Ever feel like your living room is bursting with toys, but your child still says, “I’m bored”? That’s where toy rotation comes in. Rotating toys means setting out just a handful at a time while storing the rest. Every few weeks, you swap them out. The result? Less clutter, longer attention spans, and toys that feel “new” again.

This tip is universally recommended by parents of the North Austin Family Network, and we all do it differently. Recently, one of our board members Shelby shared a guide that she uses to help rotate the toys and our parents thought it was so smart!

Here’s our simple guide for choosing what to rotate:

🧠 Cognitive Development

What? Puzzles, stacking rings, shape sorters.

Why? These toys build memory, problem-solving skills, and early math concepts like size, order, and pattern recognition.

🏡 Small World Pretend Play

What? Dollhouses, train sets, animal figurines.

Why? Pretend play helps kids process daily life, stretch their imaginations, and develop social understanding.

✋ Fine Motor

What? Bead mazes, stacking cups, lacing cards.

Why? Strengthens hand-eye coordination and finger control — essential for writing, self-feeding, and dressing.

🎭 Role Play

What? Dress-up clothes, play kitchens, doctor kits.

Why? Encourages empathy, communication, and confidence by acting out real-life roles.

🧩 Manipulative Toys

What? Blocks, Magnatiles, Duplo.

Why? Open-ended building supports patience, creativity, and spatial reasoning.

🌈 Sensory Play

What? Playdough, water tables, textured toys.

Why? Hands-on discovery helps regulate emotions, reduce stress, and build focus.

📚 Literacy

What? Rotated books, alphabet puzzles, magnetic letters.

Why? Supports language skills, early reading, and a lifelong love of stories.

🏃 Gross Motor

What? Ride-on toys, tunnels, climbing structures.

Why? Builds strength, balance, and coordination while channeling toddler energy.

With rotation, less truly becomes more. Every swap feels like a fresh gift — for your child and for you. 💕