Think Outside The Toy Box®

Standing in a sea of toys while your child complains of boredom might be one of modern parenting's greatest ironies. If you've ever wondered why expensive toys sit forgotten while your child gravitates toward screens, this episode reveals the surprising truth: your storage solutions might be the problem.

I share my personal breaking point as both a parent and professional toy reviewer when I realized our carefully organized toy bins were working against us. The revelation came when I noticed three critical patterns: our toys were hidden away making them easy to forget, many toys did all the work leaving kids passive observers, and too many options in one space created decision paralysis rather than inspired play.

The solution isn't buying more containers or implementing complex rotation systems. "Thinking outside the toy box" means fundamentally rethinking how we integrate play into our homes. Through four simple strategies—prioritizing creative toys, using open shelving instead of closed bins, distributing play opportunities throughout your home, and making screens less accessible than toys—you can transform not just your space but your child's play skills. This approach doesn't just reduce clutter; it nurtures independence, creativity, and deeper engagement with toys you already own.

Ready to try a different approach? This episode offers practical, immediate changes you can implement today to create play spaces that work for both parents and children. Because the best toys aren't hidden in bins, and the best play doesn't just happen in one room.

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Chapters

• 0:00 Welcome to Playroom Chronicles
• 1:28 My Toy Breaking Point
• 3:16 The Three Play Discoveries
• 4:10 Four Ways to Think Outside the Toy Box
• 5:44 The Big Takeaway

Transcript

Charlene: 0:00

Have you ever walked around your house trying not to step on Lego pieces and thought, oh, there has to be a better way? Trust me, there definitely is. Welcome to the Playroom Chronicles podcast, where toys spark imagination, learning and independent play. I'm Sharnley Deloach, a toy and play expert, but a mom just like you, navigating building blocks, puzzle pieces and snack crumbs every day, ever wondered which toy will actually get played with or how do I keep my child engaged without a screen? You're in the right place. From ready-day rescues to skill-building superstars, this is your go-to for honest toy recommendations, real talk and play ideas that work, ready to turn chaos into creativity one toy at a time, then. Welcome to the Playroom Chronicles podcast. To creativity, one toy at a time, then. Welcome to the Playroom Chronicles podcast. Welcome back to the Playroom Chronicles podcast, and I am so glad you're here today because I'm sharing something I deeply believe in what it means to quote.

Charlene: 0:54

Think outside the toy box. Let's be honest. Toys are taking over our homes. They're spilling out of bins or under couches, they're filling every corner, and then sometimes we buy more toys helping their entertain our kids, but instead they often end up forgotten, tossed aside or replaced by screens. It's exhausting and the clutter feels endless. And in fact a few years ago I even reached my breaking point, and that is saying something as a parent and as a professional toy reviewer. But I stood surrounded by toys, tired from constantly trying to pick up after my kids and keep them busy, and I realized three things. First, our toys were hidden away in bins and baskets, making them easy to forget. Second, many of our toys did all the work for the kids. They would just sit back and watch, quickly getting bored and then always looking for something new. And third, having too many toys packed into one playroom was overwhelming. They had too many options in one spot, making it hard to decide what to play with or understand how each toy could be fun or useful. While baskets and bins helped our home look tidy and the toys we had were fun, they weren't helping my kids actually learn how to play or engage deeply with their toys, and I realized the storage solutions were good for me but not good for them to build their play skills. So I knew there had to be a better way, and that's when I started to think outside the toy box, which has since become my tagline and the heart of this podcast on my website.

Charlene: 2:27

Once I started looking at toys differently, I really discovered some valuable lessons that kids play more naturally when toys are easy to see and you know access. If toys are tucked away, kids tend to forget them. Second, toys need to encourage creativity and independent play. Toys that do everything for kids limit their imagination and using play prompts can help kids see beyond what is shown on the toy box. And third, fewer toys displayed thoughtfully around the house helps kids understand the purpose of each toy, also reduces clutter and encourages ongoing play throughout the day. So when play is integrated into everyday life, kids become naturally engaged rather than viewing it as a chore or obligation. And once you realize these ideas, you'll see big improvements in how your kids play and how they grow and learn. And here's how you can start making these changes right now.

Charlene: 3:31

And here are four easy ways to think outside the toy box. First, keep toys that encourage creativity, independent play and learning. Think of these toys as healthy foods right, essential for growth, but the fun toys that are cool but maybe don't have much value other than being like the hottest toy right now. Think of them as dessert. They're enjoyable occasionally, but really shouldn't replace your main choices. Secondly, swap bins and baskets for open shelves and clear containers. When your kids can see their toys, they'll naturally play with them more. And in fact you can check out my episode called the grocery store end caps and you'll see what I mean by that. I'll link to it in the show notes in the blog post.

Charlene: 4:09

And number three instead of hiding toys away in a separate playroom, place the toys throughout your home and areas where your family spends time. This encourages consistent, natural play without needing constant rotation or cleanup. And then, lastly, consider storing tablets and remotes and other electronics out of easy reach. It's kind of like hiding cookies and putting fruit front and center. When toys are easier to access than screens, kids naturally choose to play more.

Charlene: 4:41

So thinking outside the toy box isn't just about decluttering or buying less. It's really about changing how you view play and toy management. Toys aren't the problem. We love toys, you love toys, I love toys, the kids love toys. But being thoughtful about how the toys are chosen, used and stored can really change how your kids play and make your home feel calmer in the process.

Charlene: 5:06

So here's the big takeaway Changing your approach doesn't mean you love toys any less. It means you love your kids more and want to set them up for success. So this week, try these easy tips. Specifically, keep toys where your kids can see them and put them in places where you spend time as a family, and I'd love to see what happens and hear about what results from this. So share with me at Playroom Chronicles on Instagram and Facebook, and also consider subscribing to this podcast so you can learn more outside the toy box ideas with tips on toys, play ideas and more ways to make playtime fun and simple. So it is your turn to confidently step outside the toy box because, remember, the best toys aren't hidden in bins and the best play doesn't just happen in one room. Thank you,