I love toys. I admit it. I pour over toy catalogs, love to visit a toy store as much as my kids do, and take painstaking efforts to care for toys. There is actually a time in my history when I rubber banded Barbie shoes onto Barbie feet so as to not lose the shoes. To qualify, I only love quality toys. Toys that have lasting value, that encourage imaginative or creative play. Toys that are well made and time tested. Just a walk down the Target toy isle does not make me happy, but playmoblie, lego, train sets, American girl dolls, blocks, construction sets, puppets, cars and trucks, cooking sets, dress-up...well, you get the idea. I love those things.
The problem is that I live in an 1100 sq foot house with 4 other people already (and 3 fish, 2 cats and a dog). Another little person is about to make an appearance. The girls share a room, Erik and I share a room (of course) and Reese currently is king in his own bedroom. The baby and Reese are scheduled to share space. However, the current spot for a crib is occupied by a large train table. A table I love! Admittedly, I love it more than Reese does. I'm not sure where to put the train table to accommodate the baby.
You see, there is no play room , family room, bonus room, or other space to put this table. It could go in the garage, but that is where toys go to die. It would never be played with again. It could go there for a time until the two kids in the room were big enough for bunk beds, but then Reese's window of Train Table Play Time might be closed. I'm currently negotiating with Erik about the possibility of getting rid of the coffee table and slamming that train table into the living room...but really? I'm not sure that's the best solution either.
I have friends who are so great about being ruthless with the culling of their family items. Bags and bags go out each month to Goodwill or consignment stores. Clutter is managed, space is saved. I just can't do it. Ultimately, when the kids go through and choose things to give away, I go back through and choose things to keep. This is a total problem!
So, any suggestions, tips, helps in making more space and on what to do with the train table...I welcome your comments! Confessions of an admitted toyaholic voiced here!
6 comments:
Does he play with it daily? If so then absolutely try to fit in to your decor! :)
Does he play with it once a week or less? Give it to a church, daycare, etc.
Those are my two thoughts, but I am already counting down the days to be rid of baby toys!
Oh and I LOVE TOYS TOO! We have the best new toy store in GH and I really have to hold myself back b/c I want everything!
We'll take it and Reese can visit it whenever he wants! ;) I love toys too, and handmade toys have a special place in my heart. Maybe the maybe can sleep on the train table . . . just brainstorming . . .
You could build a shelf around his room that he could drive the trains around. This way it is cute out of the way and gives him exercise. Love your blog PS. we still have John's trains.:)
Mount the train table on the wall, with industrial strength drawer pulls and some hinges, then have it slide out and down when needed.
I love the coffee table idea, for sure!
Or, get the girls bunk beds AND put the crib in there.
Hi A!
By the time your four kids are in middle school, you'll have all those toys boxed up and put . . . somewhere. Then, you'll turn into a minimalist. We have toys all over the family room AGAIN!
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