What is a minimalist toy collection?
What is a minimalist toy collection and what are the benefits is owning less toys? As my minimalist journey began just prior to the birth of our first daughter, I began to wonder how many toys a child really needs to thrive and be happy.
Between wanting to give our child the very best and yet wanting to maintain a clutter free home, I began to consider my options when choosing and allowing toys for our baby. You may be at various stages as a parent and asking the same question.
There are no rules when it comes to creating a minimalist toy box. It is simply a carefully selected group of toys. I would describe it as non-excessive and non junky! Toys with a purpose. The Montessori method really appealed to me as I am a big fan of natural materials and simple handcrafted toys, rather than a bunch of noisy battery-operated, name-brand toys.
Children don’t need a lot of stuff to be content, less toys is better
Children naturally tend to gravitate toward exploring and playing with objects in their surroundings anyway. So with that in mind I began to take note of what is truly needed for natural development. I found that there were many benefits to a carefully curated toy selection that I have continued to implement in the following years.
Some of the benefits to keeping the simple toy box, were a calmer more engaged play time. (Studies have shown that when children have less choice and distraction they focus and play better.) More interest in books and creative play as well as a tidier home!
As children grow up it does get a little harder to keep toys in check. Mainly due to the influences around them. I have found that limiting and monitoring screen time goes a long way. Basically advertising is the biggest threat when it comes to keeping toys to a minimum.
Recently I went back to our old method of storing and swapping. Basically we have a box or a couple of bags of toys that we swap around every couple of months. It means easy clean up and the kids feel like they are getting a new bunch of toys each time.
Some of the ways I keep toys to a minimum
- Learn to love your local library
A minimalist’s best friend when it comes to books! (We go weekly). Only keep books which are age appropriate, are re-read often or have sentimental value. (Truly special books only).
2. Set limits
Make a limit to how many specific toys can be kept per child. We have a rule of 5 stuffed toys/dolls to be kept in the bedroom at a time. If they love collections then you may want to set a limit on that also. Once they reach the limit or maximum for that collection then they need to let go of the least favourite ones. If this is too hard then you could store some of the collection away and rotate.
3. Create set categories for toys
If your kids have a number of small toy selections or lego blocks etc, limit the number of categories that they can keep. eg: five storage tubs or containers for lego, wooden blocks, train set, dolls, cars. Take out toys that don’t fit in these storage categories. This helps with those random toys that end up found lying around because they don’t have a set place to go.
4. Opt for pre-loved eco-friendly toys
Children outgrow toys pretty quickly so we rarely buy new toys for the kids when they are younger. There is a lot of great pre-loved toy options out there. We shop at charity stores, facebook market-place or ebay. I avoid cheap plastic toys at all cost and this helps in a number of ways. Firstly they don’t break quickly and need to be discarded. Wooden or handmade toys that are made to last means longevity and less waste. When our children outgrow them we can pass them on to others. As a minimalist I have found that things stay tidier with well made toys rather than lots of small plastic pieces which end up scattered all over the house. Not to mention that plastic toys are no the healthiest choice for children to play with.
5. Designated areas for different activities
(Similar to above). Have designated areas for certain activities such as arts and craft, games,perhaps a book corner or kitchen play area. Only toys or materials relevant can be kept in those areas. This way you can quickly see what is getting out of hand or when you are accumulating too many things in one area.
We have a homeschool cupboard which has drawers for set subjects and then shelves to keep board-games/puzzles or science kits. Toy baskets for toys go in the bedroom, books on a book shelf, lego in the lego tub and stuffed toys can sit on the bed or in a set basket. Once a container, shelf or cupboard is full, it’s time to purge.
A minimalist toy collection is good for kids
Setting limits and having fewer kids toys available may feel mean and like deprivation! Let me assure you that it has been a huge blessing for our family especially our daughter. There is no more nagging from me, or dread on my daughter’s part when it comes to tidying up her room or space. In fact she enjoys seeing how fast she can clean her room!
There are set places for everything and everything fits! Its quick and easy. There is actually time to play games and use what is readily available.
A really important lesson is for children to learn that they don’t need so much stuff. Having less options makes it easier for children to play and create. It’s not overwhelming and they enjoy what they have.
My conclusion has been that limits for children even in the area of toys and activities is a good thing. Give it a try and let me know how you go. 🙂
Still not convinced? Check out this post from Becoming Minimalist: