As soon-to-be parents, we all get caught up in the excitement of preparing for our little ones. I remember stocking up on essentials like a cozy bouncy seat and a co-sleeper. I also couldn’t resist picking up a few adorable toys—like a plush bunny and some colorful stacking blocks—despite knowing my baby wouldn’t use them for quite some time. Friends and family contributed their share too, gifting us wooden puzzles, miniature cars, and plastic bath buckets.
Fast forward five years and two kids later, I can confidently say none of those toys were worth the investment. If I could travel back in time to chat with my expectant self, my advice would be clear: Don’t spend a single cent on toys! Instead, focus on these 25 everyday items that will keep your little ones entertained for days, weeks, or even years.
- A post-it pad, allowing your child to peel off notes and stick them in random spots around the house, like your mascara wand.
- An empty tampon wrapper, which becomes a treasure in their imaginative play.
- A handful of twigs snuck in from outside, transforming into art for their “Blair Witch Project.”
- Everything in the junk drawer—sticky pennies, straw wrappers; it’s all fascinating!
- A quirky coin purse, selected by your child as a special gift from the dentist.
- A stash of earplugs stuffed into said coin purse.
- A ripped-out page from an expensive pop-up book.
- Your shoe.
- Dad’s shoe, which turns date night into a challenge.
- A soup ladle, which serves as a magic wand.
- Your toothbrush, also serving as a wand.
- Spatulas, bananas, and other random objects become wands too.
- Every colander in the house can spark a “car wash” game.
- A spring from a broken toy truck that you plan to fix one day.
- Anything phone-related—your phone, its box, and the old rubber case—fascinates them.
- Bits of torn paper, aka confetti, that your vacuum cleaner will never pick up.
- Everything inside the fridge is a wonderland for your toddler—mustard bottles and eggs are pure excitement.
- Shoes you tucked away for a future sibling? They’ve been pulled out so many times, you’re questioning if another baby is worth it.
- The bathroom faucet—your toddler’s dream play area, where they believe hours of fun await.
- The toilet—your little one insists they just need to check for something quick.
- Rocks, bugs, and even a squirrel carcass will keep them busy until someone notices.
- A turkey baster.
- A screen door.
- A turkey baster making perfectly symmetrical holes in the screen door.
- An empty binoculars case that becomes a beloved nighttime companion, preferred over the stuffed bunny.
In short, spare yourself the expense of toys. Instead, explore the treasures you already have around your house—like those trusty kitchen tongs that may never return to their rightful place. The stuffed bunny? Forgotten. The blocks? Never touched. But a post-it note? That’s a timeless classic.
This article was originally published on Sep. 15, 2015.
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Summary: New parents often feel pressured to buy toys, but many everyday household items can provide much more entertainment and engagement for children. This article emphasizes the importance of using available resources rather than spending money on traditional toys, highlighting how creativity can be sparked with common items.
Keyphrase: toys for toddlers
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