As you embark on the journey of parenthood, it’s natural to gather essentials like a bouncy seat or co-sleeper. However, the allure of adorable toys can be misleading. In our quest for the perfect childhood, my partner and I found ourselves purchasing charming items, like a stuffed bear and colorful stacking blocks, even though our children wouldn’t engage with them for quite some time. Well-meaning relatives also contributed with gifts ranging from wooden puzzles to toy cars.
Fast forward five years and two children later, I can confidently say that none of those toys were truly beneficial. If I could impart one crucial piece of advice to my past self, it would be this: refrain from purchasing toys. Instead, consider these 25 indispensable items you likely already have at home that will keep your children entertained for days, if not longer:
- A stack of post-it notes, which can be stuck on various surfaces, like your open mascara wand.
- An empty wrapper from feminine products that becomes part of an imaginative game.
- A collection of sticks gathered from outside, contributing to their fantastical adventures.
- The treasures lurking in your junk drawer, where even sticky pennies can inspire curiosity.
- A quaint little coin purse, a gift from a dental visit.
- A handful of earplugs for their imaginative play.
- A torn page from an expensive pop-up book.
- Any shoe, especially when they prefer to wear yours.
- Dad’s shoes, which complicate your evening plans.
- Kitchen utensils, like soup ladles or spatulas, transformed into magical wands.
- Every colander available for a fun game of “car wash.”
- The spring from a broken toy, waiting for repair.
- Anything related to your phone, including its box and accessories.
- A collection of paper scraps that become their confetti.
- Items from the fridge—your toddler may find joy in mustard bottles or cherry tomatoes.
- Shoes stashed away for a future sibling, which have become toys of their own.
- The bathroom faucet, a source of endless fascination.
- Curiosities from nature, like rocks or insects.
- A turkey baster, a versatile tool for imaginative play.
- Screen doors—easily transformed into art with holes poked in them.
- An empty binocular case, preferred over any stuffed toy.
What I aim to convey is this: toys may not hold the same value as everyday items you already possess. Consider the kitchen tongs or other items you wish to misplace, as they may provide more entertainment than any store-bought toy. For further insights on home insemination and parenting, feel free to explore our other blogs like this one on home insemination kits. For authoritative information on this topic, check out Make a Mom’s resources. Additionally, CCRM IVF offers excellent guidance on pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, resist the urge to purchase toys for your little ones. Instead, utilize the treasures available in your home, which can provide endless joy and creativity.