Hey there, new parents! Like many expectant moms and dads, we loaded up on all the essentials—bouncy seats, co-sleepers, and of course, a few irresistibly cute toys. I mean, who can resist a fluffy bunny or some colorful stacking blocks? But let’s be honest: it was a while before our little one actually engaged with any of them. Family and friends piled on more goodies—wooden puzzles, matchbox cars, you name it.
Fast forward five years and two kids later, and I’ve come to a startling realization: none of those toys were worth the investment. If I could travel back in time, I’d have a simple message for my past self: save your money! Instead, stock up on these 25 everyday items that will keep your kids entertained for days, weeks, or even years to come.
- A post-it pad, which your toddler will joyfully peel off one note at a time and stick in the most random places—like your open mascara wand.
- An empty tampon wrapper, transformed into “pirate treasure.”
- A collection of twigs snuck in from outside, perfect for an impromptu “Blair Witch Project” setup.
- The entire contents of the junk drawer—sticky pennies and straw wrappers included—are bound to captivate their imagination.
- A quirky little coin purse, lovingly chosen by your child as a gift from the dentist.
- Seventy-five earplugs to stuff into that coin purse.
- A torn-out page from a $30 pop-up book—because why not?
- One of your shoes, naturally.
- Daddy’s shoe, which complicates date nights when you can’t find it.
- The soup ladle, which becomes an epic wizard’s wand.
- Your toothbrush, also a wand.
- All the spatulas, bananas, and yes, even more tampons can be repurposed as magic wands.
- Every colander in your kitchen, perfect for a “car wash” game.
- The spring from that broken monster truck, which you plan to fix someday.
- Anything remotely related to your phone—your old case, the box it came in—all fair game for playtime.
- Countless bits of torn paper, aka confetti. Good luck vacuuming that up!
- Anything and everything in the fridge. To your toddler, it’s a treasure trove. Mustard bottles? Carton of eggs? It’s a thrill waiting to happen if you just let them explore.
- The shoes you stashed away in anticipation of a new baby. After watching your little ones scatter them everywhere, you might just decide two kids are enough!
- The bathroom faucet. Your toddler would happily spend hours there, convinced if you let them, they’d never ask for anything again.
- The toilet—just one “quick” peek for something.
- Rocks, bugs, and even a desiccated squirrel carcass (until someone notices).
- A turkey baster.
- A screen door.
- A turkey baster poking perfectly symmetrical holes in that screen door.
- An empty binoculars case that your child prefers over any stuffed animal.
What I’m getting at is this: skip the toys! Look around your house for fun and engaging items—like those good kitchen tongs you’ll never find again. Or maybe that clutter you’re tempted to toss—why not keep it around for a mini-city project? The cute stuffed bunny? It’s forgotten. The blocks? Collecting dust. But that post-it note? That’s a classic!
For more insights on parenting and home insemination, check out this great resource on infertility from Women’s Health. And if you’re exploring home insemination options, visit Make a Mom for expert advice. Also, don’t forget to review our privacy policy here for additional information.
In summary, don’t waste your money on toys; instead, embrace the creativity found in everyday items around your home.