Here are a few ideas to keep your toy box from getting boring and not having to spend a fortune:
- Every 3 or 4 months change the toy box and it will be like having all new toys! (This is my favorite!!)
- When your child wants to buy a toy that you aren’t thrilled about have them make a list ~ why they want the toy and how it benefits them, this will help them see if they really do need or want the toy.
- Use Rubbermaid tubs as your toy box, but instead of buying one buy three and put different toys in each one. Don’t be afraid to let the kids pick what they want in the toy aisle, if it’s a chore give them options “you can get this, that or this” instead of standing in the toy aisle waiting for a decision
- Find a local trading group and swap your kids outgrown toys for something more age appropriate; sometimes called toy co-ops.
- Subscribe to the area freecycle list and give away and get some pretty cool toys (and sometimes stuff for mom and dad too!)
- Avoid having too many toys; they’ll get boring, broken, and lost faster than you can say “put your toys away”
- Read product reviews before you go shopping; avoid toys that break easily (certain brands of dolls and action figures are notorious for arms and heads falling off)
How often should I rotate my child’s toys?
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Every three or four months, swap out what is in the toy box and it will feel like your child has all new toys. It also helps to avoid having too many toys out at once — when there is too much, they get boring, broken and lost faster than you can say “put your toys away.”
What is the best way to organize a toy box?
Instead of buying one big toy box, buy three plastic tubs and put different toys in each one. Then you only have one tub out at a time and rotating them is simple. It costs very little and it makes the swap almost effortless when you are already tired.
How can I get “new” toys without spending a fortune?
Find a local trading group and swap your kids’ outgrown toys for something more age appropriate — these are sometimes called toy co-ops. You can also subscribe to your area’s freecycle list and give away toys your kids have outgrown while picking up some pretty cool ones in return, and sometimes a few things for mom and dad too.
What should I do when my child wants a toy I am not thrilled about?
Have them make a list of why they want the toy and how it benefits them. Writing it out helps them see whether they really want or need it. And when shopping feels like a chore, give options instead of an open ended choice — “you can get this, that or this” — rather than standing in the toy aisle waiting for a decision. It is also worth reading product reviews first, since certain brands of dolls and action figures are notorious for arms and heads falling off.
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