I finished Kim John Payne’s book more convicted than ever that we need to cut our toy load in half at the house, and only keep the most simple, natural toys that open up the best possibilities for rich sensory experience and imaginative play.
We’ve had all kinds of toys in the past at the house: toys that beeped, talked, flashed, toys that were nice and quiet but very locked-in (a vehicle or figurine that’s so defined; it just is what it is.)
Lately I’ve tried some new things and have had so much fun watching P’s imagination run free. What I love most about simple ‘toys’ is that he is completely in charge of his play. No Hollywood director or advertiser or toy company has a say in what he does (nor could they even come close to the stuff this kid dreams up!)
Some of our most favorite un-toys right now are:
- tree blocks (which I got on Etsy from a homesteading family – fallen trees, cut, sanded smooth and finished with beeswax – these add so much texture, & the boys seem fascinated with them.)
- play silks (these make great wings, capes, worm costumes, or pseudo-kites!)
- sticks and pine cones – you may laugh, but new ones come in from the yard every day, bursting with personality! …dragons, cows, robots, cat fish… all with different functions and magical powers!
- play stands (given to me by a local Waldorfing family who outgrew them – we love the little house and cozy place it gives the boys for building inside!)
It’s easy to spend way too much on toys, especially natural ones, so it’s been helpful to see the boys get just as much enjoyment out of a stick as they would an expensive wooden truck.
Birthdays should be easy this year….dirt, sticks, rocks…absolute heaven!