Got Questions? We've Got Answers!

Welcome to our FAQ hub, where you’ll find answers to all your burning questions about Rutabaga Toy Library! Whether you’re curious about membership options, toy reservations, or our community initiatives, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list to help you get all the information you need.

Click the arrows beside the questions below to learn more about how we make playtime magical and sustainable!

I’ve never heard of a toy library. How does it work?

Think of us as a book library, but way more fun—because toys! 🚀 When you sign up for a membership, be it monthly or longer, you get to borrow four toys at a time and swap them as often as you'd like. Plus, your membership includes free playtime whenever we're open. It’s all the fun of new toys, none of the clutter at home!

Do I have to commit to a long-term membership?

Flexibility is key at Rutabaga! Choose our month-to-month membership with no long-term commitments—just turn off auto-renew whenever you like. Looking for more? Opt for a 6-month membership and snag a 10% discount, or go all-in with a yearly membership to enjoy a 15% saving. Plus, all members get a 10% discount on parties and camps. It’s all about finding the perfect fit for your family’s fun!

I have more than one child. Do I have to pay extra?

Nope, no extra charge per child here! One family membership covers your entire crew, starting with 4 toys. Need more playthings? No problem! You can add more toys in increments of 2 for just $10 per set. It's all about what's right for your family!

Will my child find toys they love at Rutabaga?

Absolutely! With over 1500 items catering to ages 0-10+ across every category of play, we’re confident you’ll find something your child will adore. Why not come and explore for yourself? Your first play session at Rutabaga is on us—totally free! Plus, you can peek at our full inventory right here to search our entire library online. For a daily dose of fun, don't miss our #ToyOfTheDay posts on Instagram!

Will we find the latest and greatest toys on the market at Rutabaga?

At Rutabaga, we take a different approach to toy selection that doesn't focus on chasing the latest trends. Here’s why:

  • Conscious Consumerism: We steer clear of the consumerism hype, choosing sustainability over fleeting trends.
  • Developmental Value: We believe in the power of classic toys that have proven time and again to be effective in aiding children's developmental milestones.
  • Durability Over Trends: Our focus is on well-made toys designed to last, rather than trendy toys that may not endure the test of time.
  • Inclusive Play: While we do have some character and branded toys, our collection primarily features items that cater to a wide range of children’s interests, promoting open-ended play.
  • Fresh Finds: We rotate our inventory frequently, ensuring that there’s always something new-to-you to discover and borrow.
By choosing Rutabaga, you’re not just borrowing toys; you’re becoming part of a community committed to thoughtful, inclusive, and sustainable play.

How do I sign up for a membership?

Ready to dive into a world of fun? Here's how to get started:

  1. Step 1: Choose your membership term. Pick from month-to-month, 6-month, or 12-month options to best suit your family’s needs.
  2. Step 2: Create your member profile online. It’s quick and easy!
  3. Step 3: Sign the member agreement and add a payment method to your account. This step ensures you understand all the fun details and sets up a seamless borrowing process.
Signing up online is great because you can have everything set up before you even step foot in our library. But don't worry—if you prefer in-person assistance, we're more than happy to help you get registered right here at Rutabaga!

How does reserving toys work at Rutabaga?

You can easily reserve toys in advance by logging into your Member Login and finding the Reserve button. Then you’ll browse our catalog and complete the reservation steps. Reserve your favorites and pick them up anywhere from 1 day to 1 week later. If you encounter any issues while making a reservation or have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out to us at MemberSupport@RutabagaPhilly.com or call (267) 297-5293 during business hours. We’re always here to ensure your experience is smooth and enjoyable!

What if I live too far from Rutabaga to visit often?

We understand that distance can be a challenge. While we don't have plans to open new locations, we're exploring ways to bring Rutabaga closer to you through neighborhood drop-points or by partnering with community members who can transport reservations. These community members, our 'Neighborhood Ambassadors', receive a free membership in return for their help. Interested in becoming an ambassador or want to suggest this service in your area? Complete this form (coming soon!) to show your interest and share your ideas!

What if we break or lose a toy?

Accidents happen! Here’s the scoop: We give you time to find those sneaky missing pieces. If something’s lost for good or broken but the toy still works, it’s just ~$1. If it’s kaput, you simply pay a small fee that’s comparable to the price of a used toy.

Do we have to clean the toys before returning them?

While we sanitize every toy upon return, we ask that families take a moment to clean the toys before bringing them back, especially removing any food gunk or pet hair. Please remember to wash any fabric items, like baby carriers and activity mats, according to their care instructions. That said, we understand that parenting is HARD, and sometimes returning the toys with all the pieces is the best you can do! If the toys come back needing a bit more attention, we’ll take care of the cleaning for a small fee of $1 to $4, depending on their adventures.

How do you ensure toys are clean and germ-free?

Curious about our cleaning magic? Click here to learn more.

I'm having out-of-town visitor. Can I borrow toys for them?

Borrowing toys for your grandkids or friends who have young ones is a wonderful idea to offer your guests. This allows them to travel without worrying about toys and activities to keep their kids entertained. We also have a small selection of baby gear for the littest visitor! Check out our 10-day mini-membership for $25—perfect for short visits. Email us at MemberSupport@RutabagaPhilly.com for details.

Does Rutabaga accept toy donations?

We ♥️ donations! Many of our treasures are wonderfully pre-loved. If you’re thinking about donating, please take a peek at our donation guidelines to see what types of items we're currently seeking. For those who'd like to contribute something new, check out our Rutabaga wishlist (coming soon) where you can buy items that we've handpicked for the library. We might not offer credit, but your donation will bring lots of joy to our community. Got something to give or want more details? Shoot us an email at hello@RutabagaPhilly.com.

What happens to donations that aren't put in the library?

Not all donations fit into our library collection, so they head to Rutabaga RePlay, our second-hand shop. Here, you can find perfect gifts and unique finds. Each purchase supports our Scholarship Fund, helping families enjoy our toys through subsidized memberships. Shopping or donating at RePlay? You’re making play accessible for everyone!

Can I give a Toy Library membership as a gift?

Gifting fun from near or afar is easy with a few thoughtful options! You can purchase an eGift Card, which we'll email directly to the caregiver for flexible use. If the recipient is already a member, you can call us to add funds directly to their existing membership account. But for a truly memorable gift, choose our Membership Gift Bundle: purchase a gift card and let us help you pick out the first set of toys. We'll wrap them up beautifully, and the caregiver can pick them up. When it’s time for new toys, the child can visit Rutabaga to exchange them—it's the gift that keeps on giving!

How do I use a gift card for a membership?

Got a Rutabaga gift card? Email us at MemberSupport@RutabagaPhilly.com or call (267) 297-5293 during business hours, and we’ll add the funds to your membership.

Have more questions? Feel free to email us anytime at MemberSupport@RutabagaPhilly.com!