How fewer toys support better play
- Jul 13
- 3 min read
Updated: 6 hours ago
Key points:
Children often benefit from having fewer toys available at any one time
Toy rotation keeps play fresh, maintaining interest without adding clutter
Toy libraries make rotation simple – borrowing and returning toys provides variety and opportunities to follow your child’s developmental pace naturally
On this page:
(click on headings below to jump to section)
↓ Toy rotation: keeping play fresh
↓ Choosing toys that hold attention
Download resource as PDF
Toys spilling out of every box, shelves packed to the brim… and somehow your child is still saying, “I’m bored.”
Sound familiar? It’s not just your house. In Australia, about 51% of toys end up in landfill within just 12 months.
It might seem like having lots of toys would encourage more play. But for young children, too many options can actually make play feel a bit overwhelming.
When lots of toys are out all at once, children often move quickly from one thing to the next and it’s harder for them to settle into play.
One way to reduce the overwhelm without losing variety is to rotate toys
Toy rotation simply means:
Keeping a small selection of toys out
Putting the rest away for now
Swapping them over every few weeks
When toys come back out later, they often feel fresh and exciting again - like rediscovering old favourites.
Toy libraries naturally support this rhythm. You borrow, play, return, and refresh, without adding extra clutter to your home. It’s a lovely way to save money and reduce waste.
Choosing toys that hold attention
Some toys naturally encourage longer, deeper play than others. These are often simple, open-ended toys that can be used in lots of different ways.
In a toy library, these might look like wooden blocks, magnetic tiles or animal figurines.
Open-ended play is play without a set outcome or “right” way of to do things. It gives children the freedom to use their imagination, solve problems and follow their own ideas.
Dr Kate Renshaw, Play and Filial Therapist says open-ended play as essential for children to eventually develop their pretend play skills.
“Children who can make a pencil into a magic wand or a building block into a phone unlock imagination and creativity. And the great news is that pretend play is linked with supporting social and emotional development, speech and language development and improved wellbeing outcomes.” - Dr Kate Renshaw, Play and Filial Therapist
The bigger picture
It’s easy to get into the habit of buying more toys, especially for special occasions or when children lose interest quickly.
But children don’t necessarily need more toys. They often benefit from having fewer toys available at any one time.
“Children engage with different toys across different developmental stages, Toy Libraries help you to rotate toys frequently and follow your child’s developmental pace naturally, without needing to buy more toys," says Dr Kate Renshaw.
With fewer toys, something interesting often happens. Children slow down. They focus. They begin to explore more deeply. They often play for longer, follow their ideas further, and come up with wonderfully creative ways to play.
Children don’t need overflowing shelves to play well. With less clutter around, play becomes more meaningful. And when adults are nearby to follow a child’s lead or join in, and create space for play to flourish, everyone benefits.
Resource contributor
This resource was developed in collaboration with Dr Kate Renshaw Play and Filial Therapist at Play & Filial Therapy.
Learn more about Dr Kate Renshaw and Play & Filial Therapy here:
Further reading and resources
Raising Toddlers blog
How less toys can lead to better play
Setting up an environment that invites meaningful play https://raisetoddlers.com.au/setting-up-an-environment-that-invites-meaningful-play/
Why boredom is good for your child’s play and development
This short video from Raising Children talks about how boredom helps child development.
Joint play (baby & caregiver)
In this video, physiotherapist and Ocean Grove Toy Library volunteer Khyalla demonstrates a simple game of ‘crash’ to play with your baby and explains how having fewer toys available can help babies focus on play.
