A KILMAURS mum is bringing a nationwide toy-swapping initiative to the village for the first time, helping families save money this Christmas while reducing waste.
Lisa Hough-Stewart is organising The Big Toy Swap at Kilmaurs Community Centre on Sunday, November 22, from 2.30pm to 4.30pm.
The free event will allow families to exchange unwanted toys, games, children's books and festive clothing for pre-loved items, without spending a penny.
Lisa was inspired to organise the event after hearing about a similar initiative taking place in Glasgow's Southside.
She said: "My friend told me about the Big Toy Swap she's helping to organise in Glasgow and I thought, why not have one here in Kilmaurs too?
"With both the cost of living crisis and the climate crisis, it's a great way to reduce waste and also reduce costs ahead of Christmas time."
Unlike some toy swaps, which use tokens to track exchanges, Lisa is determined to keep the event as straightforward as possible.
She explained: "Bring what you can, take what you need, we're not going to be counting who's taking what.
"We're just keeping it simple."
The local mum, who works for the Wellbeing Economy Alliance charity, hopes the initiative will also challenge attitudes towards second-hand Christmas presents.
She said: "It's also about taking away some stigma around second-hand or pre-loved things."
Lisa believes families can make better use of toys already sitting in cupboards rather than continually buying new ones.
She added: "Let's just move [them] around, and the kids will be able to see something new."
Any leftover donations will be passed to Poppy, a charity shop in Stewarton, where they could be used to support local families or sold to raise funds.
Lisa is organising the event independently, with support from her parents and a handful of helpers, although additional volunteers would be welcomed.
She hopes the afternoon will be about more than simply exchanging toys, with tea and coffee available for visitors.
Lisa said: "I think there's also just a nice group spirit, where there's no money involved at all.
"I'm hoping it'll feel like a nice afternoon, and people get what they need, and kids get toys that they're excited about."
Entry is free and everyone is welcome.
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