Too Many Toys?
When we’re at the toy store, I’m excited not only because of all the cool toys, but also because many of them are (to me) affordably priced. Jeremy Clark of The Sunday Times agrees.
Toys are more expensive? I dont think so.
Whats changed dramatically, however, is the frequency with which children receive them. As a boy, and my upbringing was far from deprived, I was given presents on my birthday and at Christmas. Today, my children get a present from someone or other once every 24 seconds.
He thinks that kids don’t really want the toys their “nostalgic parents” buy for them. Pretty spot on in my case.
Why do you buy your kids (too many) toys, games, and/or DVD’s and how often? (I’ve excluded books because I’m biased.)
!++25++!
Related Stories
POSTED IN: General Play Library Goodies
3 opinions for Too Many Toys?
Qadira
Jul 31, 2005 at 12:19 pm
The kids mostly get things at Christmas and birthdays, but they also get the odd toy for random holidays like Easter, or something fun and new for summer vacation. And of course, certain books and movies are acquired as soon as they’re released. (We’re waiting with much anticipation for the new Narnia movie. If it’s as good as all the hype says it will be, it’ll go on our ‘must buy’ list)
Many of the toys that come into our home are the kind of thing that gets used up- like sidewalk chalk or bubbles. When the kids get discontented and bored with their stuff, I box up half of it and store it for a few months. They play with new-found enthusiasm with what is left out; and when I open up the stored boxes there is much excitement.
cheaper than buying new stuff, and takes up less space.
echomyst
Jul 31, 2005 at 12:56 pm
I don’t have kids, but I have to agree that today’s parents give their kids way more toys and presents than ever before.
I remember when I was a kid, I actually borrowed craft & toys-making books, got ideas from them, and made my own toys. I plan to get my future kids to do the same, but I just know that my future husband and in-laws will spoil them rotten =)
Lei
Aug 1, 2005 at 1:38 am
Qadira - Space is a BIG concern when it comes to toys. I don’t know how most families do without a room dedicated to toys. And I’m not just talking about the kids’ rooms!
echomyst - You got it right! With fewer kids per family, grandparents have more disposable income to spend per child. I wrote about it a while ago - http://www.aboutweblogs.com…
Have an opinion? Leave a comment: