Toyarama is back.

The Rotary Club of Ōamaru’s Bookarama spin-off, is returning on Friday after a successful debut last year.

The second-hand toy sale made about $5000 towards good causes in its inaugural year, and while that isn’t close to the $50,000-ish Bookarama brings in, raising money isn’t the only goal, organiser Ele Ludemann says.

“Toys are different from books, and part of this isn't just the money we make, but the fact that people can buy gifts that maybe they couldn't afford otherwise.

“And the quality’s great.”

Toys range from sports gear, bikes and Matchbox cars still in their boxes, to dolls, soft toys and dress-ups.

Last year’s Toyarama ran on Saturday and Sunday, but this year Ele says they decided to open on the Friday and Saturday instead.

“Last year we opened on the day of the Christmas parade, but we decided, because it was like sardines when we opened, and we also thought that people might need to come without children, we're doing it the day before the parade.” 

Doors at the former Camerons building at 137 Thames Street, will be open from 10am to 7pm on Friday, and 10am to 4pm on Saturday.

While toys are piling up for this weekend, Ele says they are always looking for more. 

“Just like Bookarama, we never say no, because we've got storage. So if it's too late to sell this year, we can sell it next year.”