Why buy when you can borrow? Give the gift of play this Christmas

A DIFFERENT KIND OF PRESENT... This Christmas, gift a Toy Cubby Library membership and give children endless play, not more clutter. Pictured from left are volunteers from Community Accessability, Carly Knaggs and Karen Miller, outgoing Toy Cubby Coordinator, Khadeejah Anderson and interim coordinator, Emma Bryden-Brown and toy manager, Donna Rodda. Photo: Deanne Jeffers

THIS Christmas, the Shepparton Toy Cubby Library is encouraging families to think differently about gifting. Rather than buying more toys, why not give a 12-month toy library membership, a present that lasts all year long and opens up a world of toys to explore!

For just $60 per family, members can borrow from a large range of toys for children aged from zero to eight years. The range includes accessible options for children of all abilities, and there are plans to expand this range.

The Cubby has enjoyed a refresh this year thanks to outgoing coordinator, Khadeejah Anderson and the support of dedicated volunteers like Carly Knaggs, who said she has enjoyed volunteering and the skills it has taught her. A $5,000 grant from the Federal Government’s Volunteer Grants Program will support further improvements.

A DIFFERENT KIND OF PRESENT… This Christmas, gift a Toy Cubby Library membership and give children endless play, not more clutter. Pictured from left are volunteers from Community Accessability, Carly Knaggs and Karen Miller, outgoing Toy Cubby Coordinator, Khadeejah Anderson and interim coordinator, Emma Bryden-Brown and toy manager, Donna Rodda. Photo: Deanne Jeffers

The service now supports around 60 families, almost double the number of members they had earlier this year, including many new arrivals who have relocated to the region. With room to welcome more families, the Cubby is eager to share the benefits of a vibrant community hub where children can explore new toys and where parents, grandparents, and carers can connect with like-minded people.

The Cubby closeS for Christmas break on December 12 and reopens January 16, 2026. It is open on Wednesday from 1.30pm to 3.30pm and Saturday, 10.30am to 12.30pm.

For enquiries, or to sign up or gift a membership, email sheppartontoylibrary@gmail.com.

A refundable $50 deposit is returned when families leave the service, making it an affordable and sustainable alternative to buying new toys.