Works For Me Wednesday -Toys Edition

This weeks edition of Works For Me Wednesday is all about toys that have stood the test of time. We are to share what toys our kids have truly played with and have been around awhile.

Here's my list.
1. Builders and Benders- These have been around since my daughter was little. She's now 15 and my 2 sons, who are 3 and 6, play with these a lot as well.
2. Lincoln Logs- they can create something different every time.

3. Blocks- we've had the large plastic ones for quite some time and the kids all played with them a lot, but for Christmas the boys are getting the old fashion wooden blocks with different shapes that I think they will enjoy even more.

4. Plastic food- I can't tell you how much my kids have played with this bucket of plastic food and pans. They love to pretend cook.

5. Art supplies- Keep the crayons, paper, scissors, glue a coming. It keeps the creative juices flowing.

6. Homemade play dough- my kids love to play with play dough. But make it yourself as it doesn't dry out as quickly. Don't bother yourself with all the little play dough toys because we have a bucket full of them and all they want is a plastic knife to cut the play dough up with.

7. The Magnadoodle- Oh have mercy , I love this thing. All my kids have had one and they still love it.

8. Outside toys- Anything that will encourage outside play is a good thing. Some of our favorites are any kind of balls, shovels, pails and a dirt drive way with shark teeth to discover in it.

9. The Wii- Yes I know, I know. First off let me tell you that we didn't buy it. My parents did. We couldn't afford it nor the games. This was a grandparent thing, BUT with that said, we do have some fun playing with it. Our favorite NON VIOLENT game is Mario kart. My kids are limited to the amount of time they play but they do love to play it(and so do I). We don't encourage any violent or profane games.

Things that haven't stood the test of time are things that take setting up first. Like a train track, or race track. If you have room to leave them set up that's great but having to take it down every time and put it back together is a pain and the kids will get sick of doing it and so will you.
Big items that take up space. The larger the item the more I want it played with because if it's taking up valuable space in my house it better get used if it doesn't then out it goes. I have a 2 month rule. If something doesn't get played with after 2 months then it goes in the to go pile. Nine times out of 10 they will never miss it or even ask about it again.

Well there you have it. I hope this helps you while you do your Christmas shopping for the little ones in your family. Hop on over to Rocks In My Dryer for more toy ideas.
Blessings.