Recently, I received another inquiry from a family member about what toys my children are currently enjoying. I found myself momentarily speechless, finally responding, “My children don’t really play with toys.” Internally, I was pleading, Please, no more toys! My home resembles a scene from a toy hoarding show, and I can’t bear the thought of finding a spot for another item. The remnants of forgotten toys, like decapitated dolls and fast-food trinkets, litter my floors, waiting to trip me in the dark.
The relative expressed surprise and disappointment at my lack of enthusiasm for toy suggestions. Do my kids like toys? Sure, but only for a short while. We do have a few favorites, like Legos and light sabers, yet my children prefer screen time, jumping on the trampoline, or playing outside with their friends. They are 10, 8, and 5, and hardly ever sit down to engage with the multitude of toys they already possess.
So please, I urge you, refrain from purchasing more toys for my kids. I spend significant time sorting through overflowing toy bins, donating items that my children never miss. They might express momentary discontent, but I’ve never heard them lament, “I really miss that purple squishy ball from Grandma.”
It seems older generations struggle to grasp that children don’t need as many toys as they believe. They often equate the acquisition of toys with love and care, similar to how I feel about my weekend trips to Walmart with three kids—completely unnecessary.
I think back to my childhood, where my mother held on to my old Barbies, hoping to pass them down. Occasionally, I feel nostalgic when I see articles about vintage toys, but I don’t wish I still owned them. I worry that my children might one day regret my decision to donate items like the enormous toy truck they once begged for while I was shopping for clothes. I eventually bought it and saved it for Christmas, but now it sits, gathering dust in the toy box, untouched.
When my children claim, “I’m bored,” I suggest the toys they once adored, only to be met with blank stares. “Remember the tow truck from Santa?” I might ask, only to be reminded that it’s now forgotten. At that moment, I remember why kids can be frustrating.
However, they are not the issue; rather, they are conditioned by adults to believe that accumulating toys is the goal. I’m tired of perpetuating this myth and exhausted by the clutter of neglected toys in my home.
When night falls, my house transforms into a nightmare of broken toys and forgotten dolls. So please, don’t buy my children toys. No matter how wonderful you think it may be, they won’t think fondly of you every time they see it. They are children, and they already have enough items to overwhelm them.
Instead, consider spending quality time with them. Take them out for ice cream, a trip to the zoo, or even to the local park. These experiences will create memories far more meaningful than any toy, and I assure you, they will cherish them longer.
If you must give a physical item, consider gifting them a book that you loved as a child. Write a personal memory in the front cover and read it to them once they unwrap it. You can never have too many books.
Encourage experiences instead of material possessions. My children revel in trips to the zoo and museums, and they enjoy community classes and lessons. Supporting their interests fosters exploration of the world, rather than simply accumulating items. Bonus points if you join them in these adventures! If you can’t attend, I’ll be sure to remind them of the thoughtful gift you provided.
Ultimately, we all have enough “stuff,” don’t we? While there are many in need, my children aren’t among them. I aim to instill gratitude in them, but it’s challenging when they are inundated with toys from relatives. Thus, I kindly request that you resist the urge to spoil my kids with the latest gadget or trinket.
Instead, cultivate a connection through shared experiences. Watch them play outside or accompany them to an art class—because I refuse to acquire a larger home just to store one more giant toy that will be forgotten in a week.
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In summary, it’s essential to rethink the way we approach gifting children. Instead of adding to their toy collection, focus on creating lasting memories through experiences and meaningful gifts like books. This way, you’ll foster a deeper connection with them and contribute positively to their development.
Keyphrase: Avoid buying toys for kids
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