No Crap Parties

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Most parents dread the gifting aspect of kids parties. Is it time to rewrite the kids party code? More affordable, less tat. Join the movement 🥳

A community of parents who want to make children's parties easier on your pocket and the planet 🥳 Sign The Kid's Party Pact and help normalise more affordable, sustainable gifting for kid's parties.

31/08/2026

How much work is hosting a swap?
What support will we get?
What venues?
Should we do tickets, or just turn up?
What items should we accept?

These were just some of the questions that came up on our kick-off call for people interested in hosting an event as part of The Big Toy Swap this November.

We've given brief answers here to some of the big questions...(swipe)

But for more detailed guidance, comment SWAP and register your interest as a host.

We'll send you the link to the hosts resource folder, with our detailed guide that covers everything imaginable!

What is The Big Toy Swap?

It's a lottery funded campaign to get more toy swaps taking place in the lead up to Christmas, to save families money and reduce waste.

We are aiming for 50+ swaps across England...and are looking for normal people in their communities to step up and host.

We are looking at YOU!

GET INVOLVED! - Comment SWAP for the link 😍

Huge thanks to Samantha Drury Shore and Tavia for sharing their swapping experience on the kick off call and into the guides.
The National Lottery Community Fund

28/08/2026

Excuse the festive post (it's still August!) 🙈 BUT...

We want to know which meet santa (and Mrs Claus if you're lucky) experiences are?!

Ones where they don't give out gifts of plastic tat...but opt for sustainable gifts or books.

Tell us where and tag them in the comments! Maybe we'll pop a list together when the season is upon us!

🤶🎅🎄

25/08/2026

‼️ Attention - potential hosts for The Big Toy Swap 👀👋

Our first group call is in the diary for Thursday 27th August at 8pm!

Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/8PFcwAb7TXGzu6VxPt2eqA #/registration

Whether you're keen to host, or curious but have questions – this is for YOU!

The goal is to get you clear, confident and excited about hosting an event for The Big Toy Swap!

Charlotte (Charlotte) will be joined by Tavia and Samantha Drury Shore – between us we've hosted over 22 swap events in recent years 🤯

We'll be answering all of your questions (which you can ask when you register, in the comments here or live on the call), including:

- What's the timeline?
- What support will you get
- How to get a venue for free
- Should you charge for tickets?

And much more!

Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/8PFcwAb7TXGzu6VxPt2eqA #/registration

Can't make it? No worries. We'll be sharing everything afterwards, including all of the guidance and resources you need to run a swap. Sign up and we'll send you the goods!

Huge thanks to The National Lottery Community Fund for making this project possible 🤞❤️

23/08/2026

Want to go behind the scenes of a toy swap with me?

If you're curious about how it works on the day - here's a little insight.

Get involved in The Big Toy Swap this November - as a host or by going to your local swap.

Comment SWAP for more info!

Together, we are going to rehome as many toys as possible before Christmas and encourage people to be proud to give pre-loved gifts 💝

Want to host an event as part of The Big Toy Swap?

Comment SWAP to register interest & join our kick off call on Thurs 27th August - where , and me ( ) will be answering all your questions and getting you hyped to host a swap!

31/07/2026

It's almost like newsagents want to make parents days harder 😅🙈

Anyone else avoid taking their kids to the post office and corner shop, thanks to these isles of utter crap?!

29/07/2026

There's been a bit of a disaster with my book, and I need your help...

Ironically, this book about reducing waste turns out not to be as robust as it should be. You couldn't make this up 🙈

Some people have let me know that the binding has failed on their copy of Elf Chloe’s Surprise and pages have come loose (can we blame the heatwave?!).

I have hundreds of books in my spare room, and I refuse to let them go to waste.

So in the spirit of Elf Chloe:

Rescue a copy

Give it a home, treat it with care, fix it with tape, and if it comes to it, repurpose it (I’ll send you a bunch of craft ideas!).

For less than the cost of a pint (£4.99 – saving £5).

I've also discounted everything else on the shop – including the Kids Party Pact Supporter bundle (which includes stickers and greeting cards) 👀

https://charlottecurl.com/elf-chloes-surprise/

Did you buy a copy full price?

If your copy has loose pages, email [email protected] and I will send you a free replacement as soon as I have new, sturdier stock printed (by September).

If yours is still intact, treat it gently. The issue arises if you try to press the spine flat – the glue can't take the pressure and cracks (like me last week!).

Elf Chloe's Surprise is a project I've undertaken independently of No Crap Parties, but the mission is the same. It's self-funded, and I'm gutted that this has happened.

I hope that this can turn from an expensive disaster to a happy ever after – with the message about conscious gifting reaching more families at a lower price.

Thank you so much for your support.

Thanks so much,

Charlotte

24/07/2026

Help! Road trip with kids...give us your best car entertainment ideas, games, toys etc (no crap options of course!)

We drove to the alps last year, and it was long but fine. And guess what...

Zero screen time.

We had an old phone with some TV downloaded for emergencies, but we didn't need it (unbelievably!).

Our kids are good travellers, but with them being a little older and less likely to nap - we need more ideas (and to crack so we can get second habd things delivered in time!).

Share your no crap tips below for travel entertainment!

Thanks!

22/07/2026

The Big Toy Swap 🟢🥳

We've got funding from The National Lottery Community Fund to support 50+ community-run toy swaps across England (and beyond!) this November. 🥳

The aim?

Re-home as many toys before Christmas as possible – helping families save money and reduce waste!

Want to host a toy swap in your community? Register your interest here: https://nocrapparties.org/thebigtoyswap/

ANYONE can host a toy swap:

You and your friends!

PTAs (great fundraising opportunity!)

A workplace

Playgroups

Nurseries

Churches

Community hubs

Sustainability networks

Libraries
..anyone!

We'll make it as easy (and fun) as possible. You can expect:

✅ Step-by-step guides

📄 Templates for planning & promotion

🤙 Online group calls & Q&As

💬 WhatsApp group for peer support

📣 An overarching social media & PR campaign

Already planning a festive swap shop? Get it on the map!

https://nocrapparties.org/thebigtoyswap/

19/07/2026

The ultimate no crap party?

We love hearing from parents about their low cost, low effort, no crap, max fun kids parties!

This one is SUCH a great idea...

Cardboard box party! Rescued boxes (that businesses usually have to pay to get rid of...so are very happy for you to take!).

Then just let the kids loose decorating, den building, robot making etc.

The focus of the party was all about free play and fun. They asked for no gifts, didn't bother with party bag (guess what - no one cared) and enjoyed a cake.

We love this style of party. Low effort, low waste, low cost...big impact and big fun!

Bet the kids (and parents) will all remember this one for all the right reasons!

Let's normalise more affordable, less wasteful gifts and party bags? Join the Kids Party Pact!

Comment PACT for the link 🔗 🥳

Address

Kendal

Website

https://nocrapparties.org/

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