We keep toys out of the landfill and clutter out of your home through our toy lending library.
Serving Philadelphia families with children ages 0-8.
who we are
Our Story
Hi, I’m Krystal and I am the founder and owner of Rutabaga Toy Library. I live in the East Falls neighborhood of Philadelphia with my husband, Pedro, and our kids Pedrito and Alma.
I opened Rutabaga Toy Library in 2019 to provide affordable, eco-friendly access to toys and a gathering space for kids and their grownups.
How it began
Rutabaga began as Rutabaga Circle, when I had a toddler and new baby, and was looking for ways to connect with other families in the neighborhood. I hosted meetups and classes in various establishments around the neighborhood and soon caregivers started asking for more and more gathering opportunities. I realized we needed a permanent space where grownups and children could gather, so I opened Rutabaga Toy Library in the fall of 2019.
How the Toy Library Idea came about
It doesn’t take very long after becoming a parent (or even before) to realize how much material waste is involved in raising a family. As a new mom, I began learning about low-waste alternatives to parenting and came across an article about a toy library in Austin, Texas. Their space served as a gathering space for families, while also providing an alternate path for families to share resources instead of always buying new. I decided this was a perfect way to support families in Philadelphia and Rutabaga Toy Library was officially born!
We’re so thrilled to be supporting families in Philadelphia by providing low-waste alternatives and opportunities to connect!
If you have any questions, you can reach us at hello@rutabagaphilly.com.
Content from original about page, leaving in case you want to use any of the pictures/text.
When Krystal’s first child, Pedrito, was 3 weeks old she attended her first breastfeeding support group.
She went every week, even in snow and rain, to get advice, support others, and celebrate the little victories (like a glorious 4-hour stretch of sleep the night before). This socialization with other women brought her comfort during this vulnerable time and friendships bloomed. A few women became Krystal’s tribe and eased the isolation she felt. She was safe to share her questions, doubts, and fears. Eventually, this group of new mothers with babies close in age called themselves “Team Mama.” Team Mama supported each other in every way. Krystal is certain she is a happier, confident, and better parent because of them. After five years, countless group messages, a gaggle of siblings, moves out of the state and even one out of the country, they still support each other through parenthood.
After Krystal’s daughter was born, getting to other neighborhoods became difficult.
At the same time, she was diagnosed with postpartum anxiety and struggled with the challenges of balancing work and home life. Once again, gathering with other caregivers in these vulnerable times was immensely helpful. Krystal started to notice the babies in her neighborhood of East Falls, they were everywhere - strollers, baby carriers, baby bike seats - it was hard to walk a few blocks without running into a family with small children. But there weren’t many opportunities to connect with these families, so she made it her mission to bring together families in and around her neighborhood, and started Rutabaga Circle.
Rutabaga Circle offered play groups, meetups, and classes to caregivers.
Being active in her community has always been important to Krystal. She has served on the executive boards of the East Falls Community Council and Friends of Thomas Mifflin School, so starting Rutabaga Circle was a way she could make a real impact in her neighborhood. Rutabaga Circle became a nomadic tribe, meeting in a coffee shop, yoga studio or at parks. The meetups and classes drew families from all over Northwest Philadelphia and caregivers started asking for more and more gathering opportunities. Realizing the need for a more permanent space where grownups and children can gather, Krystal opened Rutabaga Toy Library in the fall of 2019.