Too Many Toys?
Montessori-Inspired Tips for Simplifying Your Child’s Play Space
Let’s face it. Kids can end up with a lot of toys. Between birthdays, holidays, hand-me-downs, and those impulse buys at Target, toy overload happens fast. And as many parents discover, more toys does not always mean more play, more learning, or more joy. In fact, it often leads to more mess, more meltdowns, and less meaningful engagement.
The problem isn’t having toys. It’s having too many options at once. Montessori principles can be a helpful guide for cutting through the chaos and creating a space where your child can focus, play deeply, and actually enjoy what they have.
Why Fewer Toys Can Be Better
Research shows that too many toys can overwhelm young kids. When there are endless choices, it becomes harder to focus. Children may jump from toy to toy, never fully settling into imaginative play. According to Psychology Today, kids who have fewer toys out at once tend to play longer and more creatively. They also become more resourceful and independent.
Having a clutter-free space also supports calmer behavior and smoother transitions. You might notice fewer power struggles and less overstimulation when your child is only working with what they can actually use and enjoy.
What Montessori Teaches Us About Toy Management
Montessori spaces are designed with intention. They’re calm, organized, and focused on hands-on exploration. A few key ideas from the Montessori approach can make a big difference in how your child relates to their toys:
Rotate toys regularly
Keep a small number of toys out and store the rest. You can bring items back into rotation every couple of weeks, which keeps things fresh without constantly buying new stuff.Choose open-ended materials
Simple toys like wooden blocks, dolls, animal figurines, and art supplies invite creativity and problem-solving. These items tend to grow with your child and can be used in many different ways.Limit duplicates
One puzzle, one stacking toy, one pretend-play set is enough. Avoid having multiple versions of the same type of toy, which just adds clutter and confusion.Create order and predictability
Make it easy for kids to see and access their toys. Baskets, trays, and shelves can help kids learn where things belong. This also makes clean-up more manageable.Involve your child in the process
Ask them to help decide what stays out and what goes into storage. You might be surprised by how willing they are to simplify when they feel included.
Try This: A Simple Toy Reset
If you are feeling overwhelmed by toys, here is a gentle place to start:
Choose one area, like the playroom or living room.
Remove everything and clean the space.
Pick 6 to 8 toys that your child truly enjoys and put those back out.
Store the rest in bins, boxes, or a closet. Label them if you can.
Set a reminder to rotate toys every week or two.
Watch how your child interacts. Adjust based on what works.
The Payoff
When you simplify your child’s play space, you make room for connection, focus, and joy. You might find that they play more independently, stay engaged longer, and take better care of their things. You might also notice yourself feeling less overwhelmed, because fewer toys means less to clean, manage, and worry about.
There is no perfect number of toys, but creating a rhythm of intentional play and rest can be a gift for both you and your child. Try starting small and see how your family responds.
References
Col Montessori. (n.d.). Limiting options for children. https://www.colmontessori.com/limiting-options-for-children-avoiding-too-many-toys-in-the-playroom
Dr. Aliza Pressman. (2023). How many toys is too many? https://dralizapressman.substack.com/p/how-many-toys-is-too-many
Michigan State University Extension. (n.d.). Do your kids have too many toys? https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/do_your_kids_have_too_many_toys
Psychology Today. (2023). How many toys should your toddler have? https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/smart-families/202302/how-many-toys-should-your-toddler-have
Respectful Caregiving. (2016). Too many toys? https://www.respectfulcaregiving.org/post/2016/05/30/too-many-toys
Vox. (2016). Too many toys, too little play. https://www.vox.com/money/382217/too-many-toys-kids-amazon-consumerism
