What we accept, and what we don't

We only accept current styles that kids are wearing today. Vintage is ok, out of style isn't. A beautifully made piece from Carter's in great condition can be considered an essential, but a Ralph Lauren sweater with a hole in the cuff won't get accepted. We need the label inside the garment still attached and readable, with both the brand and the size on it. If it's been cut out, we can't accept the item. And nothing from Shein. Right now we're focused on everyday American and European styles, so traditional dress isn't something we can place yet. Everyday brands like Carter's, Cat & Jack, and H&M should be in great or like-new condition. In good condition they may not earn a credit at all.

This is where we get extra picky. We never accept underwear, and swimwear must be in like-new condition, especially for girls. Socks have to be new and unworn. Please don't send shoes unless they're in like-new condition. We check the soles for wear, the laces for discoloration, and whether the style is still current. Any signs of wear will automatically be declined. Accessories must be in great or like new condition, and worth at least $20 new.

Essentials. A widely recognized brand, and ready for its next use.

Elevated. Whether brand, materials, construction, or all three, these pieces are usually sought after, hold their value the longest, and are usually worth more.

Special. Designer names, investment pieces, standout outerwear, and occasion pieces. Send a special item and you can bring one home with it. A few designer pieces carry a fee on top, and you'll always see it before you check out. If you don't have one to send, use a credit you already have and pay the difference. And as long as you take care of it, send it back and swap it for another special next month, and the month after that.

Wooden puzzles, shape sorters, building sets, pretend play. The kinds of things kids come back to instead of getting bored of. We love Montessori style, but we have an open mind.

Sets need every piece. If it's still sealed we don't mind how big it is, but once a set has been opened we cap it at twelve pieces, since anything bigger takes too long to check.

Everything must be able to be wiped clean or washed easily. Nothing oversized or bulky. It must easily fit in your swap bag along with other toys. If it doesn't fit well, it won't swap well, so unfortunately we can't accept it. Nothing loud and low-quality that's headed for the bin in a month.

We check every toy against the CPSC's current recall notices, and don't accept anything that can be a choking hazard, or dangerous. Specifics are in our Terms of Service.

We also won't take imported toys with lead or phthalate paints, recalled sleep sacks, high-powered magnets, small parts that fail the federal choking-hazard test, water beads and similar expanding materials, or projectile and pop-up toys.

Not at any price, not from any brand.

This is why it's worth packing carefully. Send what you'd be glad to see go. We always let you know which items were accepted, which were not, and why.