Are the toys routinely sanitized?

We take toy cleanliness seriously! Every toy that comes through The Toy Chest Collective is inspected, cleaned, and sanitized using non-toxic, kid-safe cleaning products before entering our swap rotation. For fabric-based toys, we take care of washing them using a gentle, scent-free detergent.

We ask that all members wipe down and sanitize toys before drop-off to ensure they arrive in good condition. Any toys that are excessively dirty, damaged, or missing key pieces will not be accepted.

What if I lose a toy?

We understand that sometimes toys get lost—that’s okay! If a toy is lost, we ask that members pay the equivalent of its swap points ($2 per point; only up to 4 points or a maximum of $8) to help replace it. However, if a member routinely reports lost toys, we may need to pause their membership to secure fair participation for all families.

This policy helps us maintain a well-stocked, high-quality toy selection while making sure that everyone gets the chance to enjoy and swap great toys.

Do you accept toy donations, even if I’m not a member?

Yes! We gladly accept toy donations, even if you’re not a member. If you have high-quality, well-loved toys that your child has outgrown but are still in great condition, we’d love to give them a second life with another family. We especially welcome wooden toys, LEGO sets (with instructions), puzzles, board games, and small-world play items like dolls or train sets. Donations help us keep the swap exciting and full of great finds! Please see our Toys page for our Toy Acceptance Guidelines.

Where do Swap Days take place?

Swap events are held at [TBD] on designated days each month. Stay updated by checking our Instagram and website for upcoming swap dates! You can also subscribe to our newsletter.

Do you offer shipping?

At this time, The Toy Chest Collective is a local, community-based service, and we do not offer shipping. Our focus is on creating an in-person swap experience that fosters connection and sustainability. However, as we grow, we hope to explore options for incorporating shipping in the future—stay tuned!

Can I cancel my membership at any time?

Yes! You may cancel your membership at any time. However, please note that no refunds will be issued for partially used months. Your membership will remain active until the end of your current billing cycle, after which it will not renew.

For full details, please review our Terms of Service here.

What are “Montessori-style” toys?

Montessori-style toys are simple, purposeful, and designed to encourage hands-on, independent learning. They are typically made from natural materials like wood or fabric, and focus on open-ended play—meaning there’s no single "right" way to use them.

These toys help children develop fine motor skills, problem-solving abilities, and creativity by engaging their senses and allowing them to explore at their own pace. Examples include stacking toys, shape sorters, wooden puzzles, pretend play items, and building sets like blocks.

At The Toy Chest Collective, we prioritize these types of toys because they grow with children, and foster a love of learning through play.

What if I want the toys I brought from home back?

Once a toy is added to The Toy Chest Collective, it becomes part of our shared inventory and cannot be reclaimed. .

Because our toy swaps function like a library, there is always a chance that toys may experience wear, get lost, or become broken while with another family. If you have a sentimental or special toy, we recommend keeping it at home rather than adding it to the swap.