The Toy Library Circular Christmas Swap&Play in Portlaoise, Co. Laois

A fun way for children and families to swap pre-loved toys & find Christmas gifts, engage in play, and learn about sustainability practices

Welcome to The Toy Library Circular Christmas Swap&Play event.

The perfect occasion to have a great time with your family, swapping toys and finding pre-loved Christmas gifts, making good for your wallet and the planet.

We all know: the holiday season often leads to excessive consumption and waste. However, many toys are so gently used that they still look new by the time their owner outgrows them. Others are still in good and fully working conditions that can make a perfect gift for another child. This year, share and find pre-loved toys at this free community-driven event, sponsored by Laois County Council.

Join us at St Mary's Hall in Portlaoise, Co. Laois on December 20th (11 AM - 2 PM). This family-friendly event is packed with hands-on activities, sustainable swaps, and creative fun to help reimagine how we consume and play.

The event is open to all The Toy Library members, a community of conscious families, proud parents, and happy children taking action for their future by recirculating toys instead of buying newly produced ones. Join at www.thetoylibrary.ie/signup.

What to Expect at the Event

🌟 Toy Swap and Play Bring up to 5 toys in excellent condition (no broken or incomplete items) to donate or swap. Didn’t bring toys? That’s okay—feel free to take home any that catch your eye!

✨ Christmas-themed Eco-Crafting Corner Let your creativity shine with sustainable craft activities for all ages, using upcycled and eco-friendly materials.

🦄 Temporary Tattoos Enjoy eco-friendly, plastic-free, non-toxic, and vegan temporary tattoos—perfect for little ones and grown-ups alike! Christmas options available.

🧸 Teddy Bear Hub Bring your teddy for a check-up and cuddles prescription.

🎄 Christmas Wishing Tree Kids can write their wishes for a healthier planet on pieces of card with twine and hang them on our Eco-Wish Christmas Tree. Together, we’ll create a beautiful display of hope and sustainability for the future.

🍪 Christmas Cookies Enjoy delicious cookies.

How Does the Toy Swap Work?

• Bring up to 5 toys (max) in very good condition. Something you'd be happy to offer to your own kids.
• You don’t need to donate in order to take—everyone is welcome to participate!
• About toys: please no extra-small or extra-large items (those can be listed on The Toy Library digital platform). Only clean, fully functional, and complete items will be allowed. Have doubts? Think about a toy you’d be happy for your child to get.
• Leftover toys will be donated to local charities and libraries.

Event Details

📍 Location: Saint Mary's Hall, 18 Borris Rd, Borris Little, Portlaoise, Co. Laois, R32 D2YA, Ireland

🗓️ Date: Saturday, December 20th, 2025

⏰ Time: 11 AM - 2 PM

Who We Are: The Toy Library

The Toy Library is Ireland’s first circular economy platform for toys, freely available 24/7 at www.thetoylibrary.ie. The social enterprise launched in June 2024 in Cork. In 2025, together with Local Authorities and conscious corporations, we are bringing our signature Swap&Play events all over the Republic of Ireland!

Proudly supported by:

• Advance CRT (funded by SFI)
• CESCA (Cork Equal and Sustainable Communities Alliance)
• Community Foundation Ireland
• Cork Local Enterprise Office
• Guinnes Entreprise Centre
• Prism LCC
• Rethink Ireland – Impact Fund for Munster 2025
• Rethink Ireland – SEFIT Fund 2024
• University College Cork

Local Partner for this Event:

• Laois County Council

Other Local Authorities partnering with us:

• Clare County Council
• Cork City Council
• Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council
• Limerick City and County Council
• Meath County Council
• Offaly County Council
• Waterford City and County Council
• Wexford City and County Council

Our mission is to make sustainable toy-sharing accessible to everyone while reducing waste and fostering a positive environmental impact.

🌐 Learn more at www.thetoylibrary.ie