How it all started

By being a member at one time I found that this concept works very much for me - the main areas that struck me when I joined was the variety of toys that I could rent for my child. I wouldn't buy these toys myself, because I don't have the space, I don’t want to spend so much money knowing that after a while this is all going to go somewhere in the attic. I was amazed by the idea of running a toy library and how the whole concept was taking shape in our lives. My son has got used to the idea of renting and returning toys and books. Yes, there are times when he likes something very much and doesn't want to let go, but when he sees the new toys that he could get, he is willing to let go. They learn easily at this stage and I feel it has worked just great for me. 

-Parvathy

I had not been to a toy library till Parvathy took me to one. The place looked so pretty with all the colours and it was such a treat to check out all the toys that were now within an arm’s reach for anyone.

Having setup TOYSHARE, we have seen children play and enjoy using the toys and books we have and it has felt special to be able to provide them a smile on their face in a little way. We’ve had a lot of thought process in selecting our toys and books and have kept only what we would want for our kids too. Hope you enjoy the same and share the joys of the TOYSHARE family.

-Sushma

It all started trickling in perhaps when we realised how quickly our kids are outgrowing their toys. I realised my 2.5 year old, who loves puzzles, would know which piece of the puzzle goes where, after solving it a few times and then within few days it was time to purchase a new puzzle. Thats when I thought only if I could borrow the puzzles. And speaking to other moms, I realised I was not the only one who would shared similar thoughts.

As a parent, our first concern was about hygiene of rented toys. Before starting TOYSHARE we did research on toy sanitization and a small survey on what services and concerns a parent would have. Based on our research, we have tried to make TOYSHARE experience convenient and simple for parents and MORE fun for kids.

Hope you enjoy the experience!

-Namrata

Why a toy library?

A toy library is where a member can rent toys for their children and return it once the use is over.

Many people wonder why should there be a toy library.
One of the primary reasons we believe is that toys have a very short shelf life, especially for infants and toddlers. The interest the child shows for a particular toy is for a very short period. They need to be exposed to new things all the time, and they love to experience new shapes, colours and sizes. As a parent we would want to provide them with whatever they find interest in. But in the end we end up spending a lot and our cupboards and floors are all filled with toys.

By being a member of a toy library, one can avail the benefits of renting quality toys and books every time they visit. This helps in keeping the children occupied with something new every time and also learn new things. A toy library seeks to solve many common issues such as helping in saving space at home, providing good quality and safe toys, reducing on the monthly expenditure on toys, satisfying a child's requirement by getting toys that he or she likes. It is also contributing to the environment in a small way by reusing the toys.

At Toyshare, each toy is classified according to the eight intelligences of a child's personality. Most of the toys are educational, musical, do it yourself, roleplays, etc which gives the child an opportunity to explore and learn. This helps the parent in picking up the kind of toy that appeals to the childs interest.