My dd just turned one earlier this month. I went into her room today to do some much needed cleaning and rearranging. (it's time again to weed out outgrown clothes - but that's another thread!) Anyway, I am realizing just how many plastic toys my child has! It's baskets full! And what I really don't know is just how it got that way!!! My dh and I have been EXTREMELY frugal about what we have bought her. In fact, it has been next to nothing because of a conscious decision we have made to not inundate her with lots and lots of 'things'. And I am at a loss of where they have all come from!

We have an overflowing basket in the living room of things she plays with regularly (probably because it's in the living room, and she likes to spend her time with us), and three (yes I said three) baskets of toys and stuffed animals in her room. And then there is the bookshelf - now that only has books and a couple of 'keepsakes' - but still - it's A LOT OF STUFF. Where did it come from? Does this stuff multiply when we are asleep? For her birthday, she only got two toys - a baby doll, and that cut Elmo chair (which she sits in ALL THE TIME), so it's not like we just got an influx for her b-day. And Christmas was light too - a set of blocks (still in the box) and a walking toy. So, I don't know how we got so much. I could probably look at each item and remember where it came from, but it's crazy!!!!!

I know over the next few months she will need more than she uses right now, but I don't know if I can look at all this stuff. I mean, I'm trying to clear out the rest of my house ... and this is just one other area that needs clearing out! Any experience in this area? Thanks ladies for listening - and giving advice and support!

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Mommy to ds (my sweetheart in heaven - 10/04-02/06), dd (01/06), ds (EDD 11/27/08), and 5 little unknown angels in heaven!

Thank you, Jesus, for all the blessings you give me every day!

Get rid of what ever you want to I swear she will never miss it.

Put it away for awhile and bring it out later! I rotate my kids toys and it helps keep down the clutter. I just recently put all but 2 different types of toys in the back of our basement and the only way that they can have something new is if they put away what is already out! It has worked for a week now.

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I love the rotating idea! I do that with my 4 & 6 year old! They have no idea and are so surprised to see them again!

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~ Jessica

Yes, I know what you mean! My kids have PLENTY of toys. One thing I've found that helps is whenever anyone asks what they want for birthdays/Christmas I suggest consumable items or practical things. Movie tickets, museum passes, paints, beach towels, character sheets, etc. are all great!

If you are wanting to get rid of some of the small toys(like the ones found in happy meals, etc.) You could pack those all up and donate them to a preschool or elementary school. Most teachers have a little treasure chest for kiddos to pick out of it they have done something good! (Although then you are sticking them with some other mother that is in the same situation )

Just think about all the times someone else has given her toys! Dh and I have adopted a no junk policy for gift giving to everyone. No one needs more junk.