Sustainable toys guide

Most of the time, toys and games are given as gifts. Why not introduce a culture of "offer a moment, rather than an object" to your family?

Think of dematerializing gifts by preferring a moment to share, an experience, a cooking lesson, a visit, a cinema, a walk, an unusual activity (such as sleeping in the kitchen, taking a cabin in the attic, reversing the day's meals, going to school in a pyjama). Your child will remember it far longer than the umpteenth PlayMobile, that's for sure!

Make your wish to receive "sustainable" gifts visible on birthday invitations. The aim is to standardize and promote dematerialization and second-hand goods without feeling embarrassed. Discover the EcoKado approach

Second-hand is the second lever for reducing the impact of toys and games.

Prefer places close to home:

• flea markets and toy fairs(2 toy fairs are organized in ULiège every year)
• MarketPlace to find toys close to home

In Liege

• the ULiège classified ads are regularly brimming with toys, and even more so as Saint Nicolas approaches
• Culvitarium in Liège, a veritable Alibaba's cave for books and board games (more info here)
• Fleur-Boutique in Liège, second-hand toys and childcare items (more info here)
• BorneLoppen in Fléron, second-hand consignment store (more info here)

Finally, if possible, consider renting through toy libraries.

Toy libraries can be found in many everyday places, from schools to libraries. We often think of board games, but toy libraries are full of early-age toys.

Going to a toy library also means getting advice and being able to try things out with your child, so you're more likely to really enjoy them!

In Liege

• B3 Centre de Ressources Liège (ex-Chiroux): toy library with a free play area where you can try out everything, including the latest video games (more info)
• La Marelle: toy library in the Laveu (more info)