This November, families in the Toowoomba region have a chance to celebrate World Sustainable Toy Day 2025 at the Kath Dickson Toy Library — and discover how the simple act of play can shape a more sustainable future for our children.
Why sustainable play matters
From the moment children begin to explore the world, play is how they learn, create, and connect. It’s also one of the first ways they experience consumption — and that’s why starting sustainable habits early matters.
In Australia, the average child owns more than 100 toys, yet many end up broken, unused, or discarded long before their potential is realised. Sustainable play teaches children that joy and imagination don’t depend on buying new things — they come from curiosity, creativity, and connection.
When we show our children that fun can come from sharing, reusing, and repurposing, we nurture both their environmental awareness and their sense of community. It’s not just play — it’s a powerful lesson in caring for the planet and for each other.
The magic of creative, conscious play
Sustainable play begins with creativity. A cardboard box can become a rocket ship. An old yoghurt tub can transform into a drum. Recycled materials — from bottle tops to fabric scraps — invite children to dream, problem-solve, and build their own worlds.
This kind of open-ended play builds imagination, resilience, and confidence — essential skills for young children in their early years.
Why Toy Libraries matter
Toy libraries are at the heart of sustainable play. They give families the freedom to enjoy variety and discovery without the waste or the cost.
Here’s why families love being part of a Toy Library:
🌱 It’s sustainable. Borrowing instead of buying means fewer toys in landfill and more resources shared within the community.
💰 It’s affordable. Access a wide range of quality toys without the financial pressure of constantly purchasing new ones.
🧸 It’s educational. Toy libraries carefully select toys that promote learning, creativity, and skill development through play.
👨👩👧 It’s community. Families connect, share experiences, and find support — creating a network of like-minded parents who value both play and the planet.
🔍 It’s practical. Try out toys before you buy, helping you discover what truly engages your child.
As our Toy Library Coordinator, Trish Mullins, explains:
“We want families to see that you don’t have to buy new toys to have fun. With a few recycled bits and a big imagination, you can create something wonderful together — and help the planet at the same time.”
Come and celebrate with us
Join us for a hands-on, family-friendly event that combines creativity, sustainability, and community. We’ll be crafting toys from recycled materials, sharing play ideas, and enjoying a relaxed morning tea together.
Event details:
🗓 Friday 21 November 2025
🕤 9.30am – 11.30am
📍 Kath Dickson Toy Library, 1 Littleton Street, Crows Nest
💰 Free | Morning tea provided
Whether you’re a long-time Toy Library member or curious to learn more, this is the perfect opportunity to see how borrowing toys can inspire big imaginations and small footprints.
Let’s show our children that play can be fun, imaginative, and kind to the planet!