As your kids grow older and stop playing with their toys, it might be tempting to discard them to free up space. Or maybe you have toys from your own childhood that you want to give away. But before you do that, which toys should you consider keeping for the sake of memories, or for your kids to use, or that you could use when you become a grandparent.
Balance Bikes
Even with adjustable seats, kids can outgrow their balance bikes or simply move on to a pedal bike. This means that the balance bike is often still in pretty good condition which makes it an asset worth keeping for the next child. With so many technological distractions inside the house, it can be a challenge to get kids to play outside, but with a balance bike, you can ensure that they have fun and stay fit.
The balance bike will also allow the younger child to ride together with older siblings who have pedal bikes without feeling left out.
Musical Instruments
Musical instruments, including those musical toys that we all secretly despise, are a great way for kids to develop their fine motor skills while they learn about rhythm. Studies have shown that it can help sharpen their listening skills and provide your child with a creative way to express themselves. It can also have social benefits for the child down the road as they are more likely to be involved with playing an instrument – such as the drums, guitar, or piano – when they go to school.
Kick Scooters
Kick scooters are wonderful toys to pass through to your children. Because there are different designs and sizes recommended for different ages. It could be more economical to pass the smaller scooter down to your youngest child once your eldest has outgrown it. Kick Scooters are very durable toys, your child could easily outgrow the scooter before it is considered to be worn out.
Karaoke Machine
Karaoke machines or not the most budget-friendly of toys. However, it is a toy, that is well looked after, can be used for years to come. And let’s admit, all kids go through the phase of believing they’re a rock star. This is definitely a toy worth keeping, it is a machine that constantly comes back into trend. It is also a device you can use for multiple occasions, like everyday entertainment, sleepovers, and birthday parties. It is also a toy that all your kids can enjoy together, they could form a sibling band.
Trampolines
A trampoline is an obvious “toy” to keep for all your children, whether it be the kid or toddler-sized trampolines, or the large outdoor ones. They are designed to be durable and to last a few years. It could very well be a childhood companion for all your children. Jumping on a trampoline helps develop your child’s gross motor skills, and muscles. It’s a great outdoor activity to get your kids up and moving away from all the screens. It is also a nice destresser after their homework or exam periods.
Wagons
This is a “toy” you can use for all your kids throughout their toddler years. When people think of wagons, they often think of stroller wagons, utility wagons, or toy wagons. This is the perfect thing for family outings, or even just for your toddlers to play pretend. A wagon can be seen as a long-term investment. All you kids use it at one point in their life, and you do not need to purchase a new one for each kid.
Art Easel
The design of the easels has not really changed much since they were first brought out. Sure they have extra gadgets and features nowadays, but the fundamentals are still the same. If you had an easel growing up, this would be an excellent toy to pass down to your children. Creating art on an easel helps your child develop their gross and fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and decision-making skills.
Roller Skates
Roller skates come in a variety of designs and sizes. There are also different designs recommended for different skill levels. Passing down the “beginner” skates from your eldest to youngest would be a great way to save on money, and include all your kids in on the fun. Roller skating is a fun way for your children to get exercise and develop their muscles, balance, and endurance.
Board Games
Perfect for rainy days and to get in some much-needed family time, board games come in all shapes and sizes. Most board games are not only entertaining but also a creative way to stimulate skills such as memory, visual patterns, and literacy in children.
Since board games are played in groups it also teaches your children valuable social skills and communication. Games such as Candy Land are suitable for kids aged three and up and there are also all-time classics such as Monopoly or Chutes and Ladders. Studies have also shown that the moving of board game pieces can improve the fine motor skills of kids.
What do you think? Are there any toys you should have kept for your children?