Our Toy MVPs

I was recently re-reading one of my favorite parenting books, Simplicity Parenting, and was thinking about the amount of toys that we have versus the amount of toys that actually get used.  

In the book, Dr. Payne instructs parents to put all their kid’s toys–bath toys, blocks, doll accessories, balls, everything–into one big pile. That pile should be halved, and halved again, and maybe even again. 

“An avalanche of toys invites emotional disconnect and a sense of overwhelm,” Dr. Payne explains.  It makes so much sense- after Christmas present openings my kids always seem so stressed out, and I end up storing or donating most of the things well meaning relatives gift.  

I try to be diligent about this process- I'm constantly noting what is actually getting used, and what feels like clutter.  I wanted to share our "MVPS" - the toys that have wide age ranges, and are open ended.  Things both kids gravitate towards, and would never get put in storage or thrown in the back of a closet.

1.  Melissa and Doug Bus

I don't know what it is about this thing, but both my kids LOVE it.  Ophelia has named all the riders, and can play with them for hours. This guy was actually the inspiration for the title of this post, as they were playing contently for a long time with it one Saturday morning and my husband noted "Melissa and Doug Bus, YOU THE REAL MVP!"

2.  Corolle Baby Doll

Ophelia is particularly attached to her doll Orb, but Ralphie really likes playing with the baby too.  

3.  Magna Doodle

Such a classic, and great for travel!

4.  Anywhere Chair

I think they really enjoy having furniture their own size- Ophelia's chair has seen a LOT of use (and abuse).  We just ordered Ralph his own for his first birthday!

5.  Wood Doll House

I think any doll house is great, but I like that ours is very simple and gender neutral.  

6.  Egg Shakers

My kids just LOVE these when they are babies, but even now when Ophelia comes upon one it brings her joy.  

7.  Stabilo Pencils

These are a new MVP- I was introduced to them at Ophelia's school.  She loves doing art, and I was trying to find a way to make it more accessible to Ralphie, which usually just involved him eating the markers.  These are great for little hands, are easy to clean, and really vibrant colors! 

8.  Play Kitchen

Probably our most loved item.  

9. Animal Figurines 

Our collection of animals gets used all the time.  For learning, make believe, and they're also Ralph's favorite chew toy.