A very cold day here but lots of blue sky and sunshine as well, I think we may get some snow tomorrow. I am looking out of my office window at the moment to a lovely peaceful scene the river is not high and rushing as it sometimes does and I can see across to snow capped mountains in the distance. Apart from a walk with the dogs I have been indoors trying to update the shop as things sell out of sizes and so on in the sale. I hate having to disappoint people  when I have to say that an item is no longer available.

I was reading a blog today about toy and book swaps which seemed like a really cool idea so here is how it works. The toys at your friend’s house always seem so much better, don’t they? That’s probably because they’re new to you. Half the excitement of getting new stuff is simply the thrill of having something different to play with or read. That thrill tends to quickly wear off, and its not long before your favorite new toy  ends up in a pile in the cupboard or under the bed. One great way to get new toys and books and keep your Mum from screaming “ THIS ROOM IS A MESS!” is to have a toy and book swap. This is an easy activity you can organize with your friends, neighbours or classroom. Gather toys, books, and even clothes that you no longer want but that are in good shape and ask your friends to do the same. To make the swapping fair, give everyone a number to determine the picking order. Number one chooses first for the first round of picking. Then the order reverses for the following round. By having a swap, not only do you  bring home all new stuff, (well, new to you at least!) you’ll also help prevent pollution and save the energy and resources that are used to make toys.

I think probably my grandchildren are a bit young for this but I would have thought it would appeal to older children. Anybody tried this? How did you find it worked?

Linda