Preston's preloved toy fair offers families a different way to shop for Christmas
A weekend toy fair near Preston offers families an alternative to paying full price for Christmas presents.
St Catherine's Hospice is holding its preloved Toy Fair on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 November 2026 in the Garden Room at the hospice on Lostock Lane, Lostock Hall, Preston. The charity is inviting shoppers to browse quality second hand toys, with proceeds supporting its work. Saturday's opening hours are 10am to 4pm; Sunday's are 10am to 3pm. The organisers say no appointment is needed, and both cash and card payments are accepted.
For parents, a toy fair offers more than a bargain hunt. It is a chance to judge a toy's condition in person, look for complete games or building sets, and choose presents according to a child's interests rather than a heavily advertised trend. A carefully selected board game or a well-maintained set of figures can be wrapped and enjoyed just as a new purchase would be.
Preston has another route to reuse.
Lancashire County Council's reuse360 shop at the Preston recycling centre opens Wednesday to Sunday, from 10am to 4pm. Its reuse shops sell categories including toys, books, clothing, bicycles and some nursery equipment. The council says items are assessed for suitability, safety and cleanliness before sale, with additional checks on certain equipment. Stock varies, so a visit is about discovering what is available rather than expecting a particular product.
Shopping secondhand does require a little care. Check that toys are age-appropriate, that pieces and instructions are present where needed, and that there are no damaged battery compartments, broken edges or recalled products. Safety-critical baby equipment needs particular caution: the council does not resell child car seats or cot mattresses, and parents should not buy a used car seat without being certain of its history and suitability.
Local events and shops work alongside online options. On Kidora, families can browse listings from other UK parents for preloved children's toys, books, clothing, baby essentials and sometimes unused gifts that were never opened. Some items may be offered free for local collection, while other listings have collection or supported delivery options depending on the seller. Buyers can compare descriptions, photographs and prices before deciding, with applicable costs and buyer protection shown in the checkout process.
The marketplace was founded by Karolina Gudes, a mum of two, with the aim of making it easier for families to keep children's things in use as their needs change. Sellers keep the full listed item price without seller fees, making it a practical option for parents passing items on as well.
Neither the hospice event nor the council's reuse shop is connected to Kidora.
Together, however, they offer a useful reminder for Preston families: Christmas shopping can support a local cause, reduce waste and stretch a budget without taking away the excitement of giving.