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Are you saving any of your kids' toys?

I have been on a major toy purge mission since late last fall. I was THRILLED when my 5-year-old agreeably tossed about 40 of her stuffed animals in a garbage bag before Christmas. To the attic they went, and she still has not missed them! Her criteria for banishment? She only wanted "pretty" stuffed animals. Uh, OK. ;)

Any way, I've given a ton of baby toys to Goodwill and donated some to our daycare since my youngest just turned 3. Sniff. I want to save a few nice things for the grandkids, like the Melissa & Doug type sets.

We have two Fisher Price Little People sets just literally collecting dust (the barn and the dollhouse). I thought I might save one of them, but I'm not that crazy about sticking them in the attic. My mother-in-law saved a ton of toys my hubby and his brother played with as kids and they honestly could care less about them, but the girls enjoy playing with them when they visit.

I just detest clutter and we don't have a ton of room in our old house. I am saving some special outfits (holiday, birthday, smocked dresses, etc.)

So, are you setting aside any of your kids' toys for the grandkids or not?

Tags: clutter, organization, purging, toys

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Lalena on March 27, 2008 at 4:32pm: I tried keeping things but we have moved around so much. I just couldn't stand ~~dragging~~ bringing all that stuff with us. I have kept one or two dresses of my daughters. One day there are grand plans on framing her dedication dress with a picture of her. Honestly it may never happen. I have a few toys my mom saved and the kids played with them. But I really think there are so many families in need, why should I hold onto stuff when it could be enjoyed and used. Hard choice when everything is tied with memories.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by littlepiddle on March 27, 2008 at 9:22pm: No, No, and No...lol! I'm saving the cradle, a few baby blankets, and maybe 3 or 4 outfits from each child and that is it. When things get stored in the attic the stains tend to come out. As for toys I don't because when grandkids are here I'm sure most will be on a recall list or something.

Once or twice a year I got through all the toys and put a pile of the stuff they never play with. I then let my girls pick maybe 4-6 things from that pile and the rest we give to their cousins and frineds. I even have my girls present when I do this or have a yard sale so there are no future conversation of "Why does she have my toy, that was mine". I do this with their clothes too and when my youngest outgrows things she'll say give it to her friends. I started this when they were babies since I was one of those kids who didn't always like to share or part with things. And they love seeing other kids use things. Now if it's their sister touching their stuff, that's another story:); ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by M3 on March 27, 2008 at 9:29pm: No...I have saved a few outfits that were sentimental to me (the kids already like seeing how small they used to be!) and, since I have a few outfits of mine, it has been fun to see how the styles have changed, but I haven't saved any toys. I did pay the price for getting too eager with Legos, however, and have had to rebuild our sets after precipitously donating them to the kindergarten after two years of them collecting dust. Other than that, I think keeping that stuff would make me crazy and would not be good for them. They know we donate toys, clothes, etc., we aren't using to people who will use them.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Michele on March 27, 2008 at 11:01pm: I kept Goggy (their velvet frog), and a special toy off of a bouncer that brings back great memories. So far, that's all I've saved in term of toys.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by BlondeMomBlog on March 28, 2008 at 6:27am: Well thanks for making me feel less guilty about getting rid of all this stuff! :)

I have been giving old clothes to a co-worker who has a little girl one year younger than my 3-year-old since my neighbor gives me all her daughter's play clothes which is a HUGE blessing. I mean I don't have to buy any play clothes for my girls at all. Most stuff I've been donating to Goodwill. I just hate clutter. My mom did save my wooden blocks from childhood and the girls love playing with them at her house. She also saved a few favorite stuffed animals but I tossed them because they were musty.

Any way, you're right on the recalls, too! I think part of my problem is starting to rethink it. You know like, "Oh she got that little Fisher Price doggie xylophone for her first Christmas!"

I've done really well on purging, though, so far. MUST PURGE ON! ;)

p.s. M3, our Legos set was one I considered purging but the girls actually still play with their Legos sometimes (I know their My Little Ponies are crushed!); ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by The Nester on March 28, 2008 at 1:07pm: Legos are timeless--good idea to keep them!

I have major issues--I want to save so many toys!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by M3 on March 28, 2008 at 2:43pm: I now know that I must keep the Legos forever. I am trying to talk my son into selling his Bionicles on eBay, however. I just don't think they have the timeless quality of Legos.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Holly on March 28, 2008 at 9:57am: I will keep the two toys that my little one has slept with since he was born but that is it. My dds never were attached to any toys. My dh's gma has tons of toys from the family that my kids love to play with at her house but that is part of the fun.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by The Nester on March 28, 2008 at 10:57am: Yes, I am a toy freak!

saveworthy:'

playmobil
thomas the tank engine stuff
kapla blocks
cute play kitchen
table and chairs

We have enough friends and family that I like to keep it around and we have room to keep it right now. I am SO attached to their toys and want my grandchildren to play with them. I'm sure in 20 years I'll wonder why I saved it all but for now, yes!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by BlondeMomBlog on March 28, 2008 at 12:49pm: Nester:

I totally understand! :)

I forgot to mention that my mom saved my nice wooden toy table and chairs and cradle and tiny rocking chair. I will definitely save them for the grandkids! All the plastic stuff, though? Most all of it can go on to the next home!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by M3 on March 28, 2008 at 2:45pm: I have the family crib, playpen, and high chair, as well as an old-fashioned single-student school desk. The crib, playpen and high chair are from 1970 (when my little brother was born) and all my kids have used them. The crib is Jenny Lind-style (don't know if its Jenny Lind), the playpen is wooden (obviously wouldn't pass recall standards!), and the high chair is like a bentwood rocker except it doesn't rock (curvy wood and cane seat!). Those are true heirlooms, like christening gowns.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Mrs. Flinger on March 28, 2008 at 5:43pm: I'll keep those very special items (lovies .. which, oh! kinda go with today's flashback on my site!) and also those Melissa and Doug type things or anything SO popular.

But no, not really. I tend to jump with joy to get rid of things now.

Except I just got a 3 dollar leap frog jumbo freaking toy for Baby O from Value Village. One step forward, two steps back.; ▶ Reply to This