If you're anything like me, you’ve stood in your living room at some point, staring at a floor full of plastic bits and wondering how it got this out of hand. A random ball here, a loud blinking thing there, and somehow a whole lot of toys that your child doesn’t even play with.
It’s easy to end up with too much and still feel like nothing’s quite right. That’s what got me thinking: what does a toy collection look like when it’s small but purposeful? One that grows with your child and doesn’t fall apart (physically or emotionally) after a few weeks?
Here’s what I’ve learned about building a toy collection that actually lasts — in quality, in play value, and in the joy it brings.
Start with Open-Ended Toys
The best toys don’t have a single use. They invite imagination and can be played with in different ways at different ages. A wooden kitchen, a stack of blocks, a dollhouse. These are the kinds of toys that grow with your child.
They’re not age-specific in the same rigid way as, say, a flashing keyboard toy for a 2-year-old. Instead, they become whatever the child needs them to be that day. That kind of play stays relevant, even years later.
Look for Quality Over Quantity
It’s tempting to buy in bulk or stock up when something’s on sale, but cheap toys rarely last. I’ve learned to ask myself: Will this toy still be in good shape a year from now? Would I want to pass this on to another child later? Will my potential grandchild one day inherit this piece? When something is made well, with real wood, non-toxic finishes, and thoughtful design, it holds up.
I've chosen to work with brands like Pinolino and Flexa that prioritise real FSC certified wood, and take extra care in their designs.
Less Can Be So Much More
I understand the need for variety. Something musical, something soft, something for bath time, something for the car. But honestly, they don't need to see them all at the same time. When the choice is smaller, kids dive deeper. They stop flitting from one thing to the next and actually get creative.
That doesn't mean get rid of all the options, but rotating toys every few weeks helps! Hide a few away in a basket or cupboard, then bring them back out later. It’s like Christmas morning without spending anything.
Buy with a Theme in Mind (Not a Trend)
I like to think in terms of roles and stages, not categories. For example:
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The Little Helper: learning towers and step chairs - these pieces seem to always be out for me, because they're part of everyday use.
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The Explorer: climbing toys, balance boards, building blocks - rainy day at home ahead? Surge of morning energy? Our little ones need to get their energy out in some way right?
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The Pretender: dress-up clothes, dolls, tool benches - Who doesn't love to play a little make-believe every so often?
Choosing toys based on how your child likes to engage with the world helps you avoid impulse buys and keep things cohesive. This is also how we organise our toys at Sāaru. You’ll spot these personality types across the shop.
Choose Things That Feel Good in Your Home
This one might seem surface-level, but it matters. Toys that blend in with your home make you less likely to resent them. You can shove the small things into baskets or hide them when people come over. But there are larger items that are just always part of the space and they need to fit your home aesthetic so you can also feel good about where you live.
It also teaches kids, in a small way, that their things have value and a place in the family home, just like ours do
Final Thought: It’s Not About Perfection
You’re allowed to have a few random plastic things. You don’t have to overhaul everything overnight. Building a lasting toy collection is about making small, thoughtful choices that add up over time.
And the best part? It doesn’t just create calmer rooms. It creates calmer play, calmer kids, and a more intentional rhythm to your days.
