2024 Nest + Sprout Costume Swap

Each year, Canadians purchase millions of Halloween costumes, but the environmental impact is far from sweet. Most of these costumes come wrapped in non-recyclable plastic, and a staggering 40% are worn only once. Even more concerning, about 83% of Halloween costumes are made from non-recyclable plastic fibers. This creates a frightening mix of waste and pollution, contributing significantly to environmental harm.

At Nest + Sprout, we believe that Halloween can be both fun and eco-friendly. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce our Costume Swap program, designed to offer a sustainable alternative to single-use costumes while fostering community spirit and reducing waste.

Our costume swap will work with parents dropping off costumes at the shop during September and then receiving a voucher they can use in October towards a new costume.  By participating, you’re not only finding great costumes but also helping to reduce waste and make Halloween more sustainable.

Swap with Confidence: At Nest + Sprout, we understand that swapping costumes should be fair and straightforward. To ensure a seamless experience, we will maintain consistent pricing across all costume types and styles. This means that when you swap one costume for another, you'll receive equal value for your donation. We also recognize that accessories can be valuable, so whether you’re exchanging a full costume or just some great accessories, you can be confident that the value will be balanced.

If you don’t find a perfect fit during the swap, you can redeem your voucher for store credit, just like our consignment process, to use on other items in our store. Our goal is to provide value and flexibility, making sure you leave with something you love.

How It Works

Step 1: Drop Off Your Costumes

• Bring in your gently used, clean costumes for baby and kids
• Drop-offs accepted from September 10th, 2024 to October 3rd, 2024
• Costumes must be in good condition (no stains, rips, or missing pieces).
• We reserve the right to limit the number of costume donations per person.
• You may drop off good condition costumes for donation. 

Step 2: Receive Your Swap Voucher

• After drop-off, you’ll receive a swap voucher via email.
• Your voucher will reflect the full value of your costume credit to spend in October on a new-to-you costume for your kids.

Step 3: Shop the Costume Swap

• Starting the evening of Friday, October 4, 2024, bring your swap voucher to Nest + Sprout. Redeem during our Swap Night, or at your leisure throughout the month of October.
  
• Use your voucher to select new costumes and accessories from the swap collection.

Step 4: Voucher Redemption Options

• If you don’t use your voucher during the swap period, you can:
• Redeem the remaining balance for store credit at 50% of the value after November 1, 2024.
• Vouchers expire on November 15, 2024, after which they will be forfeited. We thank you for your donation.

Important Dates:

• Drop-off Period: September 10 to October 3, 2024
• Costumes Swap Night: October 4, 2024
• Voucher Expiry: November 15, 2024

Questions? Contact us at shop@nestandsprout.ca or visit www.nestandsprout.ca for more details.

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Nest + Sprout Costume Swap FAQs

1. What types of costumes or accessories can I donate?
   You can donate baby and kids’ costumes that are gently used, clean, and in good condition. Costumes must be free of stains, rips, or missing pieces. You can also drop off costume accessories such as gently used wings, masks, and headwear. 
   
   Please ensure products have been CLEANED. 

2. How many costumes can I drop off?
   Please consider a 1:1 ratio for drop off - we will accept additional items for general donation and upcycling, or store credit. 
   
   
3. Can I donate costumes even if I don’t want a swap voucher?
   Yes! If you don’t need a voucher, you can still drop off costumes for donation to help others in the community. We will donate proceeds from the swap to REAPS, and share vouchers with members in need throughout the community.
   
   
4. Can I drop off costumes after October 3, 2024?
   Yes! After October 3rd, costumes will be purchased on the consignment model, just like other drop offs. We will call for a hard stop on costumes October 25, 2024. You may drop off dress-up and other general children’s clothing afterwards. 
   
   
5. When will I receive my swap voucher?
   You’ll receive your swap voucher via email shortly after you drop off your costumes. This will usually happen within a few days of your drop-off.  Or pick up in store. 
   
   
6. How is the swap voucher value determined?
   The voucher will reflect the full value of the costumes you’ve donated. The exact value will depend on the condition, quality, and type of costumes you provide. We will be building our database and details throughout the weeks. This is our first year! 
   
   
7. Can I use my voucher to purchase anything in the store?
   Your voucher can be exchanged for store credit. Just like our consignment process, you will receive 50% of the value of your costume in store credit, to spend in store on new products, or other consignment items. 
   
   
8. When can I shop the Costume Swap?
   The Costume Swap begins on the evening of Friday, October 4, 2024 at exclusive launch night from 6-9pm. During this time, only swap voucher holders can shop the costume collection.
   
   
9. What happens if I don’t use my entire voucher?
   If you have leftover credit on your voucher after the swap period, you can redeem it as:

• Store credit at 50% of its value until November 15, 2024.

10. When do vouchers expire?
    Vouchers must be redeemed by November 15, 2024. After this date, any remaining voucher balance will be forfeited.
    
    
11. Can I combine multiple swap vouchers?
    Yes, you can combine swap vouchers if you’ve made multiple costume donations.
    
    
12. What happens to costumes that aren’t swapped?
    Any costumes that aren’t swapped during swap night will be made available for public purchase. Remaining costumes after October 31, 2024 will be stored until next year - we will look to post items for online purchase, but remove them from the sales floor. 
    
    
13. How does the swap benefit the community?
    This swap helps reduce waste by encouraging costume reuse. 
    
    
14. How do I redeem my voucher? You can redeem your swap voucher by visiting Nest + Sprout between October 4 and October 31, 2024, and selecting new-to-you costumes and accessories from the swap collection. Visit the shop early, for the best collection. Vouchers can only be used in store, during this time. 
    
    
15. Do I need to use my voucher all at once?
    No, you don’t need to use your entire voucher at once. However, once the Costume Swap period ends, any remaining balance will be subject to store credit redemption rules.