I recently received a call from a family member inquiring about what toys my kids are currently into. I paused for a moment, struggling to find an answer. “They don’t really play with toys,” I finally admitted.
Inside, I was panicking (Please, don’t let them buy more toys!). Our home looks like a scene from a toy hoarding show, and if I have to find space for even one more toy, I might just lose it—especially with the endless parade of broken dolls and random plastic trinkets that I trip over at night.
The truth is, my kids have a few favorites—like Legos, light sabers, and Matchbox cars—but they prefer screen time, jumping on the trampoline, or playing outside with friends. At 10, 8, and 5 years old, they rarely spend time in their rooms tinkering with the mountain of toys they already have.
So please, don’t buy my kids more toys. I’m genuinely asking you. I spend hours sorting through toy boxes and donating things they never miss. Sure, they might grumble when I take something away, but I’ve never heard them say, “I wish I still had that purple squishy ball from Grandma back in 2010.”
It seems like the previous generation struggles to understand that kids don’t need as many toys as they think. Okay, maybe they need them about as much as I need to take my three children to the store on a Saturday—meaning not at all.
I sometimes think about how my mom held onto our childhood toys, hoping to pass them down. Do I feel nostalgic about them? Occasionally, but I don’t wish I still owned them. I worry my kids might be upset one day about me donating the giant toy truck they begged for while I was shopping at the store. For a solid week, my youngest talked about that truck like it was a life-changing gift. I eventually bought it when he wasn’t with me, saved it for Christmas, and now I curse that truck as I try to fit it into a toy box that’s overflowing.
It’s just collecting dust.
When I hear “I’m bored,” I might suggest some of those toys they once couldn’t live without. “Go play with your tow truck!” I’ll say, only to be met with blank stares as they try to remember what I’m even talking about. “The one from Santa last year?” Nothing. “The cool one with the crane?” Finally, a glimmer of recognition, followed by, “No. I don’t like that truck anymore.” And just like that, I’m reminded of how quickly kids can forget.
They aren’t being difficult; they’re simply taught by adults that accumulating toys is the goal. I’m tired of contributing to this misconception. I’m also weary of my home resembling a toy graveyard.
So, please, don’t gift my child a toy. No matter how amazing you think it is, they won’t cherish it the way you hope. Kids have too much stuff as it is to even remember who gifted them that truck they barely play with.
Instead, consider spending quality time with them. Treat them to ice cream, a trip to the zoo, or a fun afternoon at the park. Those experiences will create lasting memories far more valuable than any toy.
If you really want to give something tangible, consider a book that you loved as a child. Write a memory about it inside the cover, then read it together after they unwrap it. Books are always a welcomed addition to their collection.
Invest in experiences that nourish their passions—be it art classes, community education, or music lessons. Bonus points if you accompany them to the activity! If you can’t, I’ll remind them who generously provided that karate class, and they’ll appreciate your thoughtful gift.
Ultimately, none of us need more “stuff.” While there are people in real need, my kids aren’t among them. I’m striving to instill gratitude in them for what they already have, but that’s challenging when they’re spoiled with toys by relatives.
So, please, stop showering my kids with the latest gadgets or toys, hoping to forge a connection. The true bond will come from spending time together. Watch them play outside or join them in a fun class—because I refuse to buy a bigger house just to accommodate one more giant toy truck that will be forgotten within a week.
In summary, rather than buying toys that will only clutter our home and be forgotten, invest in experiences and quality time with the children. They will remember those moments far longer than any toy could ever provide.