International Children's Day is just on the corner, and many parents are thinking about what gifts to buy for their children. In Beijing, parents have found a way to please their children without having to worry about spending a lot of money.
Zhuangzhuang is two years old. His toys are piled up in his room. Zhuangzhuang's mother doesn't want to buy more toys, so she rented some from a nearby toy shop.
Zhuangzhuang's mother said "Lending toys can save a lot of money. I just have to pay around a thousand yuan a year and my son can play with various toys. "
Zhangzhuang's mother also says her son takes more care of borrowed toys than his own.
Zhuangzhuang's mother said "I told him that these toys were borrowed from the auntie in the shop, and other children will also play with them when zhuangzhuang returns them. So he is not rough with the toys."
Shops are renting a wide variety of toys, from picture puzzles to large toy houses and cars.
One shop assistant said "You just have to spend one thousand yuan for toys worth around 40-thousand yuan."
Although borrowing toys is cost-efficient, parents still have their concerns.
Zhuangzhuang's mother said "My concern is weather the toys are clean enough. I also worry that my son may break the toys."
Many parents say they hope the toy lending shops frequently sanitize and update their products and improve regulations.
Toys lending is not a new thing in China, but many lending shops have closed due to poor business. Experts say China has a huge potential for a toy leasing industry, but stores should make sure the toys are clean and in good condition, and what should happen if a toy is broken.
(CCTV June 1, 2009)
