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Children's room with toys and musical instruments

Post-Holiday Toy Chaos? Simple Tips to Stay Organized!

The holidays are over, and if your living room looks like a toy store exploded, you're not alone. Organizing all those new toys can feel overwhelming, but with a few thoughtful strategies, you can keep play inspiring and your sanity intact. Here's how I approach post-holiday toy organization to maximize our kids' gifts while ensuring…
Jenn Mawcinitt
January 2, 2025

The holidays are over, and if your living room looks like a toy store exploded, you’re not alone. Organizing all those new toys can feel overwhelming, but with a few thoughtful strategies, you can keep play inspiring and your sanity intact. Here’s how I approach post-holiday toy organization to maximize our kids’ gifts while ensuring their play stays creative and meaningful.

A Flexible Process for Post-Holiday Chaos

I’ll be honest—my process is not scientific, but it works for our family. Yours might look different, and that’s perfectly okay. Whether you’re staring at piles of blocks, dolls, craft kits, or toys that make noises you didn’t know existed, these steps can help.

Let me start with this tip if you have babies or toddlers: don’t be afraid to squirrel away some of those gifts. Pulling out something “new” on a rainy day can feel magical. But with older kids like mine, this trick no longer works—they remember every toy.

My goal is simple: make toys visibleaccessible, and inspirational so they become part of everyday play. Here’s how I do it.

Place Toys Where They’re Used

It might seem obvious, but putting toys in the right spot saves a lot of headaches.

  • Outdoor toys go in the garage or backyard.
  • Solo play toys like Lego sets or action figures go into individual kids’ rooms.
  • Family games go on top of our game cupboard (not hidden inside, or they’re forgotten).

I rotate games back into the cupboard when we’re tired of them. Rotating toys keeps things fresh without feeling overwhelming.

Keep Important Toys Visible

This might be controversial, but we display toys we want our kids to play with in the living room or main areas. For example:

  • Leo’s walker stays out because we want him to practice walking.
  • Costumes are on a coat rack at Luna’s height so she can grab them easily.

If something is tucked away in a closet or bin, it might as well not exist. This small change has sparked so much more creative play in our house!

Focus on Open-Ended Toys

Not every toy makes it into our “permanent collection.” For us, toys need to be open-ended and complement what we already have. Almost all our play revolves around:

  • Blocks and Connetix tiles (perfect for building anything).
  • Cars, animals, and figures that join imaginative worlds.

The stories change daily, but the core toys stay the same, giving the kids endless possibilities to create.

Create a “Junk Bin” for Randoms

Let’s be real—every family has random toys that don’t fit into neat categories. Party favors, treasure box prizes, or those random gifts from Great Aunt Susan usually land in a small bin I lovingly call the “junk bin.”

This bin is a transient home. Sometimes, it inspires amazing play. Other times, items quietly “disappear” after a few months. There is no guilt—just strategy!

Donate Thoughtfully

Not every toy fits our family perfectly, and that’s okay. Some toys are better suited for other homes. We make thoughtful donations to:

  • Daycares or preschools are places where many kids can enjoy items.
  • Teachers we know who can use toys in their classrooms.
  • Younger kids in our circle might enjoy a toy more.

This intentional approach makes me feel good about passing along toys while teaching my kids the value of sharing.

Say “Yes” Strategically

Instead of saying “no” to every request throughout the year, I sprinkle a few well-timed “yeses.” This approach lets us add new items gradually to keep things fresh without overwhelming our space. It also means that our kids’ lists stay short and manageable come holiday time.

Why Thoughtful Toy Organization Matters

Kids naturally engage in deeper, more creative play when toys are easy to find, access, and use. Plus, an organized space means less stress for parents—something we all need after the holiday whirlwind!

If you’re looking for toys that inspire open-ended, imaginative play, Wildlings Toys Boutique has an incredible selection of heirloom-quality toys. From blocks and Connetix tiles to costumes and accessories, you’ll find everything you need to foster meaningful play in your home.

What’s Your Post-Holiday Toy Strategy?

Do you have a favorite trick for managing the holiday toy influx? Share your ideas by tagging us on social media—we’d love to hear how your family makes the most of playtime!

And if you’re ready to add a few thoughtfully chosen toys to your collection, check out our Shop for ideas that will inspire creativity and joy all year.