Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council is delighted to once again partner with Habitat for Humanity to help local families, champion reuse and reduce waste through the Pre-Loved Christmas Toy Scheme.
Now in its fifth year, the scheme invites residents to give gently used, pre-loved toys a new story for another child to enjoy. Donating toys that are clean, complete and in good working order can help families find affordable gifts, share the joy of play and keep valuable items in use for longer.
Alderman Sharon Skillen, Chair of the Council’s Environment and Sustainability Committee, said: “The Pre-Loved Christmas Toy Scheme is a wonderful example of how one simple act of generosity can make a lasting difference. By donating toys that are no longer used, residents can help another family enjoy a special Christmas, reduce waste and give good-quality items a new lease of life.
I encourage everyone to take a few moments to check their toy boxes, cupboards and shelves and donate any suitable toys they no longer need. Together, we can support local families, strengthen our community and make this Christmas more joyful and sustainable.”
How the scheme works
- Check your toy boxes, cupboards and shelves for good-quality toys your family no longer uses.
- Make sure every toy is clean, complete and in good working order. Boxed toys and games must be in their original packaging.
- Take suitable toys to one of the collection points during the donation period.
- Donated toys will be prepared for sale at Habitat ReStore Lisburn and the pop-up toy shops, where families can buy affordable pre-loved Christmas gifts.
- By donating or shopping pre-loved, you will help local families and keep good-quality toys in use for longer.
Where to donate
Residents can donate gently used, pre-loved toys at dedicated drop-off points across the Council area from Monday 26 October to Saturday 12 December 2026:
- Habitat ReStore, Lisburn
- The Cutts Household Recycling Centre
- Maghaberry Community Centre
- Dundonald International Ice Bowl
Please remember that donated toys will become Christmas gifts for children. All toys must be clean, complete and in good working order. Boxed toys and games must be in their original packaging.
Where to shop
From Thursday 12 November to Saturday 19 December 2026, a dedicated toy shop area at Habitat ReStore Lisburn will offer a welcoming selection of good-quality pre-loved toys at affordable prices, helping shoppers find thoughtful gifts that are kinder to both household budgets and the planet.
Pop-up toy shops will also provide residents in outlying areas with an opportunity to benefit from the scheme:
- Dundonald International Ice Bowl: Tuesday 24 November, 11am to 2pm
- Lough Moss Leisure Centre: Tuesday 1 December, 11am to 2pm
- Maghaberry Community Centre: Tuesday 8 December, 11am to 2pm
Whether you donate or choose a pre-loved gift, you can help a toy begin a new story, bring joy to a local family and make Christmas a little more sustainable. Check your toy boxes, visit a shop and be part of something special this festive season.
Find out more at: lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk/w/christmastoyscheme