As your child grows, it might seem like they’re constantly outgrowing their toys. You might even feel pressured to buy new ones by the latest trends. But did you know that many of your child’s old toys can still be used to spark new kinds of play?

Today, we’re going to give you some practical advice on how to adapt old toys to new types of play to keep your child engaged and learning without having to break the bank.

Many Parents Think They Have to Buy New Toys as Their Child Gets Older

It’s easy to feel like you need to keep up with the latest toy trends, especially when so many toys are marketed for specific age ranges. As your child grows, it’s common for most parents to think that new toys are essential to support their development. 

Plus, with the growing number of educational toys out there, it’s normal for parents to want the best tools to help their children learn. But the truth is, you don’t always need to upgrade your child’s toy collection. Many of the toys they loved as babies and toddlers can still be fun and educational with a few adjustments.

A Better Idea Is to Adapt Old Toys to Facilitate New Play

Instead of buying new toys, you can make old ones feel fresh by finding new ways to use them. Adapting old toys can be a great way to encourage creative play and support your child’s growth. 

Here are a few benefits of repurposing toys you think your child may have outgrown:

  • Saving money: Stretch your budget by getting more use out of the toys you already have.
  • Encouraging creativity: By using familiar toys in new ways, your child can use their imagination to invent games and solve problems.
  • Promoting early learning: Old toys can still help teach important skills like hand-eye coordination, problem-solving, and even early math and language skills when used in creative play.

You Can Even Use Household Items as Toys

You don’t need fancy or expensive toys to keep your child entertained. In fact, babies and toddlers are often fascinated by everyday household items, which can be just as fun as store-bought toys! 

Here are some common household items that can be turned into safe and fun toys for little ones:

  • Plastic containers: Use different sizes for stacking, sorting, or even making music!
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Let your child practice scooping, pouring, and mixing using items from the kitchen.
  • Cardboard boxes: A simple box can be turned into a car, house, or rocket ship with just a little imagination.
  • Blankets: These can be used for peek-a-boo or building blanket forts, which are both fun and educational activities for babies and toddlers.
  • Paper towel rolls: These are great for playing pretend and even using as a microphone for singing practice. 
  • Your clothes: Playing dress up is a fun, classic game that kids love and encourages imagination and creativity.

Incorporate Learning into Play

No matter what toys your child is playing with, you can always make playtime a learning opportunity. As you play together, try naming the toys’ colors, shapes, and sizes, or narrating what you’re doing with them (i.e., “The car is driving away, vroom vroom!” or “Barbie is getting ready for work, where are her shoes?”). 

You can also ask your child questions like, “What sound does the car make?” or “Can you find the red block?” This helps develop their language skills and encourages them to think critically. You can turn any play session into a chance to teach and bond with your child while still keeping it fun.

Reach Out to First Steps for Expert Support

If you’re ever curious about whether your child is on track with their development, our team at First Steps Pediatric Therapy is here to help! Our experienced therapists specialize in speech, occupational, and physical therapy and can guide you in supporting your child’s growth. 

Call us today at (720) 989-0179 to schedule an evaluation and ensure your child is on the road to success.