There's one big reason many kids look forward to Christmas because they know that they will get toys as gifts. However, for many parents, space becomes a problem when the children acquire too many toys.
But there are also other issues when children have a lot of toys around the house as it can distract them from learning or developing other important skills like problem-solving or self-gratification. According to a study, children with fewer toys actually get better quality playtime because they could concentrate on just a few toys from which build their own creative ways to amuse themselves. Children with too many toys are also less likely to develop a sense of gratitude and appreciation for what little they have.
Here are some ways parents can do if their kids have more toys than they could enjoy:
1. Declutter and Reduce
The most logical thing to do is to declutter and reduce the children's toys. Decluttering provides a better environment for play because the children will not be overstimulated with the stuff all around them.
Do an inventory of the toys that should be kept, donated or sold. Toys that are kept in storage could be rotated and taken out every few months. Rotating toys will also keep the novelty, especially with kids who easily lose interest.
For a gauge on what toys to rotate, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has a guide on the best toys per age. Children's toys should stimulate their curiosity to learn and be safe and durable for their age at the same time. Perhaps the one type of toy that can be retained for any age are those building block types, such as a LEGO, that can ideally be played in a variety of ways.
2. Organize the Toys in a Simple System
Cubbies, baskets or bins are most convenient for storing and cleaning up after the children's toys and this system is the easiest to maintain, according to The Simplified Home. Categorize the toys according to their use and orient the child on a system for storing. Per Marie Kondo, the famous Japanese de-cluttering expert, having a dedicated and organized spot will improve the children's productivity and decrease their stress levels.
Group all the active toys like balls, baseball bats and other sports equipment in one basket or put together learning toys like puzzles, sorters or board games, or creative toys in one bin. Arts and crafts or tools and instruments could be assigned in one corner in the room, while make-believe toys like action figures, dolls and dollhouses, or transportation toys can be placed on another corner.
3. Donate or Sell the Toys
Parents today have many options for donating and selling toys their kids no longer use. They can simply sell these online using a platform like eBay, the marketplace on Facebook, or posting the items on their social media accounts.
Tip shops and second-hand stores, such as the Salvation Army or Goodwill, welcome used toys as well. However, if parents have a direct access to an orphanage or a shelter for kids, they can drop off the toys at their convenient time.
