The sheer volume of toys that my 19-month-old daughter has accumulated is astonishing. Toys are scattered throughout our house—stuffed animals in the living room, a play kitchen in the kitchen, and toys strewn in the guest bedroom. They are literally everywhere.
She has so many toys that she hardly even notices when a few are missing. Honestly, it’s overwhelming. I fight the urge to declutter daily, and that’s why we’ve decided on a “No Toy Christmas” this year.
I’m Not a Grinch
Let me clarify: I absolutely adore Christmas. The joy of Santa Claus, the thrill of giving gifts to loved ones, cherished traditions, and the warmth of attending Christmas Eve services make this season truly magical. However, I want to preserve that magic without inundating my child with gifts.
I certainly don’t intend to play the role of a Grinch, but I’ve found myself having to remind family and friends that my child will not be receiving toys this year—a situation I never imagined I would be in.
Her toy box resembles an eruption of toys—many of which remain untouched. Surprisingly, my daughter prefers playing with my Tupperware drawer over her actual toys, which is both amusing and ironic.
That’s why I wish to steer our friends and family away from spending their hard-earned money on more toys that will just gather dust.
Alternative Gift Ideas
Instead of adding to the pile of toys, consider giving gifts that hold more meaning. Here are some thoughtful alternatives for a “No Toy Christmas”:
- Experience Passes: A family pass to the aquarium would be a fantastic gift. We could explore marine life together, enjoy scenic trails, and create lasting memories. You could even take them on a solo trip, giving my partner and me a much-needed break.
- Books and Educational Gifts: I will always appreciate books or educational materials. My daughter adores stories like “Angelina Ballerina” and “Elmo.” I also highly recommend these flash cards I used to help her learn new words.
- Classic Movies: Timeless Disney films are always a hit. This year, we’re excited to watch “Beauty and the Beast,” “The Princess and the Frog,” and “The Lion King.”
- Clothing: Kids grow out of clothes so quickly, so gifting apparel is always a practical choice that parents appreciate.
- Outdoor Toys: I’ll never turn down gifts that encourage outdoor play. Whether it’s a bike, a wagon, chalk, or a water table, these items will be cherished and well-used.
Most importantly, I want to focus on creating memories with my children. They won’t remember the toys they received, but they’ll cherish experiences like the annual trip to the Nutcracker with Grandma, a fun day at a theme park, or a family outing to a baseball game. These are the moments that will last a lifetime.
This Christmas
I don’t want my children to grow up surrounded by an excess of toys. Instead, I want them to be filled with love and unforgettable memories.
Rather than rushing to buy a mountain of toys to hide under the Christmas tree, I’ll be ensuring my child has the essentials and memories that will last. As we set out cookies for Santa, hang stockings, and enjoy reading “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” I eagerly anticipate my daughter’s second Christmas. Most of all, I look forward to her receiving gifts that foster lasting memories—books, experiences, and adventures await!
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Summary
This year, we’ve decided on a ‘No Toy’ Christmas to prevent overwhelming our child with gifts. Instead, we encourage meaningful alternatives like experience passes, educational books, classic movies, clothing, and outdoor toys to create lasting memories. The focus is on love and shared experiences rather than an abundance of toys.