A home is a place for the soul, and for many people in developed countries, it is also a place where there are many things. Our home environment really dictates how our day goes (especially as a homeschool family). I strive to have a quiet space that meets my child’s creative needs, with outlets for creative play, exercise, and learning, while managing my child’s toys and clutter.
That’s a big challenge.
In many ways, homeschooling can seem the opposite of a minimalist lifestyle. After all, we are setting up a classroom at home.
I think all of us adults, whether we homeschool or not, have struggled with the idea that our children need material “stuff” from us in order to be happy. . And there is no doubt that the very same thing can make us miserable later when we trip over toys or shove things in the closet when company comes.
There has to be an easier and better way…right?
The best minimal and clutter-free children’s toys
The “right path” varies greatly for each family and at different stages of life. Preschoolers have different pretend play needs than 1-year-olds and 10-year-olds. And even if you don’t have severe space constraints in your home, less is often more.
Here are some basic principles that have helped our family adopt a healthy minimalism. I figured out (through trial and error) what was important and what I could do without.
1. Own fewer possessions
I love the classic “Dear Abby” advice.
If you want your child to grow up, spend twice as much time with them and spend half as much money.
While that sounds like good advice, it can actually feel quite painful if we’re not used to saying “no” to ourselves or our children. Everyone says they want to live a simpler life, but when you see the genuine joy on their faces when they say “yes”… how can you resist?!
I’ve written before about how modern families have more than our grandparents did just two generations ago. Video games, remote-controlled cars, and plastic toys with flashing sounds and lights replaced simple toys.
And when it comes to our children, it gets pretty shocking.
The average child in developed countries owns over 70 toys, but only plays with 12. The average American parent spends $317 per child per year on new toys. Imagine that repeating year after year in a family with multiple children. Only 3% of the world’s children live in the United States, but the United States owns more than 40% of the world’s toys.
These are very impressive reasons to reevaluate what children really need to be happy. Perhaps the happiest childhood memories don’t revolve around things. Our family habits will not change until we are convinced that buying more things will not make us or our children happier.
2. Limit toys (kids will have more fun)
I love Montessori principles and have had a lot of success setting up small play “stations” in my home. These can be adjusted to suit different ages and abilities. When my kids were little, my 3-year-old could easily play with a tray of toys and clean up on his own (with a little prompting from his mom!). My older siblings, from age 4 to my 12, were also able to take charge of their own play area.
Your home will never look or function exactly like a Montessori classroom. However, Montessori’s basic idea of “freedom within limits” is certainly applied in daily life at home. We limit the freedom young children have to succeed, and we increase their freedom (and responsibility) as they get older.
There are countless ways to organize your toys. Limiting your child’s toys to the amount that they can retrieve and put away themselves gives them more freedom and choice.
This doesn’t mean getting rid of all your toys. That might mean limiting toys to a certain number, to only certain rooms, or even rotating the small boxes of toys regularly.
Physical limitations such as closets and boxes can help you know when to replace or dispose of toys. The younger children each get their own toy box and can store whatever goes inside. This gives you the freedom to choose what you need within the appropriate space. Items like baby toys and 2-year-old toddler toys can easily fit into one or two baskets.
3. Stick to toys that don’t make a mess.
I prefer the entertainment that comes from the great outdoors (climbing trees, running, building forts, etc.) for my children. I encourage them to use things they already have at home and repurpose them for other purposes and skills. Cooking, baking, creating an indoor obstacle course using sofa cushions, old clothes for costumes, etc.
Most of us moms have probably come up with creative ways to keep demanding toddlers busy with just a pot, a few kitchen utensils, and a little water.
That doesn’t mean there isn’t a place in your home for well-chosen toys, especially those that encourage movement, fine motor skills, and problem-solving.
4. Choose your purchases carefully
The bottom line is, be very careful before bringing a toy into your home, even if it costs $1 at a garage sale. Liat Hughes Joshi, author of the book Raising Children: The Primary Years, lists three main factors to determine whether a toy purchase will be profitable.
These are things to keep in mind during Christmas, birthdays, or Amazon’s Black Friday sale. Before you buy a toy, ask yourself…
Can my child use this with other children? (Social Value)
Can more than one child use this toy at a time? If so, at what ages? Does this toy encourage active play and sharing? Examples of toys suitable for this purpose include dolls. There’s a house, board games, a kitchen with play food, and more.
How long will it take for this toy to get boring? (versatility)
How much creativity will this toy bring to my child? Is it designed for one purpose or can it be used in multiple ways? Several?
Open-ended toys such as Lego sets, Lincoln logs, Magna tiles, and silk scarves can be reused in creative ways as children grow. These will be a staple in your home for much longer than other stuffed animals or talking toy cars.
Is it durable? What material is it made of? Can parts break?
The initial outlay may be high, but having a few well-chosen, high-quality items is always better than a pile of plastic junk.
It’s less cleaning for you, less waste for the environment, higher resale value when it comes time to clean…and you’ll be giving joy to another child. There are a lot of resale groups on Facebook just for wooden toys.
So which toys are the best? I have some ideas! If you need ideas for your family for Christmas or birthdays, these make great gift ideas. Some are even big enough to stuff in a stocking.
The best children’s toy that lasts!
Here are some no-mess toys that have stood the test of time. I intentionally kept the list short and focused on just what I needed. Check out my other posts on the best natural toys and the ultimate gift guide for more quality toy suggestions. These include gift ideas that are perfect for a wide range of ages, from babies to 9+.
I’m a fan of creative options like stem toys and cooperative/learning options like new card games. These popular toys made the list.
The best children’s toys that encourage creativity
collaboration toys
active or outdoor toys
comforting toys
I really enjoyed this podcast interview with Cas from Clutterbug about how to stay organized with kids. For more resources, check out How to Organize Your Home (For Us Busy Moms!) Or this interview I did with Joshua Becker about how to reduce stress and confusion.
What toys have stood the test of time for you? What toys do you say “no” to? Share below!
