I recently received another call from a family member inquiring about my children’s current toy preferences. As I paused to think, I finally admitted, “Honestly, my kids don’t really play with toys.”
Inside, I was panicking (Please, for the love of all that’s good, don’t add more toys to our collection). My home resembles a scene out of an episode of Hoarders: Toy Edition, and I can’t handle finding space for yet another item. I’m tripping over decapitated dolls and fast-food restaurant toys in the dark, and these toys remain untouched by my kids.
The caller was both surprised and frustrated when I didn’t provide any suggestions. Do my kids enjoy toys? For a fleeting moment, perhaps. Do they actually play with them? Not so much.
We have a few beloved items like Legos, action figures, and dress-up clothes, but my kids prefer screen time, jumping on the trampoline, or playing outside with friends. They are 10, 8, and 5, and it’s rare for them to sit quietly in their rooms, engaged with the mountain of toys they already own.
So, I’m pleading with you: please don’t buy my kids any more toys. I genuinely mean it.
I spend countless hours sorting through toy boxes and donating items. My kids hardly notice their absence. They might grumble momentarily, but I’ve yet to hear them express, “I really miss that toy truck I got back in 2010.”
It seems that previous generations struggle to grasp that children don’t need as many toys as they think. It’s akin to my need for a supermarket run with my three children on a Saturday—essentially, it’s not needed at all.
I remember my mother clinging to our childhood toys, hoping to pass them down. Do I feel nostalgic? Occasionally, especially when I see articles about retro toys. But do I wish I still had them? Not really.
I sometimes worry my kids will resent me for donating the oversized toy truck they insisted on having while I was simply trying to shop. After a week of relentless discussion, I caved and bought it for Christmas. Now, it sits, collecting dust, a giant reminder of toys that are rarely touched.
When they complain of boredom, I point out the toys they once deemed essential. “Go play with that action figure!” I might say, only to be met with puzzled stares as they struggle to recall which toy I’m referring to. “You know, the one you got from Santa?” And then, the inevitable response: “No, I don’t like that anymore.”
But children aren’t inherently difficult; they are merely influenced by adults who believe that accumulating toys is somehow essential. I’m done perpetuating this myth. My home is not a landfill for forgotten toys.
It’s not a magical world of toys for my kids at night; it’s a chaotic mix of broken items and forgotten treasures.
So, please, don’t buy my kids a toy. No matter how amazing you think it will be, they won’t remember who gave it to them. Instead, consider spending quality time with them. Treat them to ice cream, a visit to the zoo, or a fun day at the park. Those memories will far outlast any toy.
If you must give something tangible, choose a book that you cherished as a child. Include a note about what it means to you. Then, read it together after they unwrap it. You can never have too many books.
Encourage experiences over possessions. My children love visiting museums, taking classes, and exploring their interests. If you participate in these activities, they will cherish them even more, and they will remember who supported their passions.
At the end of the day, we don’t need more stuff. While there are many who require assistance, my kids are not among them. I’m striving to teach them gratitude for what they have, but it’s challenging when they’re overwhelmed with toys from well-meaning relatives.
So, kindly refrain from showering my kids with the latest gadgets or trinkets. That won’t create a connection. However, if you spend time together, you’ll form a bond that truly matters. Watch them play outside or take them to an art class—anything but adding to the mountain of toys that will soon be forgotten.
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In summary, let’s shift the focus from material possessions to creating lasting memories. Your time and attention will mean more than any toy ever could.