This set of blocks and Duplos are played with daily in our house.

October 5, 2017​

I have read many posts - even from people who do not consider themselves minimalists - on the overabundance of toys they receive for birthdays and Christmas. We have purged our toy room from many licensed or closed ended toys (definition of open ended and closed ended toys here) and battery operated obnoxious junk. I have experienced numerous benefits from less toys.

I notice that my children’s want list is less. They make what they want and are more content with what they have with less toys. This is a wonderful learning opportunity for them to get creative, and they take pride in their creations.

Picking up toys takes less time, and the children are more likely to cooperate. Since my youngest is 22 months, I still help out a lot, but I hear less grief from the older ones when it is time to put away. As my mother said to me growing up, “The less you have, the easier it is to take care of.”

So how do you give a thoughtful gift? If you are unable to comfortably ask what is wanted or needed, here are a few examples.

Experiences over things are always a great gift option. Memberships to museums or the zoo, waterpark or movie tickets, dinner somewhere special such as Medieval Times are some examples of places kids love to go. Minimalist Joshua Fields Millburn makes a good point by saying, “Our memories aren’t in our things.” I remember many experiences with friends and family over the years that mean more to me than any object they could buy me.

Quality over quantity. I would much rather have a group gift for all the boys to share such as Tegus or Magna Tiles (magnetic blocks that can make various creations such as people, cars, homes, the possibilities are endless) over several cheap plastic action figures with accessories that end up breaking or the kids lose interest in. Open ended toys such as Tegus are better choices than closed ended toys such as an electronic toy that recites the ABCs. There are more ways the child can play with open ended toys, and it helps boost a child’s creativity.

If bombarded by lots of gifts for a party consider donating the toys to a charity, requesting no gifts or in lieu of gifts a donation to a charity.

I am not saying that my children will never receive a toy again or that we are ungrateful for what has been given to us, but the toys that enter this house and stay are carefully considered. I find it wasteful for us to hold onto anything that is not used regularly and loved. Their interests in characters from books and movies comes and goes. I have my children write thank you notes no matter what is given to recognize a relative or friend’s generosity. Giving gifts is fun, but bringing more mindfulness into it (including writing thank you notes) can be beneficial for both parties.