Families in Teddington and surrounding parts of Richmond Borough are being invited to try a completely free seven-day challenge to sort through outgrown children's belongings before Christmas.

Called Outgrown, Not Wasted, the initiative encourages parents to look again at the clothes, toys, books, shoes and baby equipment their children no longer use, rather than leaving perfectly good items forgotten in cupboards.

The idea is to make clearing out less overwhelming by tackling one category of belongings each day.

The first six days cover children's clothing, toys, books, baby equipment, shoes and accessories, and larger items. On the final day, families decide what should happen to everything they have sorted.

There are five possible outcomes for each item: keep it, pass it on to another family, donate it, recycle it responsibly or sell it.

The challenge was created by Karolina Gudes, a mum of two from Broughton in North Wales and founder of Kidora, a UK family platform focused on helping parents.

It was inspired by her own experience of finding bags of useful children's belongings that had been put aside as her children grew.

Speaking about the initiative, Gudes said: "A clear-out doesn't have to mean throwing everything away. Sometimes it is about rediscovering a favourite book, keeping something for a younger sibling or finding another family who could use it."

Teddington already has examples of how children's belongings can be given another life.

FARA Kids Teddington, based on the High Street, sells a selection of children's clothing, toys and nursery accessories, including pre-loved items. It provides a local example of families choosing second-hand belongings rather than always buying new.



Elsewhere in the borough, The Extra Mile works with health professionals, social workers and charities to provide essential items for children whose families need support.

Richmond Council highlights The Extra Mile as an organisation that can make use of suitable donations, including certain baby equipment and children's books. Families should contact the organisation first to check its current needs.

Both organisations operate independently of Outgrown, Not Wasted, but their work demonstrates why suitable children's belongings do not always need to be thrown away.

With Christmas approaching, the challenge also gives parents an opportunity to check toy boxes and wardrobes before more presents arrive.

Children can take part by helping choose which books and games they still enjoy and which suitable items they might like another child to have.

Parents are encouraged to take particular care with baby equipment. Products should be checked for damage, missing parts, safety warnings and recalls before being donated, sold or passed on.

Kidora operates a UK parent-to-parent marketplace for preloved baby and children's items, with local collection and nationwide delivery. However, the challenge is not dependent on buying or selling anything.

Every family can take part completely free, without registering or creating an account.

Printable seven-day checklists, posters and ready-made resources are available for families, schools, nurseries, PTAs and community groups to use and share.

The challenge can begin on any day, with families working at their own pace.

More information can be found here.