Toys are everywhere. Pouring out of our doors in the house; to the car, outside, garage, and even in beds! Ever notice your child starting to lose interest in the toys they have? Constantly wanting new ones. Yes, we’ve all been through this cycle. However, the fewer toys in your house the better! This gives little ones the chance to explore and be creative with the toys they have.
Fewer Toys
Let’s talk about birthdays and holidays. It’s inevitable to receive endless toys and gifts. My family and I started a “no toys, only-books for gifts” as part of our birthday and holiday traditions. It’s so worth it! Now we don’t have to feel guilty for returning or giving away toys.
4 Reasons Why Fewer Toys is Better
I read an interesting article about why having fewer toys is a better option. Here are four reasons why.
- more creative, imaginative play
- less chance for distraction
- more quality play time
- my favorite! Fewer toys create a calmer less chaotic home
Organizing Toys
It helps to have bins or a shelf that is designated for toys so your little ones can help clean up. Keep between one and two toys in each bin. A block or lego bin should have a good amount in each to build with. Having a shelf helps to limit toys that are out while keeping the house a little neater. All the other toys not in use, keep organized in a closet and rotate them when you see your little one getting tired of their current toys. When the “closet toys” come out your children will think they are new! Parent hack 101! Come up with a rotation system that works for your family.
RELATED TOPIC: The Lego Organization that Saved My Sanity
Make a Theme for Each Month
If you’re like me and like to place books and toys that follow a specific theme this can make your child interested in what you may be teaching them. Your baby will enjoy looking at pictures in books. His/ hers expanding imagination helps them learn that pictures in books relate to things in the world around them.
Open-ended Toys and Structured Toys
Research has shown that open ended toys are best for early learning and development. Open-ended toys are toys that don’t have a goal. These toys can be played in various ways, no right or wrong way. For example, this toy could be given to 5 different children and they may all play with it differently (how they see fit or based on their interests). Structured toys are toys that have a clear goal. These toys can only be put together one way. For example a puzzle, nesting blocks, or gardening. Find a list of open ended toys by clicking here.
Let’s Get Organized
Toys of all sorts overflowing in the house? Say goodbye to chaos and stepping on those small toys that hurt more than birth, with fewer toys and an organized system or shelf.
