Why I don't buy my kids toys

A journey into choice paralysis and simple parenting

I was thinking recently about how odd the idea of “toys” is, if you really think about it. Like, to manufacture an object for express purpose of playing with it, and nothing more. Play is important, but anyone who’s spent time with kids sees they will play regardless of the objects around them. We build stores that are full of nothing other than these often expensive play-objects that serve no real utility. It trips me out.

Disclaimer that I’m not here to judge anyone’s parenting or toy-having. It’s a little vulnerable-feeling to share a core parenting practice of mine. We’re all doing our best, and we should all do what works for our families. I try to share thought provoking ideas in this newsletter so consider this simply food for thought.

I’ve had kids for 8 years now, so at this point I feel fairly sure of my toy-related instincts. Which can be summarized as: I don’t buy my kids toys.

Toys vs Materials and Tools

This doesn’t mean my kids don’t have things to play with. I’m a big f…