Okay, I've got three words for you that, when combined, send shivers down the spine of even the most zen-like new parent: Baby. Toy. Overflow. You know the drill. You're blessed with a new bundle of joy (all the warm fuzzies), and after the chorus of “oohs” and “aahs” fades, the toy avalanche begins.
It's as if every well-meaning soul celebrating your parenthood moment has conspired to transform your once-mature living room into an unsanctioned toy warehouse.
And that’s the problem with baby toys, isn’t it? They're like tribbles—seemingly multiplying when you’re not looking. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m all for encouraging development and sparking little imaginations, but what do you do when every new toy is vying for attention from both your baby and your living space?
Get ready to rummage through clever storage solutions and even learn a thing or two about picking toys that won’t just clutter but will teach and entertain your growing baby.
Choosing Toys Wisely
Before we launch into the grand symphony of storage solutions, we need to drop some beats on toy selection. Think of it as the prequel to our organization odyssey—without wise choices from the get-go, you’ll find yourself on the hoarders’ trajectory before you can say “play date.”
Here's the golden rule of toy procurement: longevity. Seek out toys that adapt to your baby's age and developmental stage. Sure, that high-tech, super-glowing gadget is mesmerizing now, but will it hold any interest in a few months? Opt for flexible toys through multi-stage usage or good old Lego-like expandability. Babies grow fast; your toys should keep pace.
Some great options for flexible toys include building blocks such as Legos or Mega Bloks, open-ended play items like play dough or dress-up clothes, and educational toys like puzzles or shape sorters. These types of toys can be used in various ways, keeping your little ones engaged and entertained throughout their different stages of development.
They can also grow with your child, ensuring they won't be quickly outgrown or forgotten.
The Quality-Question Interruption
I know it’s tempting to raid the bargain bin with gleeful ‘new parent' abandon, but a word of warning from a battle-hardened veteran—cheap and cheerful often ends up in pieces too small for comfort or safety. Invest in quality (less landfill fodder, more heirloom potential), and your sanity will thank you later.
Sturdy construction, non-toxic materials, and a general air of ‘that’ll last' should be your shopping trip mantras. Also, remember not every interactive toy needs batteries.
Some timeless favorites are silent, cost-effective, and delightful—perfect for developing a discerning toy palate for your baby and your household budget.
Examples of timeless and safe toys that are non-toxic include wooden blocks, stuffed animals, dolls, and balls. These classic toys have been enjoyed by children for generations and are made with safe materials such as wood, cotton, and fabric.
Since BJ's is my favorite place to shop here are some links to get toys online at BJ's. You can even shop by age on BJs.com.
DIY Toy Storage Solutions
DIY options can be a quick fix and a fun way to spend time together when trying to maintain toy chaos. Enjoy these fun, and might I add, satisfying DIY projects to tame the untameable toy clutter.
The Basket Brigade
We’re repurposing, my friends. Old baskets, laundry hampers, and even those faux wicker accessories you realized you never needed after you bought them.
Or hit the clearance section at BJ's, for affordable baskets. BJ's still beats TJ Maxx in terms of baskets and storage bins.
Line them up, adorn with the scrawled but oh-so-endearing categories (“The Zoo”, “Roboville”, “Things That Go Bump”, you get the gist), and you're one hot glue gun away from organization euphoria.
Pegboard Party
For that small space, consider a pegboard. These are items you can typically find at garage sales, thrift stores, etc. You can paint them and customize the board to your liking with so many cute accessories.
I find Amazon and places like Michaels to have the best selection at decent prices.
Treasure Chest Transformation
Transform a chest of drawers or an old dresser into the toy version of Aladdin’s lamp. Each drawer a home to different toy types, all under wraps, but a tug and tada!—enchantment in the form of colorful, experience-perfecting playthings.
I like finding different style knobs at thrift stores to give an old dresser a bit more personality. You can get creative with paint colors, too. Find an old dresser on Facebook Marketplace or your thrift store.
For selection of storage options at BJ's tap here.
Organizing Hacks
The Rotating Carousel
One of the secrets to extended toy infatuation is novelty. When you have younger children, they easily get bored with a toy after a few weeks. Keep an area where you can stash those toys away and bring them out in a few weeks or the following month.
A secret stash of stored toys that can be brought out as ‘specials' for good behavior, successful potty-training, or just once the stars have aligned.
Contain the Excitement
Containment is about as exciting a word as ‘toothpaste.' But we're about to make it thrilling with the power of labeling.
Containments with clear pockets or transparent sides, labeled with visual hints or fancy font stuff, are storage solutions that also double as eye-catching decor.
Engaging Kids in Organization
If you want to keep the toy organization under control, everyone should be on the same page, including those at the heart of it.
Here's how to sprinkle a dash of joy in the chore of toy management.
The Color Connection
Babies love colors and matching. Use this to your advantage. Assign a color to each type of toy and store them accordingly. When it's cleanup time, it's not just about putting toys away; it's a treasure hunt with a sorting twist.
The Toy CCTVs
Children are visual learners. Well, we've got a visual lesson in spatial usage right here. Pictographic charts of where toys go turn to put away into almost a puzzle-solving experience. It's never too early to teach organization.
Engage your kids in organization from the beginning and watch these skills continue as they grow up. Remember, it's not just about your physical space but the mental clutter an organized (or disorganized) space can cultivate.
You're on this wild toy-taming ride because you're a rockstar parent who wants to give their child the world—or at least the toy department of a small country. Keep on wrangling, parents.
It's a wild, colorful, occasionally noisier-than-a-rock concert ride, but your well-organized living room will be the tour de force testament to your adventuring spirit.
Summer Party Must-Haves from Sur La Table at BJ’s
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