Tiny Toys to Giant Memories

Ah, childhood — a wonderful time when the world seemed as big as an adventure playground, and toys were our loyal companions. Little did we know that those treasured playthings would become the keys to our memory vaults, unlocking a wave of warm nostalgia when we’re all grown up. I’ve recently had all these memories stirred up as my girls were clearing out all their old toys in the basement. Oh, the memories. What to give away, what to keep? First rule... don’t give it all away. I know we can’t keep everything, but keep the things that are special. I wish I still had some of my favorite old toys today. After the basement toy clean up I got to thinking about all the reasons why toys have such a big impact on us and our kids. Here’s a few things that bubbled up.

Remember when action figures became fierce superheroes battling evil villains in epic showdowns in your living room? Or when you played with Barbie for hours, dreaming some day of being just like her? Toys are the magical catalysts that unleash the power of imagination and bring so much joy.

Toys are like trusty sidekicks accompanying us on thrilling escapades. My daughters have plenty of worn-out teddy bears, and dolls. These tiny friends provide comfort during the bumps and hurdles of childhood, becoming sources of solace that linger as happy memories in our adult hearts. I know some adults who still have and keep their stuffed animals handy.

LEARNIN

Who knew that board games were actually Jedi training grounds for our strategic minds? Toys teach us valuable life skills, all in the name of fun. Whether it’s negotiation skills from trading card games or teamwork from assembling construction sets, toys help shape crucial social and communication abilities that we carry with us throughout life. Board games are still one of our family’s favorite activities to do together.

Who needs a real time machine when toys have got our back? Those toys we used to obsess over transport us back to the golden days of our past, where the sun seemed to shine a little brighter and laughter echoed a little louder. Reconnecting with our beloved toys really brings back such vivid memories, reminding us of the simple joys that we loved so much as kids. I’ll admit it, sometimes when I’m feeling nostalgic I’ll google old toy commercials from the past. It’s so fun to watch and bring back those memories.

So, let’s hold onto those toy chests as long as we can, or at least some of those toys! From this mama’s experience, don’t let all those memories go. Here’s to the timeless wonders of childhood toys and the everlasting nostalgia they bring.