A group of local mums in Eynsham are helping families save money and reduce clothing waste through a thriving Kids Clothes Swap Shop that has already kept thousands of baby and children’s garments in circulation.
Across the UK, an estimated 183 million items of outgrown baby clothes sit unused in homes, while the average British family spends around £11,000 a year on childrenswear.
Determined to tackle both issues locally, a group of around 20 mums launched the Kids Clothes Swap Shop at St Leonard’s Church more than three years ago.
The swap shop runs every other month and attracts families from across West Oxfordshire.
Parents bring along clothes their children have grown out of and take home items they need next, creating a simple, welcoming and affordable way to refresh wardrobes as children grow.
Since the initiative began, more than 18,000 items of children’s clothing have been donated, with nearly 12,000 items taken home by families. The project has supported around 240 families, including 77 who joined for the first time in 2025 alone.
Demand continues to grow, largely through word of mouth, and organisers believe there are still many families they could support, particularly parents with newborns. Any surplus clothing left after each event is donated to local baby banks, where good-quality baby clothes are in constant demand.
To help the project continue and expand, the group is now aiming to raise £750. The funds will be used to replace broken storage boxes, print leaflets to reach more families, and make a contribution to St Leonard’s Church, which generously provides the venue.
Organisers hope increased local awareness will not only help them reach their fundraising target but also highlight how much unused children’s clothing exists within the community — and how swapping can help families save money while reducing waste.
The next Kids Clothes Swap Shops will take place on Saturday 24 January and Saturday 28 March, both in the morning, at St Leonard’s Church, Eynsham.
