Give Your Toy a New Life! – A nationwide toy swap campaign in Estonia

Give Your Toys a New Life! – A Nationwide Toy Swap Campaign in Estonia

Toys are an important part of childhood. They bring joy, spark imagination and help children learn about the world. This makes them a perfect starting point for exploring material sufficiency, sustainable consumption and waste prevention in a fun, hands-on and meaningful way.

From 23 to 27 November 2026, the Eco-Schools programme in Estonia invites kindergartens and schools across the country to join the nationwide toy swap campaign “Give Your Toys a New Life!”

The idea is simple: children bring toys, board games or books they no longer use and exchange them for something new to them. A toy that has been forgotten on one child’s shelf can become another child’s favourite!

But the campaign is about much more than swapping toys. It encourages children to discover that happiness doesn’t always come from buying something new. Through a positive shared experience, children learn about the value of resources, the importance of reuse and the joy of sharing. By involving families, the campaign also brings conversations about consumption and waste prevention into homes and the wider community.

And we already know that small actions can make a big difference! The campaign was first organised in 2025, bringing together 136 educational institutions and one library. More than 7,000 children took part, giving a new life to over 11,500 toys, games and books!

In 2026, we aim to build on this success, reach even more children and families, and show that extending the life of everyday objects can be easy, exciting and rewarding.

Less waste, fewer new purchases and more happy children – that’s the magic of giving toys a new life!