Toy library with a small storefront

Families with young children, grandparents, daycares and preschools, and parents booking play sessions or small parties.

Membership fees, drop-in play passes, party or classroom bookings, and optionally selling a few new toys.

• Running a small public space
• Managing inventory and cleaning routines
• Marketing to local parents

• Commercial lease terms, and zoning or occupancy rules for a space where children play
• General liability insurance covering children on your premises
• Check CPSC recalls and toy safety standards for items you lend or sell
• If you serve food at parties, check health department rules
• Check state sales tax registration if you sell toys or charge taxable fees
• Whether a nonprofit setup might suit you better, and what it would involve

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on your lease, shelving, toy stock and play area setup. Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $3,000 to $12,000 from memberships, play sessions and parties.

Things to check include commercial lease terms, zoning and occupancy rules for a space where children play, and general liability insurance covering children on your premises. Also check CPSC recalls and toy safety standards, health department rules if you serve food, and state sales tax registration.

Useful skills include running a small public space, managing inventory and cleaning routines, and marketing to local parents. Estimates suggest planning for at least about 25 hours a week, since members drop in and you may host play sessions and parties.