Toy Swapping and Beyond: 7 Unexpected Things Families Can Trade

Here are some creative ideas that save money, space - and maybe even your sanity!

1. Clothing Swaps: Not Just for Adults

Kids outgrow their clothes faster than you can say “hand-me-downs.” A simple swap with fellow parents can refresh wardrobes without spending a dime. Baby clothes? Practically untouched. School uniforms? Perfect for new students. 

Bonus: Preloved clothes don’t just reduce clutter; they slash your fashion carbon footprint. And we MEAN it - swapping just one kilogram of clothing saves up to 25 kilograms of CO₂ emissions! That is kinda huge.

2. Books That Grow With Them

Bookshelves looking like a Lifeline donation bin? Swapping books with other families keeps stories fresh and age-appropriate. From baby board books to The Twilight Saga, there’s likely an eager reader out there for your family’s secondhand collection.

Hot take: Why not start a mini “book club swap”? It’s a fantastic way to bond with other families and give everyone brownie points for socially responsible parenting. After all, book swaps increase accessibility and foster a love of reading in children. Boom!

3. Sporting Equipment: Keeping Costs in Check

Whether it’s hockey sticks, soccer boots, or gymnastics leotards, kids’ sports gear is as expensive as it is fleeting. Sharing economy to the rescue! Swapping these pricey essentials ensures kids and adults alike stay active without breaking the bank. Well, hopefully - looking at you, 2020, with toilet paper deficits and a set of rusty home workout equipment costing about the same as an average house deposit.

You can find nearby sports gear swaps or trading groups on Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace - and of course, swap through our very own Sassybae App!

4. Kitchen Gadgets You’ll Only Use Once

Yeah, those peculiar ones that go on sale at Aldi around Father’s Day and Christmas. 

Like, mini ice cream maker? Heart-shaped veggie spiralizer? What’s next - air fryer for ants? These gadgets sure feel like a good idea… until they’re collecting dust, and you feel personally victimised by online ratings of the most useless appliances.

A “kitchen swap” among friends and neighbours lets you trial tools without committing or cluttering up your space - while also helping avert the impending e-waste crisis. An average Australian generates close to 25 kg of electronic waste each year, so you definitely don’t want to add that waffle maker of yours to the pile. It even has 10 interchangeable attachments, so we’re pretty sure Aunt Susan will love it!

5. Party Decorations & Supplies

Throwing a party? Don’t rush to a dollar store for supplies.

Birthdays, school events, or that random unicorn-themed soirée? Instead of buying new, swap preloved party decorations, tableware, or even costumes with other families. Trust us: it’s easier than cramming another balloon arch into your closet.

6. Tech for Teens (and Their Parents)

Remember what we said about e-waste? Devices become “so last year” quicker than your teen’s newest slang, so stop trying to make “fetch” happen. Why not swap tablets, phones, or gaming consoles? It’s a sustainable way to upgrade without indulging in wasteful consumption.

Important cyber security hack (pun intended): make sure you remove all personal information from your phone before selling or giving it away. 

7. DIY Tools & Projects

Tackling a home project? Before heading to the hardware store, swap or borrow tools like drills, saws, or ladders. It’s a perfect way for your neighbour’s circular saw to embrace the circular economy. See what we did there?

The Sassybae Spin

Swapping isn’t just a thrifty life hack; it’s a mindset shift toward eco living. At Sassybae, we’re all about helping parents trade up (or down) while embracing less waste and more connection. 

Beyond toy swapping, our app is your go-to for trading everything from books to bikes. Ready to simplify your life, save some cash, and save the planet? Join us and start swapping smarter!

Toy swapping and beyond, prioritising preloved treasures isn’t just about saving money – it’s about creating community, reducing waste, and finding cool things where you least expect them. Whether it’s clothes, gadgets, or gear, your family can tap into the endless possibilities of swaps. 

Because life’s too short for clutter, and the planet’s too precious for waste!