Tips to help with the toy hangover after Christmas

If you are like me and you have a big family this may mean that your kids get quite a lot of new toys on Christmas day. For a few days they will sit out in your lounge or playroom until you figure out where to put all of the new things your children received. If toys in your house already give you a headache, here are some tips on how to deal with the new ones.

Reserve - unopened toys for later

There will always be favourite toys that draw your child’s attention immediately and others may be ignored. If this is the case, put these toys away in a cupboard and give them to your child later in the year when they will be appreciated. This of course is easier with younger children but older children may not be so keen on this idea!

Replace - similar toys with the next stage

As children grow and develop, they will need different toys for where the stage they are in the toys change stages. If they received something a bit more grown up than an item you already have, it is a wonderful gesture to sell or donate the more junior item rather than hold onto them and not use them you could remove the old junior item and donate or sell it. For example you may have Duplo and your child received Lego so if they are now into Lego you don’t have to have both. Puzzles are another good example. 

Reorganise - toys to accommodate

If you already have a good organisation system, you may just need to swap some things around. If you received more of an item you already have then you may need a bigger container to store the whole collection. For example more cars may just need a bigger place to store them all. Work with your current system and do some swapping around.

Remove - toys you don’t need

Letting go of things can be hard but if there is no space, it may be time to let go of old toys to make way for the new ones.

Redistribute - older toys 

If your child still likes an older toy and you don’t want to let it go, you could put it in another play area. Could the toy now be an outdoor toy or could it live in your child’s room instead of the play area? If this isn’t suitable, could the grandparents have it at their house for when the children come to visit? Seeing a favourite toy after some time, could be very exciting for children and will probably be helpful when grandparents look after your children.

Rethink - next year

If you find the idea of new toys overwhelming, why not ask the family to purchase an experience for your child instead. You could also suggest a play adventure from our Pretend Cards range. Our cards pair nicely with some art and craft materials that can be used on the adventure. Watch our website and social media for more products and ideas for learning through play gifts that don’t need the expense of buying more toys.

Happy playing

Heather