You’ve heard of book and CD libraries, but now come toy libraries for young ones. The concept is fast catching up among city’s parents and kids as it provides kids with a learning avenue and is light on the pocket too, where kids can have their favourite toys on rent without spending much.
One of its kinds in the city is Planet Toyz in Pitampura, which lends six different toys to its members (0-16 years) for an amount that ranges from Rs 300 to 600 per month. Children can choose from a wide range of wooden toys, puzzles, board games, musical toys and other educational and scientific games.
Kids can take them home and return them in a week’s time. “Children can have access to latest toys and play at the venue for an allotted time. While the library stocks a variety of toys, we also focus on learning through toys — like explaining to kids mechanisms of certain toys like the water filtration kit or the liquid power clock,” says Ritu Nagpal, owner of the library.
Parents are upbeat about the concept as it not only provides kids with new games but also involves them in fun activities. Sumanjeet Aaneja, whose five-year-old daughter Ashmeet is a member of Planet Toyz, finds this library a money saver. “I prefer to rent educational games and puzzles from there. As kids have to return their toys in proper condition, the library has taught them to keep their toys with care. Kids are also involved in activities and games which help improve their concentration and retention powers. the library also organises storytelling sessions for them.”
Navita Ahuja, a Delhi-based doctor who has recently enrolled her 6-year old daughter Simar to a toy library, Kids Gurukul near Gulmohar Park, says, “Simar does not like watching television and buying toys every week is not an option, so these libraries are a great way to involve her in fun activities. As children love to change their games every week, renting latest toys and games of their choice is a reasonable deal for parents.”
Some libraries also have online services that arrange for a toy to be delivered home and returned on a specific date. One of the popular ones is Khilona Ghar.com, where one can order eight toys at Rs 399 per month. “My son is quite careless about his games. So, its much easier to order him rented toys online,” says Tapasya Singh, a housewife.