In today’s fast-paced world, ensuring that children have access to a variety of educational and entertaining toys can be challenging. Parents want to provide their kids with the best tools for development, but purchasing a multitude of toys can be expensive and often results in cluttered homes.

Enter The Elefant, a revolutionary app that transforms how parents manage their children’s playtime by offering a subscription-based toy rental service for kids aged 0-12. The platform offers a selection of toys and books, sourced from over 70 top brands with over 600 options. The company is operational in 16 cities and has over 13,000 registered users and 1,000 fully paid subscribers in less than 10 months since its launch.

The need for innovation in toy libraries

In the past, parents had limited options to buy toys for their children and primarily depended on traditional toy shops. However, these conventional toy stores come with various limitations.

First and foremost is the inconvenience of physical visits. Most parents often struggle to take their children to a brick-and-mortar toy library as they have a fixed time of operation and it might also be more expensive.

Furthermore, the choices are limited, and the toys might not always cater to the evolving choices of today's tech-savvy generation. As per the studies, 27% of parents observed that their children lost interest in a toy in the first 11 hours of play. Thus parents have to buy new toys every few days.

Modern-day problems require innovative solutions and there the toy libraries started, bridging the gap between traditional toy libraries and modern demands, providing children access to a treasure trove of toys. Toy libraries serve a vast collection of toys where children can explore, experiment, and learn through play.

It provides a user-friendly platform, simplifies the toy selection process, and delivers flexible subscription options to match the diverse needs of parents and their children.

Why The Elefant?

The Elefant was born out of the desire to make high-quality toys accessible, affordable, and sustainable. Here are the key factors that make The Elefant an essential service for modern families:

1. Cost-Effective Access to Quality Toys

One of the primary advantages of The Elefant is the cost savings it offers. Instead of purchasing expensive toys that children may quickly outgrow or lose interest in, parents can subscribe to The Elefant and rent a variety of toys for a fraction of the cost. This subscription model allows families to enjoy a constant rotation of new toys without breaking the bank.

2. Clutter-Free Homes

Toys have a way of taking over living spaces, creating clutter and chaos. The Elefant helps manage this by allowing parents to return toys once their children have outgrown or lost interest in them. This way, homes stay organized and free from the accumulation of unused toys.

3. Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility

In an era where sustainability is a growing concern, The Elefant offers an eco-friendly alternative to the traditional toy industry. By promoting the reuse of toys, The Elefant reduces waste and the environmental impact associated with the production and disposal of toys.

4. Curated Toy Selection

The Elefant prides itself on offering a curated selection of high-quality, educational, and developmentally appropriate toys. Each toy in the library is carefully chosen to ensure it meets the needs of children at various developmental stages, from infants to Twelve-year-olds. This means parents can trust that the toys they receive are not only fun but also beneficial for their child’s growth and learning.

5. Convenience and Flexibility

With The Elefant, convenience is key. The app makes it easy for parents to browse the toy library, select toys, and manage their subscriptions. Toys are delivered directly to their doorstep, and returning them is just as simple. The flexible subscription plans allow parents to choose the frequency of toy exchanges, ensuring they always have new and exciting toys on hand.

6. Hygiene and Safety Assurance

Parents can rest assured that all toys rented through The Elefant are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized between uses. The company follows strict hygiene protocols to ensure that every toy is safe and ready for the next child to enjoy.

7. Encouraging Shared Play and Learning

The Elefant encourages shared play and learning experiences among children. By offering a variety of toys that promote cooperative play, problem-solving, and creativity, the app helps foster important social and cognitive skills.

Getting started with The Elefant is simple:

Building Libraries across India

Who Can Start an Online Toy Library Business?

The beauty of an online toy library business is its inclusive nature, welcoming enthusiastic individuals from various walks of life. If you are a woman who possesses a passion for promoting playful learning and has a flair for entrepreneurship, you are the perfect candidate to embark on this exciting journey. Here are some profiles of women who can thrive in the world of online toy libraries:

Aspiring Entrepreneurs: If you dream of running your own business and making a positive impact on children's lives, starting an online toy library can be an excellent avenue to unleash your entrepreneurial spirit.

Stay-at-Home Mothers: For stay-at-home mothers seeking a flexible and fulfilling career, running an online toy library from the comfort of the home provides the perfect balance between family life and professional aspirations.

Educators and Childcare Providers: Teachers, preschool owners, and childcare providers already have a passion for children's development and learning. An online toy library business complements their existing expertise, enhancing the learning experience for young minds.

Community Builders: Aspiring entrepreneurs who thrive in building vibrant communities can use an online toy library as a platform to connect families, educators, and children in a joyful ecosystem.

Regardless of your background or profession, the online toy library business welcomes women who share a common goal: to create a world where children can explore, learn, and grow through the magic of play. These are some things to consider if you want to set up a library for your community!

The Future of Play

We are excited to announce that we co-led the seed round for The Elefant along with Venture Catalysts and other investors. We are thrilled to partner with them to transform the way families think about play!

By providing a cost-effective, convenient, and sustainable toy rental service, The Elefant ensures that children have access to a diverse range of high-quality toys that support their development and learning.

Join The Elefant today and discover the joy of a clutter-free home and endless play possibilities for your kids.