In a creative new collaboration between Familjebostäder in Gothenburg, the Toy Library (Leksaksbiblioteket), and Piffl, a new Pifflbox has been launched in Eriksbo, Gothenburg.
The colourful sharing station allows local families and young people to borrow toys and sports equipment completely free of charge, at any time of day. The initiative is part of a larger European research project supported by Digital Kiosks, which explores how sharing solutions can make neighbourhoods more sustainable and inclusive.
The activity box includes fourteen lockers — six filled with sports and outdoor gear provided by Piffl, and eight packed with toys from the Toy Library. Families can now borrow items for up to 48 hours, making it easy to bring play and activity home for the weekend.
Play, share, connect
The new Pifflbox was officially opened on June 30 with a lively community event at the local square. Children tested the sports and toy equipment, enjoyed face painting, and learned how to use the Piffl app to borrow items. The atmosphere reflected exactly what the project stands for — play, community, and equal access to fun.
One of the most exciting aspects of the project is that local children helped choose what toys should be available in the box. Their selections range from balls and board games to arts-and-crafts materials and dress-up clothes. To keep things fresh, the Toy Library will visit once a month to swap out the toys and organize small events where families can try the new equipment together.
“When we asked residents in Eriksbo what they most wanted to share, outdoor toys came out on top,” says Rickard Bryngelsson, Communications Officer at Familjebostäder. “With new sports areas being built nearby, it’s wonderful to offer both toys and sports equipment — another step toward more movement, play, and sustainability in the neighborhood.”
Building a Sustainable Future Through Sharing
The Eriksbo Pifflbox is more than just a place to borrow toys — it’s a practical example of how the sharing economy can strengthen community life. By making play and recreation equipment available to everyone, the initiative promotes sustainability, reduces waste, and encourages people to connect through shared experiences rather than private ownership.
Following the success in Eriksbo, new sharing stations are already planned for Majorna and Högsbo, where residents will soon be able to borrow tools and household appliances. Together, these projects mark a growing movement toward circular, community-driven living in Gothenburg.
Across Sweden, Piffl’s network continues to expand — with nearly 200 active boxes in 60 municipalities, the concept engaged over 181,000 people in 2024 alone. Through this collaboration, Gothenburg joins a European effort to show that when people share, everyone gains — creating more vibrant, active, and sustainable neighborhoods for the future.