Toys that Don’t Drive you Insane
By: Keith
My kids have a room in our basement dedicated to their toys. They are allowed to do whatever they want there as long as they don’t kill each other or break glass. But, last year, I was surprised to find that they didn’t use it, it was just a big room full of toys – but not kids. In an attempt to make it more appealing I took them both and we cleaned the room together putting everything in a very logical place and leaving plenty of room to play. It didn’t work, and they couldn’t tell me why they weren’t interested in it other than to say “It isn’t fun”. Well, I didn’t like all the extra toys anyway so I gave them to charity. But, the story here isn’t that I cleared space, it’s how many useless toys I discovered while clearing space. It was obvious why the kids didn’t like the room. They didn’t like their toys.
I think every parent comes to this realization at some point, that they have wasted money on toys that get used for a week and then occupy space in their house. Eventually we all reach this critical mass where we are forced to purge, and in that purge we become aware of our years of stupidity for having wasted dump-truck loads of money on stupid, useless toys. Some of us reclaim our sanity by refusing to purchase electronic toys again in the future and to stick with basic, timeless toys. Save for a few electronic gems all the toys in your house should be gravity operated. They are cheap, they are fun, and they last forever. What more could you want? Here is an incomplete list of the best toys in my house that my kids really enjoy playing with.
Nintendo Wii
This is that rare electronic masterpiece that, if you can afford it, will keep your kids occupied with a bevy of stimulating games. I am not one of those parents who discourage video games. They stimulate neural pathways, and help with problem solving skills. Gotta pick the right games though.
Matchbox Cars
One of my kids doesn’t really care for them, but the other is nuts for cars and has always gotten great fun out of them. If you have a kid who is into them there is no better toy. They cost a dollar each (2 dollars if you get the good ones), they last forever, and they take up almost no space.
Yo-Yo’s, Paddle Balls, Rubiks Cube, etc…
These are the toys that kids will always enjoy. The little party game type toys that are skill dependent. They encourage your kids to keep working on something until they get it. Hours of fun and no limit to the learning curve.
Foam Swords, Capes, and Costumes
I also let my kids play with wooden swords because they hurt, and it teaches them a certain amount of defensive tactics. But, I’m not about to be responsible for your kids getting concussions and broken fingers! These toys are good for the kids who have imagination. I have a cousin who has taken this category to a whole new level by buying old Halloween costumes for a dollar each and stocking closets full of dress-up opportunities.
Balls, Bats, Frisbees, etc….
My kids love being outdoors so we have a closet dedicated to all things outdoors. Everybody owns these sorts of toys so it’s just a matter of putting them to good use. Kids don’t need anything fancy in this department. I found my kid last week playing basketball with a rock. I said, “Why don’t you get a ball?” and he replied “Because I don’t care.” Hmmm, go figure.
Anything Free and Found
I don’t need to tell you that your kid will play with bugs, rocks, dirt, and weeds. As long as the bugs are not being hurt then I don’t mind. Teach your kids to be respectful of nature and they won’t even need any other toys. This is the most important category even though it’s last.
The conclusion, which is quite obvious, is that the toys that are most enjoyable for your kids are the cheapest, easiest, and that have withstood the test of time – other than the Nintendo! So, please, do yourself a favor and clean out your house from all these useless toys that have been doing nothing but getting in your way and collecting dust. Your kids will actually thank you. Mine did.
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Perhaps organize a neighborhood toy swap, so that the novelty of new toys can continue without the novelty of new expense? Boulder parents could post pictures of their toys on your page here or Facebook. This would potentially work in a town as green as Boulder.