My kids are constantly on the receiving end of unwanted items from neighbors, friends, family, and even medical professionals. I appreciate the generosity, but there are certain things that simply need to stop. Here are my top five:
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Stickers
Listen, I know stickers make kids happy. But have you thought about where those cute little characters end up? They inevitably stick to my car windows, turning my vehicle into an art exhibit of half-peeled remnants. Or they end up on my table, my child’s clothing, and when they get stuck in the wash, it’s like an arc welding disaster happened. So please, think twice before handing out stickers. They ruin my stuff. -
Goodie Bags with Junk Toys
I get it; you want to send your kid’s party guests home with a fun treat. But let’s be real: those cheap toys, like tangled parachute men and squeaky plastic instruments, just become a source of frustration. I have enough of these broken pieces at home. Why not consider alternatives that won’t turn into a day-long battle of untangling or cleaning my space? -
Cheetos
While I personally enjoy Cheetos, when my kids eat them, it’s a disaster. Their little hands become orange messes, leaving fingerprints all over my van, furniture, and clothes. One small bag turns my home into a cheesy crime scene. Unless they wipe their hands clean, it’s a hassle to remove that residue from upholstery. So please, let’s keep the Cheetos at home. -
Broken Toys
It never fails—my kids fall in love with battered toys at friends’ houses, and suddenly, I’m being handed someone else’s broken treasure. I don’t need more broken items cluttering my home, especially when I’m already dealing with plenty. Instead of passing around worn-out toys, let’s agree to toss them in the trash. We don’t need to keep this parental hot potato going. -
Stuffed Animals
Stuffed animals seem to multiply like rabbits, and I don’t need any more. If you’re trying to declutter your home, do it by donating or tossing them—not by passing them to my kids. Some of these toys come with questionable odors and stickiness, and I’ve got enough mess to manage. Sending your unwanted plush toys my way isn’t thoughtful; it’s just shifting your problem to my doorstep.
I’m sure many parents can relate to this list, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they have their own additions. If you enjoy stickers on your vehicle or have a fondness for smelly stuffed animals, feel free to reach out. I have a care package just for you.
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In summary, let’s work together to keep our kids happy without burdening each other with unwanted items. Generosity is great, but it shouldn’t come at the cost of clutter.