Toy Organization
Toys are awesome! But, when they clutter your space and are a pain to put away they can cramp a home’s style and functionality. We’ve been living with toys for 15 years now. Here are some solutions that have worked really well for us, along with some other ideas. If you have more, please share in the comment section below!
Stuffed Animals
Stuffed animals are adorable, but can also take up a lot of space. The favorite(s) can be kept on your child’s bed for cuddling. Others can be kept for playtime in areas such as these…
Our stuffed animal storage doubles as bean bag chairs, for when the boys read or play video games. These offer a TON of storage for stuffies, blankets, pillows, etc. AND you can wash them easily! They come in a variety of sizes, colors, and designs.
To display the stuffed animals in a fun way, check out this adorable hammock which includes LED lights for added ambiance.
The tried-and-true ‘toy box’ is also a great, functional solution. There are a ton of options out there. With a toy box, kids have easy access to their stash and if the box has a top, everything can be kept neat and tidy inside. This one collapses flat and can be used for other household items once the stuffed animals have fled the home.
Board Games and Puzzles
Games and puzzles can be stored inside pretty baskets on shelves, within cabinet drawers, or inside closets. Ours are hidden in a rattan chest and in a sideboard located in our living room, which is where they are typically played.
This piece was from Ikea, but is unfortunately discontinued. However, stores like Walmart, Potterybarn, and others sell similar chests and baskets. You may also find some nice vintage ones on Etsy, or in thrift and antique shops.
You can also hide games, puzzles, craft supplies, coloring books and more in sofa tables and sideboards. The sideboard shown below is from All Modern.
LEGOs
LEGOs are often played on the living room coffee table, so what better place to keep them than inside the table itself. If you have drawers in your table, the pieces can be swept right into the table for easy clean up!
If you don’t have built-in drawers, you can purchase baskets with wheels to go underneath the coffee table you already have. Tip: you can DIY these at a lesser expense by adding thin plywood and wheels to the bottom of different baskets of your choice.
What to do with toys that are no longer used
It can be a bit nostalgic giving up beloved toys. If there is something that is really special and won’t take up much room, then feel free to keep it. Perhaps you have something that can possibly be used by the next generation. For us, that toy is the boys’ Thomas the Train set, which is now in a milk crate in our attic. We’ll likely hold on to some LEGOs too. No one is too old for LEGOs, right?
The toys you are not holding on to can be sold at a yard sale or donated to a thrift store, like Savers. Some awesome charities that accept toy donations include Second Chance Toys, Cradles to Crayons (new and gently-used), Toys for Tots (new toys only) and Stuffed Animals for Emergencies (SAFE). Local schools, churches, temples, shelters, libraries and hospitals may also benefit from the items you no longer have a use for.
If pieces are missing or broken, it is best to toss them in the trash or recycling bin. Just make sure to always remove the batteries and recycle them properly.
I recommend purging toys every few years so you don’t end up with a major project once your kids have outgrown them all. Until then, enjoy family game nights and play time! They will be a fun and memorable part of your kids’ childhood.