value. Better than a crappy toy and it goes all year.

I was wondering if I would have spent $60 on toys this year. We are given lots and the garage sales around yield up blocks and such regularly. I'm a cheapo, and I don't go into toy shops anyway. I loathe them. So much crap. And he's only one. Like how much does he need? Once he can go outside and knows not to eat the leaves and dirt, well, toys will be a thing of the past, won't they? There'll be 'outside'. But $60 isn't hard to spend. Would I have spent it?

Frankly, if the whole saving money project hinges on $60, we're stuffed.