This Christmas season, Santa bought 3 gifts for Cricket. She resisted buying dozens of toys and made a list before she went to her toyshop. We all know that toddlers tire of their toys very quickly and that our homes can be taken over by all that there is to keep them occupied. We have 3 ways to keep from buying too many new toys, as well as sparking her creativity with her old toys.
1. Relocate:
By simply relocating a toy to a new location, Cricket will play with it more often. For example, she was not very interested in her puzzles when they were in the playroom (also known as our living room!) until I moved them to her bedroom. Now she wants to do puzzles everyday. Also, I gave the playroom an "extreme makeover" by switching the location of the three main items: play kitchen, bookcase and dollhouse. Now she uses these items more often!
2. Rotate:
Every month, I do a toy and book sweep and put a bunch into storage. Then I bring back some old ones. For example, Cricket’s cookie jar shape sorter was a great fine-motor toy when she was a year old. It recently made a return engagement after a long hiatus. Now she uses it to practice naming colors and shapes.
3. Recycle:
Every 6 months or so, a group of moms and I get together to swap toys. It saves so much time and money!
How do you conquer the toy many toys problem?
3 comments:
Great idea's and even wrapping "old" toy's will bring joy. Auntie Anne
When the kids were old enough to appreciate the meaning, we started going through gently used toys and donating them. Good life lesson for the kids.
All wonderful ideas!! Where were you when my boys were younger? LOL
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