Shop Sustainably ♻️

London Borough of Lewisham, SE

A wonderful community toy library run by helpful staff, with an affordable membership fee. Toys for all ages — from baby sensory toys to games for older children. Also accepts donations of toys in good condition.

South London

Affordable quality toys to borrow and buy, and visiting with the kids is a treat in itself — let them spend an hour browsing and they'll love picking something out. Accepts donations of toys your little one has outgrown.

William Morris Hall, 6–8 Somers Road, Walthamstow E17 4JF

A beloved educational charity running for over 48 years in Waltham Forest. Thousands of high-quality educational toys, books, puzzles and games available to loan for as little as £1 for two weeks. Free membership for families on low or no income.

5 library locations across Islington, N

Five toy libraries across Islington — at Central, Finsbury, Mildmay, North and West libraries. Borrow up to three toys for three weeks, completely free of charge. Perfect for babies and under-5s.

92 St Paul's Way, Bow E3 4AL

Part of the Toyhouse network which runs over 20 toy libraries across London. The Bow centre is open Monday–Thursday with various play sessions and toy lending. A fantastic resource for families in Tower Hamlets and East London.

East Dulwich, SE22

A specialist children's store with a particularly strong book and toy selection. Shopping here supports St Christopher's Hospice. They happily accept donations — a great place to pass on books and toys your children have outgrown.

15 Hildreth Street, Balham SW12 9RQ

FARA Kids is a specialist children's charity shop with cool clothes, fun toys and practical items for babies and toddlers. All proceeds support children in need. Part of FARA's network of 40 London shops.

144 Northcote Road, Clapham SW11 6RD

Another brilliant FARA Kids shop on the popular Northcote Road — well stocked with children's clothes, toys and baby equipment. Great for a browse after the market. Accepts donations of children's items.

40 Turnham Green Terrace, Chiswick W4 1QP

FARA Kids Chiswick is a destination for second-hand toys, quality baby equipment, and designer and high-street clothes for children aged zero upwards. A fantastic find on Turnham Green Terrace.

25 High Street, Barnes SW13 9LW

FARA Kids Barnes offers quality children's clothes, toys and practical items for mum and baby on the charming Barnes High Street. A lovely shop in a lovely village — well worth a visit.

Multiple hubs across London boroughs

Like a food bank but for babies — Little Village provides clothes, toys and equipment to families who need support. They have hubs across London boroughs including Brent, Haringey, Lambeth, Lewisham and more. If you have good quality baby items to donate, this is one of the most impactful places to give them.

Hackney, E London

A local baby bank providing essential items — clothes, equipment and toys — to families in Hackney who need support. Donations of good-condition baby and children's items are always welcome.

Boots has in-store recycling points where you can drop off hard-to-recycle baby items — including baby wipe packets, old dummies, and other plastic packaging. In return you earn Boots Advantage Card points to spend in store. A brilliant way to reduce waste while getting something back. Not all stores participate, so check before you go.

The go-to app for second-hand kids' toys, clothes and maternity wear. Children's clothes are barely worn and come in excellent condition — you can find great bundles at a fraction of retail price. Well worth checking before buying anything new.

Great for kids' toys, clothes and bigger items — prams, high chairs, baby bouncers, play gyms. Local sellers mean no shipping, and you can often negotiate. Also join local parent Facebook groups where people post freebies and bundles regularly.