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Toy Extravaganza |
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Toy Extravaganza
Written by Jen Doyle
If you didn't get a chance to clean out your kids' toys to make room for new ones before Christmas, it's not too late. Children can be so overwhelmed with too many choices that it may seem easier for them to just watch TV. Help them narrow their choices and stimulate their interest.
Here are some hints for reducing the toy overload.
1. Donate to Charity- Feel good about yourself. Send duplicate gifts that
your children have received to the Connecticut Children's Medical Center.
Be sure that the toys are appropriate (i.e. non-violent) and new. Also check out local churches. Those with nurseries may be in need of toys.
Toys could also be scarce in Women's shelters.
2. Consignment Shops- Check out local consignment shops that deal with
children's clothes and toys. You won't get near top dollar for a toy but you could at least get a portion of what you spent on the item.
3. Bring to the Grandparents- Nana needs some new ways to entertain the
children. Sometimes a toy in a new environment becomes special again to a child. Rotate toys every few months to keep it fresh. You could also drop off a few toys with aunties and special friends where your kids might spend some time- with permission from everyone of course. Not everyone might be open to having a bag of toys dropped off.
4. Day Care Center- Ask your day care center if they are in need of
anything. My sister was able to recycle a wonderful art easel by bringing it to her day care center and allowing it to live a new life with ten little people. You could also speak to a family with which you spend time and set up a toy exchange. Keep the toys for a few months and then exchange back. Watch as your kids are excited to have their toys returned to them.
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