In 2022, artist Rachel Harms Mahlandt made a map she called “Sidewalk Joy,” to show people where to find local art installations, exchange libraries, and trinket trading boxes in Portland. In 2024, she launched a worldwide version of the map.
Since then, locker-like boxes with small treasures for trade have popped up around Eugene and Springfield neighborhoods and businesses, where people can exchange small toys, pieces of art and other trinkets.
Sunny Van Ausdall, the assistant manager of Sparrow Nest Coffee in downtown Eugene, said the cafe’s trinket trading box has brought a wholesome energy to their community.
“I think it brings back a childhood feel,” said Van Ausdall “I think that a lot of people crave a reason to have toys again, and I think that that gives them a reason.”
Most of the boxes have a basic “take one, leave one” rule, so that exchange can keep going. Some specify to please not leave trash in the box or to make sure the contents are child appropriate.
According to the Sidewalk Joy map, there are eight trinket and toy trading boxes in the Eugene Springfield area, and 1,596 worldwide.
Participants can find a wide variety of exchanges on the map and register their own boxes to be added. Van Ausdall said that it only took a couple days to get their box approved and on the map.
