The Big Toy Swap with dirtgirl and Costa the Garden Gnome
Outgrown, unloved, or just ready for a change? Give your child’s toy box a RESET at The Big Toy Swap with dirtgirl and Costa Georgiadis (aka Costa the Garden Gnome).
The Big Toy Swap is back! And this year, dirtgirl and Costa the Garden Gnome are joining in the fun.
Presented by Zero Waste Victoria as part of RESET and the Zero Waste Festival, this free, family-friendly event invites families to pass on gently used toys, books or games and discover something new-to-you in return.
It’s a fun and free way to refresh the toy box – while teaching kids the value of reuse and reducing waste.
Join in the toy swap and catch dirtgirl and Costa in action, as they present two interactive sessions for kids throughout the day, Eco Action (for kids aged eight and up) and Nature Voices (for kids up to eight).
Presented by Zero Waste Victoria and Fed Square, as part of RESET – a free festival for greener living.
Event details
- Families can drop off up to six pre-loved items and receive tokens to exchange for refreshed items when the swap opens
- Please ensure all toys are clean, and in good condition
- This event is suitable for children aged 2–14
- Any toys that haven’t found a new home after the event concludes will be donated to a local charity.
11am–12.30pm | The Edge | Suitable for ages 8–14
Check in at 11am to drop off your toys, then stay for Eco Action, a dynamic, hands-on session designed for kids eight and up.
With dirtgirl and Costa the Garden Gnome leading the way, participants will explore the challenges facing our Earth – from waste and pollution to threatened creatures and ecosystems – and discover how even small actions can make a big difference. Through teamwork and creativity, kids will spark ideas that can inspire real change in their schools, homes and communities. Kids will leave feeling empowered as eco-leaders, ready to make a difference.
- 11am: Toy drop-off opens
- 11.30am: Eco Action with dirtgirl and Costa the Garden Gnome
- 12pm: Toy swap opens
- 12.30pm: Toy swap finishes
1pm–2.30pm | The Edge | Suitable for ages up to 8
Check in at 1pm to drop off your little ones’ toys, then stay for Nature Voices, an interactive and playful session with dirtgirl and Costa the Garden Gnome.
Kids will discover their connection to the natural world while learning how our choices – from waste to pollution – impact the creatures and wild spaces we love.
Children will have the chance to speak up for nature, lending their voices to the animals, plants and places that can’t speak for themselves. Together, let’s make some joyful noise for nature!
- 1pm: Toy drop-off opens
- 1.30pm: Nature Voices with dirtgirl and Costa the Garden Gnome
- 2pm: Toy swap opens 2.30pm: Toy swap finishes