Top Ten Unconventional Toys for Your Toddler
10. Anything you would use to wrap a nice expensive toy
Any toddler will have fun for hours playing with ribbons, gift bags, tissue paper or wrapping paper. If the wrapping paper is still on the roll, this is especially satisfying. People should just get in the habit of wrapping empty boxes (also a great toy) for the children in their lives. it would save loads of money, and in the end, the honorary gift recipient would be happy just the same.
9. Old bills
If you are at a loss on what to do with old bills and junk mail, there is no need for concern. Just hand this supposed trash to your toddler and watch as he or she happily rips up all the papers, and even more fun, continuously inserts and removes papers from envelopes.
8. Laundry baskets
These are great fun because not only is it amusing for a toddler to sit in this perfect fit chair, but they have just as much fun figuring out how to get in and out of one without falling over.
7. A wallet
Although this toy requires slightly more supervision, it is worth it to see your toddler explore every single crevice of your wallet, all the while finding that library card you lost eight years ago. And of course there is the continuous insertion and removal of credit and grocery store discount cards. How could you possibly go wrong?
6. Anything with a zipper
Whether it’s a makeup case, purse, backpack, it really doesn’t matter, because there is something about zippers that really amuse the hell out of a toddler. Even if it is their own zipper that they are wearing, they just can’t resist pulling it open and of course the daunting task of trying to get it zipped up again.
5. Lays Stax container(chips not necessary, but a bonus)
Toddlers just love opening and closing things over and over again. A Lays Stax container is perfect. It is not flimsy like the oh-so-yesterday Pringles cardboard cylinder, and it is perfect for filling up with things to then dump out moments later, especially toy idea # 4.
4. A deck of cards
in the era of Texas hold ’em, everyone has a deck of playing cards lying around there house. And when this toy is combined with toy # 5, it will seriously provide an over-the-edge amount of entertainment for your toddler. When used alone, this toy is equally as satisfying, as one false move can send a deck of cards flying, an obvious joy for your little one.
3. Cordless phone
It lights up. It makes beeping sounds. And if they are really lucky, sometimes they can hear a voice or recording on the other end. This is such a magnificent toy for your toddler, that you won’t even care when the police comes to your door and subsequently searches your home because of a 911 hang up call (yes, this has actually happened to me).
2. The remote control
Toddlers are just starting to learn that they have some control over what happens around them. That is why they love the remote control so much. As they push those irresistible buttons, the red light flashes and they see their work displayed on a big screen. They feel so powerful as they randomly poke at the remote, inadvertently activating your parental controls or ordering pornography. But really, is it that big of a deal if it makes them happy?
and the #1 greatest toy for your toddler is…
1. The refrigerator
An open fridge to your toddler is like an entire world of fun waiting to be explored. From condiments in breakable containers, to eggs, and all that stuff they can’t reach, you could literally amuse your toddler for hours. Sure, you’ll spoil all you perishable food and waste tons of electricity, but isn’t that a small price to pay for your child’s happiness? Plus, you’ll have saved so much money on actual toys by following this list, it won’t seem like such a big deal.
I hope you find this list helpful in the quest to amuse your toddler. Remember it the next time you are at Toys R Us and ready to drop tons of cash on your child. I urge you to embrace these ideas and say goodbye to Fisher Price and Leap Frog, and hello to Lays and Kenmore.
