How many different sets of blocks should I keep for my child?

[chaseysmommy]

Hi, okay first to explain. I have a 15 month old son and as of now he is our only child. I have been on a quest to simplify and minimilze our lives. I have already gotten rid of most of his battery operated toys besides his motorized car. I am still in the process of trying to minimilize his toys so they fit on his bookshelf because as of late they have been everywhere and I am so tired of it.

One of the biggest problems is blocks. I wanted to buy him lots of blocks because I never had blocks when I was a kid and I want him to be able to create lots of fun things as he gets older and my husband bought him a ton of legos. Now I need to try to figure out what to get rid of and what to keep since he has way too many sets.

He currently has:

1 set Lincoln logs
2 containers Lego duplos
1 set of Pop Onz
1 tub mega blocks with a mega blocks boat
1 large tub of kinex (these are put away until he is older)
1 large tub small legos (these are put away until he is older)

I could also use advice on what you think I should keep for a baby his age. Here is some other things he has.

1 set GI Joe's
lots & lots of cars, hotwheels, etc.
Mrs. potato head
nesting cups
2 bead things (the little wire toys that have colorful beads you push around like at doctor's offices)
1 set of wooden tools
lots of plastic tools
lots of stuffed animals (he never plays with them but family members keep buying them and I feel obligated to keep them)

Any advice is appreciated?

[taylordvd]

Honestly at 15 months, he is probably at the "pick something up, walk to the next room, drop it, pick something else up, walk to the next room and drop it" stage. I think one set of duplos, one bead thing and one set of tools is more than enough. What I like to do with my kids is keep less toys out and then just rotate them. So every month or two I pull something out that is "new" and put away something. My son plays with his toys much better when he has less choices available.

[FunnyFace]

Blocks are the best! You have such a nice selection as he grows. Currently my 8yo and 10yo are playing with Mega Bloks. We have around an 18gal container for those and I wish we would have added more each year. We've had the duplos and while I think those are great for imagination and skill I still like the mega. Even my mil keeps a large box around and the grandkids gravitate towards those.

I feel for you and the stuffed animals. If you can pick a few favorites and then donate the rest it will make your life happier. I wish I would have done this years ago. I had family buying those even when I suggested otherwise. If you are uncomfortable donating; try cycling the animals so only a few are out at a time.

Cars are another favorite and great for children imo. Also the nesting cups at his age.
Choose the tools that are his favorite and donate/sell the other ones.

GI Joes I'd just put up until he's older.

[amylynne01]

1 set Lincoln logs - KEEP OUT
2 containers Lego duplos - DON'T NEED THESE AND MEGA BLOCKS OUT AT THE SAME TIME
1 set of Pop Onz - DON'T KNOW WHAT THESE ARE
1 tub mega blocks with a mega blocks boat - SEE DUPLOS
1 large tub of kinex (these are put away until he is older)
1 large tub small legos (these are put away until he is older)
1 set GI Joe's - PUT AWAY
lots & lots of cars, hotwheels, etc. - KEEP SOME OUT AND ROTATE
Mrs. potato head - KEEP OUT
nesting cups - KEEP OUT
2 bead things (the little wire toys that have colorful beads you push around like at doctor's offices) - KEEP ONE OUT AND ROTATE
1 set of wooden tools - KEEP OUT
lots of plastic tools - ROTATE WITH WOODEN TOOLS
lots of stuffed animals (he never plays with them but family members keep buying them and I feel obligated to keep them) - GET RID OF MOST OF THEM (they take up space and get dusty)