Toronto mother starts company that sells toys for significantly less than retail price
Stacey Greenberg was working a corporate job when the pandemic hit but, within weeks, found herself laid off and looking for a new venture.
A mother of a toddler, Greenberg had previously taken issue with the amount of packaging and rampant consumerism that came with purchasing new children's toys.
“The amount of packaging around toys shocked me when [my daughter] was born — we got deliveries from Amazon and they would be a box in a box in a package and plastic-wrapped,” Greenberg told CTV News Toronto on Thursday. “The waste just kind of drove me wild.”
“I was also quite surprised at how quickly little kids go through things — either developmentally or just because they lose interest — my daughter has the attention span of a tsetse fly,” she said.
With newfound time on her hands, Greenberg said she wanted to revolutionize how parents could buy their children toys in Toronto.
So, in April, she launched Ode to Toy.
“Ode to Toy is a website where we sell preloved and new kids toys, books and sporting goods for up to 70 per cent off retail prices,” she said. “Everything is under $100 and ready for your kids to love.”
Greenberg says she tests all the toys, completes all the puzzles and lego sets to make sure pieces aren’t missing and sanitizes everything before it goes out.
Ode to Toy also features baby bundles, which include six to eight items, curated by age and developmental stage.
“I worked with an [early childhood educator] to do that and make sure everything's developmentally appropriate,” she said.
Based out of St. Clair Avenue West and Dufferin Street, Ode to Toy isn’t just a way to purchase childrens’ toys on the cheap — the company will also buy your preloved items for cashback, store credit or as a donation to a local charity.
“They can choose to donate their money to one of our charitable partners that we work with and, if they do, I will kick in an additional 10 per cent,” Greenberg said.
In the past, those donations have gone to organizations such as the Children’s Book Bank, Sistering and Birth Mark.
Since launching, Greenberg says she has seen a welcoming and positive reaction to her company.
“People really love the idea,” she said. “I think, as new parents who are money-starved and time-starved, this really checks off boxes.”
As for Greenberg, she is finding value in matching children with new-to-them toys and supporting her community.
“I really feel it's important that everybody has access to quality toys that don't break the bank [and] that make our kids happy,” she said.
“If I can do even a little bit to help families feel some joy, that brings me joy.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.