Toys are Us

I was the classic consumer the other day at the supermarket. They were having a 'special' on toys - a huge pile of fire trucks and dolls and all sorts of bits and plastics, and all $3.99 each. Yippee, I thought, Cheap as ! - and found BB a great little plastic tool belt.

Bob the Builder has been hot recently. Big Brother has found a hero, and is hoping to play Bob in the yet to be released Disney Movie. For now he is getting into character by singing the theme song lots, at high volume, and thankfully he has recently picked up more lyrics than 'BOB DA BUILDER'. He occasionally adds in 'Can he fix it?'. So I thought a few props would help his characterisation, and how could I go wrong, at that price?

We got home, removed the plastic wrapping, put it around his excited wee body. He whipped out the hammer, ran over to the shed wall - BANG - the head of the hammer fell off.
My friend Shelley would be horrified - she who taught me the truth about shopping. Her mantra is - You buy cheap, you buy twice. Sorry, Guru, I slipped from the true path, temptation is a many headed toy sale.

BB hasn't picked up any of the many pieces that the builders belt has disintegrated into since. He is back to playing with his sturdy Die-cast Cars toys, and looking out for the racing segment on the nightly news for tips.

Meanwhile Little Brother is most fascinated with an empty vegemite jar that he has found. It has the most amazing attachment - a lid- that comes on and off. He is experimenting with putting things in, shaking it, making music, then taking the things out.

I mean, the toys they have are great and they get huge enjoyment from them. But I'm going to try for quality, not quantity. Watching them find enjoyment just by exploring what is already here, I am going to close up my ever-searching-for-a bargain wallet, and open my cupboards and drawers. Go for it boys - oh, hang on, let me just remove those really sharp knives...

HOORAY FOR The Toy Library. We can try out toys, and get a feel for what the boys really are going to play with. It's really reasonable, and for the eco minded, it's reusing stuff. We have also recently borrowed toys from friends, to mix things up. Occasionally I put a few things away in the cupboard for a while. Its fever pitch excitement when they are brought out and rediscovered.