Can someone tell me WHY our kids have so many toys?

I don't think it has to do with whether or not you have money either. I was joking this morning while bit*hing that the kids do not need most of their toys. It got me to thinking.... why do we feel the need to KEEP buying all of this crap for them?

Re: Can someone tell me WHY our kids have so many toys?

I will say it had nothing to do with incomes.

I go to a lot of inhome playdates. Some homes are over a million(in NC, that is a lot of house)...not a lot of toys. just really what the kids are into.
I see pics on facebook of Christmas mornings...totally not the scene i would have expected.
Maybe 5 gifts under the tree.
Some families just aren't into it.
I am totally not into it.
It is all such junk. I don't like being home though either, so maybe that has something to do with it.

Message edited 9/1/2011 11:06:17 AM.

Re: Can someone tell me WHY our kids have so many toys?

Toys are MUCH much less expensive now than they were when we were children. For us, my family was basically eradicated in WWII so I grew up with a very small family. Now we have a bigger family and so my kids are the extremely fortunate beneficiaries of gift giving.

Re: Can someone tell me WHY our kids have so many toys?

We Our kids have so many toys fro three reasons:
1. I like to buy them stuff.
2. Since they are twins, we get double the stuff at the same age range, and they like the same things but hate to share certain toys. Sometimes they share, but I do feel like they should have some items that are only their's.
3. We have a ton of people getting they gifts for xmas and their bday.

Re: Can someone tell me WHY our kids have so many toys?

DS is the only grandchild, only nephew on my side, youngest grandchild, youngest cousin on DH's side - We have a very generous family.

Re: Can someone tell me WHY our kids have so many toys?

I wonder the same thing on a daily basis...

The amount of toys my kids have is insane..They are begining to take over every room in the house AND we have a full finished basement as a playroom

And, what is the toy of choice on most days?

A ball and a paper airplane

Re: Can someone tell me WHY our kids have so many toys?

I'm right there with you on this and your other toy post.

My DD has Polly Pockets, Little Ponies, a dollhouse with tons of stuff, Little Pet shop, dolls with clothes - she plays with NONE of it. She likes the Little Pet shop but not to pretend play, she really just likes the pets. Her thing is animals and art stuff.

My older son loves his Legos, this is an undisputed fact. And he cleans them up. My little guy likes the Trio blocks, which he will clean as well. They will play with matchbox cars and such quite a bit too. Everything else can and will be going.

They were never into the play kitchen (still here too - not sure why.)

I am also done with all the stuff - I don't think they have nearly as much stuff as I've seen at lots of other kids houses. I could be wrong though. Sounds like a lot when I post it all like this. I've gotten rid of things over time too.

I'd love to start coming up with gifts that are non-material. Trips to something fun, experiences more than more items to have to store.