Comments on: Why Fewer Toys Will Benefit Your Kids

By: Suki

Suki — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 21:48:54 +0000

Thank you for this article!
I was at my wits end read this and it gave me the impetus to Freecycle all the unused toys that my daughter has.

By: Estefanía

Estefanía — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 18:07:27 +0000

I read this post over a year ago and over the following months, I proceeded to donate 95 percent of my two girls toys. There have been fewer fights between them and more imaginative play. Also my stress level went down next to a cleaner house.
“Do you rather people to give you toys or to play with you”. I asked my 4 year old a few weeks ago: “To play with me”. I think I am doing a good job inspired by your post. Thank you for it!

By: A Helpful Guide to Owning Fewer Toys

A Helpful Guide to Owning Fewer Toys — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 20:01:34 +0000

[...] It’s counter-cultural thinking to believe that fewer toys may actually benefit your child, but it’s definitely worth intentionally thinking through. To help you along, take a moment to read Why Fewer Toys Will Benefit Your Kids. [...]

By: Bonnie

Bonnie — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 20:12:50 +0000

Wow, I don’t even have kids and I love this!

By: Louise

Louise — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 13:51:41 +0000

Hi! I believe less is more with toys. An imagination has a chance to really develop when kids have to create their own play things.

Here is what my kids are getting this holidays:

http://ichoosehappynow.com/2011/12/01/cup-of-joy/the-count-down-for-christmas-now-has-begun-and-a-childs-perfect-christmas-gifts/

Thanks for the post.

Cheers,
Louise

By: Kate

Kate — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 15:58:31 +0000

Oh, a topic dear to my heart as well. With five moves in four years, one overseas, we pared down a lot, and have a basic minimalist set-up with many parts of the household. (Like, I have exactly 50 articles of clothing, socks, undergarmets, gloves, scarves, and jackets included. I want to pare down to 30.)

MIL loves to gift, as well as my childrens’ uncles and aunts. I told them straight from the get-go what is okay to give: Legos, Dolls, wee figurines (like Schliech) and that’s it. If they act a bit unsure, I also say that if they aren’t sure what to give, a bit to her savings account is also a nice idea, and inevitably they brighten up at the thought of being a provider for her future.

My mother sends books (like I said, one move was overseas), and she and I discuss what books come. Often I can catch the book cheaper here (Amazon.co.uk or it’s already in the library) than she can buy and ship it. It takes a bit of coordination, but the bookshelves aren’t overfilled. She only fills 2 shelves with her things! What a lovely girl.

Now me, with my nine bookshelves…well…I need to be a better role model, let’s say.

By: joanne

joanne — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 16:53:42 +0000

I am excited to try this minimalist idea. My two daughters have way too many toys, and although I do give many away, they always seem to multiply; especially at the holidays. This year each daughter has asked for only one toy (I am so proud). I am going to give most of their toys away as they are outgrowing them. I am also going to try to downsize their wardrobes as they have way too many clothes and the needy could certainly use them. Thank you all for your wonderful advice and commentary! Love the website.

By: nathaly

nathaly — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 18:26:02 +0000

nao quero pergunta nada obrigado.

By: Reducing, reusing, recycling toys | Our house by Craigslist

Reducing, reusing, recycling toys | Our house by Craigslist — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 20:14:00 +0000

[...] and resourcefulness. Check out Joshua Becker’s post at Becoming Minimalist for more reasons Why fewer toys will benefit your kids. Ready to break your child’s ‘new toy thrill’ addiction? Simply apply the [...]

By: canon

canon — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 14:23:20 +0000

We have 3 children–the oldest is a girl, 5 then a son that is 2 and another that just turned 1. I never had lots of toys as a kid, and from what I experienced, you are right–me and my 6 brothers and sisters found creative ways to entertain ourselves. We haven’t given our kids many toys, but enough that I don’t feel I want to add to them this Christmas. They are only ever given toys on there birthday and on Christmas. In fact, our 1 year old hasn’t gotten a new present from us yet. His recent birthday, we gave him some toys that our older son got for Christmas and his birthday in the last 2 years, that he has out grown. Must say aside from keeping clutter to a minimum, it helps with the pocket book too! My only problem is, I absolutely love Christmas morning with all the presents under the tree and to see my kids faces gleaming with excitement. I keep pondering how I can keep that alive, while at the same time keeping toys to a minimum??? We thought of buying them a trampoline–one big present for all, but that still doesn’t bring the atmosphere that I am hoping to create! Any ideas???