While perusing the latest technology news in my role as a professional technology writer, I came across something interesting, a company called Toygaroo that bills itself as the Netflix of toys. Apparently, the online toy rental company was featured on a TV show that I haven’t seen called Shark Tank. The idea behind the show is that entrepreneurs pitch their ideas and then investors decide whether or not to invest in the company. Two investors, including Mark Cuban, chose to invest in the company. I mention this, because it reduces — but does not eliminate — the chances of this being a fly by night scam.
I have not signed up for Toygaroo yet, but it is an interesting concept that I will definitely dig into more deeply. Basically, you sign up for a toy rental plan, and then like at Netflix, you put toys into a “pouch” or queue. They send you the first shipment of toys on your list and then every two months, you box up the toys and ship them back. At that time, they send you the next available toys on your list.
The prices are not cheap, which is why I need to look more in-depth before I would feel comfortable giving parenting tips about using this toy service.
The cheapest Toygaroo plan is called the Joey Package an gives you four toys at a time. This toy renting package costs $24.99. Shipping is free both to your home and when you ship the toys back. There is also a Flyer Package with six rented toys at a time and a Boomer Package that offers eight toys at a time. These are priced at $32.99 and $42.99, respectively.
Is Toygaroo a Good Value?
To get a good deal out of Toygaroo, you need to pick the right toys. More specifically, you need to not pick the “wrong” toys.
For example, there are some Melissa and Doug chunky puzzles offered. These are good toys for kids. They are wooden puzzles with thick pieces you can play with on their own if you ever get bored of just putting the dinosaurs in their spot, for example. But, you can buy the Melissa and Doug Dinosaur Chunky Puzzle for just $9.99 normally, and less if you find a sale or Melissa and Doug coupon. In other words, for the price of renting four such puzzles, you could actually OWN two.
Is Toygaroo a Scam?
Of course, there is no reason you have to rent four puzzles and that is sort of the point. If you pick the right toys at the right time, Toygaroo can be a great deal. If not, then Toygaroo is not a good deal. Either way, Toygaroo is not a scam, and one certainly wouldn’t say Toygaroo sucks, however, you would want to manage it properly to make sure that you are getting the most value for your money. Otherwise, you will be better off just looking for good deals on toys and buying them yourself.

There are several of the Hello Kitty characters offered including the bunny rabbit and the black cat, in addition to the most recognized Hello Kitty face. These are cheapo kids watches, of course, but they seemed to go over just fine with my four-year old. A quick