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This story is sponsored by The Red Balloon Toy Store. Learn more about The Red Balloon Toy Store.
Christmas is a special time of year for kids, but it can be one of the most stressful times for parents. It’s all worth it in the end, though, when you see the awestruck bewilderment on your kid’s face as they open up each of your presents for them.
All worth it, that is, unless you find yourself on Christmas morning face-to-face with a Dudley Dursley reaction.
Despite the desire to give your kids everything, there is an argument for buying your kids fewer toys this year. Here are just a few reasons why:
1. You'll save money
The end of the year is typically a time for spending, not saving, but the after-Christmas spending hangover often comes with a credit card balance and a depleted savings account. Cutting back on the number of toys you buy for your kids can give you a little financial breathing room.
While you're buying less, however, don't skimp on quality. When cheap toys are in the hands of your kids, you know for a fact that these toys won’t usually have a long lifespan. And with broken toys comes a need for even more toys. Rather than waste money on dozens of cheap toys, spend a bit extra for fewer, more durable toys and save yourself more money in the long run.
2. Your kids will have quality expectations
Avoiding cheap, easy gifts can teach kids to delay gratification. Tying into the previous point, if you make Christmas a time for quality gifts, your kids will then expect presents that will teach them skills and help them grow.
A bonus: keeping their expectations low not only saves you money in the long run, but it also helps keep them from becoming too dependent on material things as they eventually become functioning members of society.
3. Less junk
It's not uncommon for kids to abandon some of their Christmas toys after a few weeks (or even a few days!). They often don't have the attention span, let alone time, to spend a significant amount of time playing with every toy they own. So, the task leans on you, then, to find the select few number of toys your kids will play with, rather than buy tons of toys that the might eventually get to.
Of course, you don't want to get rid of any of it. After all, you spent a lot of time and money on their Christmas gifts. It would feel like a waste to throw it out after such a short time. The result is a toy box that gets fuller and fuller. And, as you know, kids would usually rather have the toys outside the toy box than in it, even if they aren't playing with them. The fewer toys you give your kids, the less unused junk you have to deal with.
4. Multipurpose toys go farther
Young children typically want more out of their toys than just something to play with. They're still learning basic skills and are constantly taking in new information. Therefore, a few educational toys can go a lot further than a bunch of simple play toys. They're a lot more engaging too, making it more likely that they'll use them again and again.
Also, it may be tempting to just download cheap or free educational apps on your smartphone or tablet for them to play with. When your kids are young, however, the physical nature of toys is just as important as the mental skills they're learning while using them and can help them learn fine motor skills and, on a small scale, the laws of physics.
5. Experiences have more staying power
Toys are great, but your kids likely aren't going to spend much time reminiscing about their toys when they're older. Instead, use the money you save to put toward family fun or vacations. Get games that you can play as a family. It's the experiences your kids have that will remain with them over the years, and they'll be more interested in doing the same things with their children.
Not sure about the right kind of toys to get your kids? Check out The Red Balloon Toy Store for some ideas for educational toys that will last long.
(In the app and can't see the quiz? Click here.)