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Eco-conscious parents are flocking to rent before buying toys for their children in a bid to save money and cut down on household waste, a craftswoman has said.
As the festive shopping season swings into action, Vicky Noble explains she was inspired to set up an enterprise here after seeing the success of a similar initiative in Australia.
Vicky will bring Dlulukaloo Wooden Toys to a national audience when she exhibits at Gifted, the country’s biggest craft and design fair, at Dublin’s RDS from December 4-8.
“Renting is an option that makes sense for parents for many reasons, but one that resonates with both myself as a parent and many others is try before you buy,” said Vicky, from Greystones in Co Wicklow.
“For a kid’s birthday party, for example, you could get five great pieces to make a fuss of them on the day, and then keep the one or two pieces they really love to play with – saving money and reducing clutter, as well as making an eco-conscious choice.
“This also makes sense with big-ticket pieces such as balance boards and climbing frames, with parents able to gauge their child’s interest before committing to the cost.”
Parents can rent toys for a month, paying a security deposit equal to its value, which is refunded at the end of the rental, and a rental fee. Should they decide to keep the toy, the rental fee is refunded.
Vicky said Montessori rockers and balance boards to increase co-ordination, along with ride-ons and spinning drums, are the top “try before you buy” gifts being ordered by parents in Ireland.
Before setting up the enterprise, she reached out to online parenting groups to recreate the second-hand toy market she witnessed while in Australia.
When she suggested renting out a balance board for kids, she found an immediate queue of interested parents.
She ordered six more and Dlulukaloo, named after her eldest daughter’s baby-talk, was born.
It has now been chosen to participate in the ‘reuzi loves’ section – a sustainable gift area – at Gifted, where 300 exhibitors will showcase their work over five days, alongside 100 artisan food producers.
“The very essence of what Gifted stands for is celebrating and elevating local talent,” said the show’s organiser, Patrick O’Sullivan.
Lead image: Dana Vietniece