I feel like there are two kinds of mums when it comes to kids toys. The type that buys all the newest, flashiest go-go gadgets and doesn’t mind rooms overflowing with toys. And then there’s the mum that gets completely overwhelmed with just a few bits of strewn Lego. I am that mum. Just one freaking Lego piece or Barbie’s costume out of place and I have to be talked away from the toy bonfire 😅
Okay I realize I’m exaggerating and of course there are a million other ways mums approach toys. But I bet you can identify with being one or the other 😉
Today I’m going to share my toy philosophy with you along with my top go-to minimalist toys.
As you read my suggestions please keep in mind, these are based on my own experience of having two girls and being the ‘type’ of toy mum I am.
Additionally, I am not an expert on what’s best for children’s development when it comes to toys. At the end of my own suggestions you’ll find some links to some other great toy lists and some more reading on why less is more when it comes to toys for your kids.
My toy philosophy
Less is more when it comes to children’s toys. The less they have the more they are encouraged to use their creativity and engage with the natural world around them. The less choice they have the more likely they are to settle into deep, imaginative play.
Research has shown that when children are provided with too many choices their ability to focus is hindered and they are less creative with what they have.
And perhaps more importantly, Denaye Barahona of Simple Families suggests that too many toys can cause decision fatigue for children. She highlights that children who are faced with hundreds of toys (a reality for some households) may not show respect for individual items because there is always something else to replace a destroyed toy.
Finally, my own personal toy philosophy is driven by my desire to encourage my kids to get outside. I want mother nature to be their favorite childhood ‘toy’. I am convinced that introducing our kids to nature is one of the best things we can do for them. The benefits of children being in nature include: better general health and longer sleep, higher levels of concentration and less impulsivity.
My top 10 minimalist toys
1. Sticks and stones (or other things that promote outdoor play)
Nature is my number one go-to for when boredom strikes my kids. I literally tell them to climb a tree or play with sticks. Creative outdoor play gets easier the more they do it. If they aren’t used to making their own fun outdoors you can always start with a few props to help their creative juices flow.
Some ideas are; sandpits, a bug catcher and magnifying glass, a basic fairy garden, kids sized gardening tools, and seasonal scavenger hunts.
2. Lego
Lego is one of the most timeless, open-ended toys you can have in your home. It promotes creativity and provides an opportunity for kids to learn multiple development skills like; cooperative play, persistence, fine motor skills and much more.
3. Paper and pens
One of my nephews (9 years old) uses pen and paper to create the most intricate, imaginative and well drawn cartoons. He is absolutely terrific at it and spends hours drawing and writing his next book. This doesn’t cost his parents anything and is paying dividends in his emerging ability to develop characters and story. He’s also gaining all important confidence. I’m proud of you Joshua!
4. Dress ups
Dress-ups are an indispensable ‘toy’ in our home. We’ve been building our collection for years. They are used often, school dress ups, play dates and when we have big family get togethers there’s usually a concert involved.
This doesn’t have to mean Disney dresses though. Thrift shopping is a great way to gather bits for dress ups and we’ve been creative with some of the girls late great grandmother’s wardrobe 😉
5. Outdoor fun (bikes/scooters)
Again, this promotes outdoor play and exercise. Our main outdoor toys include bikes, scooters, skateboards and the trampoline.
Some of these are more on the expensive side, especially if you choose to invest in quality items. We managed to buy second hand bikes until my eldest turned 12 and then invested in a new bike that would last her through high school. But if I’m honest, anything that promotes outdoor play is worth spending money on.
6. Building blocks
You can’t go wrong with simple wooden building blocks. We were lucky enough to have my clever Dad who is an avid carpenter make the kids a set of blocks when they were young. And they didn’t just get used to build forts and houses. A favorite game was building the longest snake and then playing dominoes!
7. Books
I have a deep love of words and books. Books got me through some tough times in my early childhood and adolescence. I have fond memories of reading Sweet Valley Twins and The Famous Five for hours on end.
Encouraging your kids to read in our techno-soaked world gives them such a beautiful gift. It allows them to get lost in another world without the constant distraction that happens when they are on screens.
8. Your local toy library
This is one of my top tips for anyone wanting to drastically pare back their belongings. We belonged to a local toy library for years when my kids were young and it was invaluable. We had access to lots of different toys, especially the more expensive ones we weren’t ever going to purchase.
Additionally it’s an important protective factor for our environment. A toy library means parents can switch things regularly when kids get bored, reducing the opportunity for toys to end up in the landfill.
9. Sports based toys
Balls, cricket sets, badminton nets, and tennis racquets have all featured in our families play time since we’ve had kids. Additionally we have a few family outdoor items like a kayak that are shared with our extended family.
Again, the theme is pretty clear. Anything that gets them outdoors is a winner in my books.
10. Computers/Televisions
Look this is super controversial so I debated putting it in here. But the truth is, technology is here to stay. We can only do so much to shield our kids from it. And it’s not inherently bad. The main issues with screen time and kids are around the amount of time spent on them, and the quality of what they are doing.
Kids watching a movie or a YouTube video with a specific learning purpose are both examples of higher quality use of technology. In sharp contrast are the platforms and apps available (I won’t name them, you already know), that encourage our kids to flip flop at their whim. These kinds of technology experiences are just plain bad for developing attention spans.
Phew, that’s it!
Obviously I’ve missed a ton of brilliant toys that you might include in your minimalist toy collection. And I’ve probably included some that you wouldn’t.
Thank goodness we get to create our own version of minimalism. There’s no point in trying to keep up with the Joneses. Do what works for you, your kids and your home when it comes to toys.
And if all else fails, open the door and tell them to climb a tree.
Further reading on minimalist toys;
Excess Toys May Cause Decision Fatigue in Childhood | Simple Families
4 Types of Toys to Declutter When Becoming a Minimalist Family – Abundant Life With Less
A Helpful Guide to Minimalism With Kids – Simply + Fiercely
5 Tips for Getting Kids to WILLINGLY Donate Toys (letslassothemoon.com)
