Is there anything better than delighting a child with a small gift? Toddlers are so pure in their joy that you can’t help smiling back; and if you get a happy exclamation from a tween, you have the satisfaction of knowing that you are right on trend.
But… many grandparents are disappointed to find themselves asked by mum or dad to keep toy gifts to a minimum, particularly for younger children. This can be baffling and even hurtful – but there are a few common reasons why millennial parents prefer to have fewer toys.
Storage space is at a premium in family homes
Increasing demands for housing has led to a trend of smaller homes, so many parents are raising a family in a smaller space. By limiting the number of possessions they and their children own, parents can make best use of the space they have. Too many toy gifts make it harder for families to keep control of their space, so mums and dads may ask grandparents to rein in the present giving.
What toy gifts are best for families who are short of space?
Toys and novelties that get used up and can then be thrown away are great for families who are short of space. Baking ingredients, and science experiments can be popular, as can craft kits with a single activity – particularly if you say you’ll be proud to display the results in your own home! Cardboard mini world sets, like those from Playpress, are great because they store flat and are very simple to recycle. Balloons or even some interesting junk that can go in the bin once the children get bored can also be fun.
Another gift idea for families living in a smaller space is a subscription to a toy rental service; or a toy that you bring with you each time you visit and then take away and keep at your house!
Millennial parents are aware of toy overwhelm
A very large selection of toys can actually mean less fun for some children. The sheer amount of choice may be confusing, and leave them overexcited and dysregulated, which will affect their behaviour, too, particularly after guests have gone home.
Helping to avoid toy overwhelm
It may seem a bit socially awkward, but ask the parents first before gifting a toy. Check whether it’s in line with the child’s interests, and ask if the family has space for it.
Some families prefer not to have lots of noisy toys, and be particularly mindful of electronic gadgets that play repetitive tunes. Other families will thank you for toys that are easier to store – for example, if they come in a box or crate – so that they are simple to put away.
And millennial parents may rotate their kids’ toys in and out of storage to keep the selection fresh and novel. Or they may choose to sell on toys that their children aren’t using to make space for changing interests. So don’t be offended if a toy you’ve given in the past is not immediately available.
Parents are concerned about the impact of toy waste
Toy waste is a huge problem worldwide. Many toys are made from hard plastic or mixed materials and are almost impossible to recycle and contribute to a global waste crisis. Not unnaturally, a lot of parents, who are heavily invested in keeping the world in a good state for their children’s future, prefer to not add to the issue through over-consumption.
Toy gifts for families with concerns about sustainability
Second-hand toys, or hand-me-downs are more likely to be welcomed by families who try to be ethical consumers. They may also prefer fewer toys of better quality, as these can be passed on to other families once they are no longer wanted.
A thoughtful approach to toy gifting
Normalise the giving of second-hand toys, and don’t make disparaging comments if your children give their little ones pre-loved toys, or charity shop finds. Take the time to find out about what your grandchildren are interested in, and what the parents really value in terms of toys, whether it’s ease of recycling, or the ability to pass them on to another family.
One more way to help…
External storage, such as a storage locker or container, can aid a growing family in keeping control of their living space. It’s also useful for mums and dads who want to rotate their children’s toy collection because it provides a secure, weatherproof storage space that is easy to access. There’s no need to climb up into the loft with a load of boxes when you have a storage unit! The price of storage varies, but we have a post that can help you work out how much it might cost per month.
Children’s toys will be covered by a Store and Insure insurance policy. Get an instant quote today to see how much our tailored domestic self-storage insurance costs each month.
