Fun for Years, Not Moments

Yesterday I discussed some creative and frugal alternatives to large and expensive toys. Today I want to share with you some of my personal recommendations on smaller toys that are easy to store, offer hours of fun for both boys and girls, and will last for years to come:

• Blocks. Blocks are a staple toy for many generations. They foster imaginative play while developing fine motor skills. But there are so many choices. I recommend LEGO Brand Duplo Blocks. They are just like old-fashioned LEGOs except they are larger, making them safe for when you still have little tots crawling around. They are usually a great price on Black Friday and can also be found on Craigslist and at yard sales. We combine Duplo blocks with a pack of fifty standard wooden blocks and have hours of playtime!
  --Storage Recommendation: Keep all the blocks together in a crate or fabric box. Slide into the closet, a shelving unit, or simply set the box on the floor in a corner.
  --Cleaning Tip: Pour a capful of bleach in a gallon of warm water and allow the Duplos to soak for fifteen to twenty minutes. Rinse thoroughly and air dry.
• Dolls. While not every child likes to play with dolls, most toddlers do go through a phase where they enjoy pretending they are caregivers. Dolls are a very frugal addition to any child's playthings. I recommend a basic, machine-washable baby doll that is at least the size of a newborn. This makes clothing and accessories simple and cheap since everyone is always looking to get rid of their newborn items. Steer clear of cribs, full-sized strollers and changing tables, since those take up unnecessary space. Instead, encourage your children to pretend and use pillows, towels, or doll-sized strollers.
  --Storage Recommendation: If you have more than one doll, try hanging some netting in the corner of their bedroom and stashing the dolls there. It frees space on the floor while visually making a cute addition to any room's decor.
  --Cleaning Tip: Try to purchase only machine-washable dolls. If that is not an option, most dolls can be surface cleaned with a damp cloth and mild soap. If the doll does not have a care tag, always err on the safe side and avoid the washing machine. The extra work in hand washing the doll will save hours of tears later.
• GeoTrax. A very popular toy among both genders, GeoTrax ranks high on my list of recommended toys. They are safe for children as young as 1-1/2 to 2 years old. Each piece is built almost indestructible and can survive several temper tantrums. The pieces allow for your child to be creative in building many different styles of tracks while imaginatively playing with the trains and tiny men, animals, and accessories. Though brand new GeoTrax pieces can be pricey, I recommend hitting up Craigslist or Amazon for some used pieces. My husband scored an entire box of items complete with tracks, bridges, buildings and 6 remote control trains for only $60 on Craigslist. Well worth it for toys that both of our children love to play with for hours.
  --Storage Recommendation: Since GeoTrax tracks break down into smaller pieces they can be easily stored in bins or crates. We use two large plastic tubs and keep them on my son's closet floor, out of the way yet easily accessible.
  --Cleaning Tip: I sanitize the GeoTrax pieces often since I have a little one who enjoys chewing on them. Simply use a 50/50 solution of vinegar and water and spray the pieces. Allow to air dry. Use caution with the battery operated pieces and use a damp cloth to wipe them down.
• Fake Food/Dishes. As I mentioned yesterday, skip the large kitchen play set and just give your children a bunch of fake food allowing them to use their imaginations. To make this even more frugal, avoid the plastic food you buy at the toy store and just give your children old cereal boxes, cleaned out soda bottles and oatmeal canisters. They can pretend to cook using old pots and pans handed down from you or picked up at a secondhand store.
  --Storage Recommendation: I suggest storing their fake food and dishes in a designated kitchen cupboard to make the experience feel more realistic. This also helps keep them busy and in sight when you are trying to prepare dinner.
  --Cleaning Tip: If using old food packaging, I recommend replacing it every time you empty a new package to prevent any build-up of germs. If you are using plastic food, sanitize as you would the Duplo blocks mentioned above. Usually you can wash the play dishes with your regular dishes, whether by hand or in the dishwasher.
• Books. You can never have enough books. Goodwill is my main book-buying location. You can also hit up library sales and Craigslist for boxes of used children's books. Encourage your children to read everyday and be sure to interact with them as they do so.
  --Storage Recommendation: We store our books in an emptied out dresser drawer, flat and easily accessible. You can also put them in crates or boxes. If using a book shelf, be sure that it is not taller than your child and fasten it securely to the wall to prevent it from accidentally falling over and causing injury.
  --Cleaning Tip: Frequently wipe down hard page books with a damp cloth and mild soap. Many little ones like to chew on books so be sure to look out for destroyed edges that could cause a hazard. If a book has dirty paper pages, consider replacing it.

There are so many options when it comes to toys that it can be overwhelming for parents to figure out what to do with them all. I strongly recommend toys that can be added to as the children get older. When purchasing a toy for your child, ask yourself how long the toy will interest them. If it is less than two years, I suggest skipping it all together. Those two years will go by fast and before you know it, you will have a pile full of toys that you need to find homes for. As long as you have an ample stash of almost ageless toys, you should be able to combat boredom and encourage imaginations.

What are some staple toys in your home?

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