The BIG Christmas Toy Exchange is BACK!
Gift a toy and make a child's or teen's Christmas - Donate a toy today!
Be part of the Christmas magic this year.
Christmas is a special time for making memories, but for many children and young people across Bristol, it can also be a difficult time. With your help, we can make it brighter.
The Big Christmas Toy Exchange is back, supporting the Lord Mayor of Bristolās Childrenās Appeal to bring joy to local children and young people who need it most.
Bristol is one of the UKās most prosperous cities, yet it has the highest proportion of young people living in poverty in the South West. Every donation can help make Christmas feel a little more special for a child or teenager who might otherwise go without.
How To Donate
Simply drop off a new, unwrapped gift at any of our Active Lifestyle Centres before 7th December.
This year, weāre especially encouraging donations for teenagers (ages 13ā18), who often receive fewer gifts than younger children.
Taking part is simple, and every gift makes a difference.
1. Choose a gift
Pick a new, unwrapped toy or gift for a child or teenager aged up to 17. From books and creative activities to sports equipment and accessories, there are plenty of ways to spread some Christmas cheer.
Not sure what to donate? Here are some great ideas:
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Pyjama sets
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Toiletries & self-care items
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Sports gear or accessories
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Headphones or books
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Art & craft sets
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Jewellery or small personal gifts
(Please avoid food items and anything requiring batteries or extra equipment.)
Bring your new, unwrapped gift to a participating Active Lifestyle Centre during the campaign. Our team will help make sure your donation is ready to support the appeal.
Your generosity will help bring smiles, create happy memories and make the festive season brighter for children and young people across Bristol.
A quick reminder: All gifts must be new and unwrapped. Please don’t donate food or items that require batteries or compatible equipment.
A little thank you for your kindness
Every donation helps make a difference, and we’d love to thank you for getting involved.
Enter our prize draw
As a thank you for your generosity, donors can enter our prize draw for the chance to win a six-month Active Lifestyle Centre membership.
Enjoy a free gym trial
Fancy trying something new this Christmas? Toy donors (18+) can also receive a one-day free gym trial pass.
To activate your pass, call 0300 333 0300 or pop into an Active Lifestyle Centre.
Thinking about joining us?
If you’re ready to make a start on your fitness goals, we’re offering no joining fee when you join using the promotional code TOY26.
Where can I donate?
You can drop off your gift at a participating Active Lifestyle Centre, making it easy to support the appeal while visiting your local gym or leisure centre.
A quick reminder: All gifts must be new and unwrapped. Please don’t donate food or items that require batteries or compatible equipment.
Every donation helps bring a smile to a child or teen who needs it most.
Donate a Toy. Spread the Joy.
šDrop off locations: All Active Lifestyle Centres
šļø Donation deadline: 7th December 2026
š Together with The Lord Mayor of Bristolās Children Appeal š
Prefer to make a monetary donation?
Alongside physical gifts, you can also support the Lord Mayor of Bristolās Childrenās Appeal with a monetary donation.
Monetary donations help provide families with vouchers for essentials such as food and toiletries, supporting those who need a little extra help over the festive period.
Scan the QR code in centres to donate directly to the appeal.
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