Halswell Toy Library is a non-profit toy library run by volunteers, based at Oaklands School, 37 Cunningham Place, in Halswell, Christchurch. The website says it lends toys for children aged 0 to 10. Toys are hired for two weeks, from $0.50 to $2 each as at 2026, and weekend party packs start at $10 as at 2026. Overdue toys incur a fee for each week, paid when the toy is returned. If a toy is damaged, the library asks people to call so it can see whether it can be fixed or replaced.
Membership is either duty, at $60 as at 2026 for seven hours of help during the year, or non-duty, at $120 as at 2026. Grandparent membership is $10 as at 2026, limited to three visits. Memberships run for three, six or twelve months, and can be bought at any time. Volunteers help on Wednesdays and Saturdays, counting and checking returned toys. Customers say the membership options are clear and the duty discount is good, and they praise the huge selection and the low prices. One customer hired a large soft play set for a first birthday party. Our pick in Halswell for families who want a wide toy range at low cost.