We’re heavy users of Amazon Prime, and honestly, it feels like a mini-holiday every other day when the postal carrier drops off our latest order: camping hammocks, stylish dresses, USB cords—you name it. But the real excitement doesn’t come from our purchases; it’s the packaging that gets my kids into a frenzy.
You see, every Amazon delivery comes in a box, accompanied by those delightful poppable air bags. The moment I slice through the black tape, they’re practically climbing the walls, waiting for me to unveil the “irrelevant” contents so they can claim their rightful treasures. I always hope there are enough air bags for everyone. They toss them onto the floor, pump their arms, and leap. POP! Laughter fills the room, and they keep going until the bags are all gone.
Then it’s the box’s turn. It transforms into whatever their imaginations conjure—a spaceship, a car, or even a cozy bed. Crayons come flying out as they cover it in art, all three working harmoniously to bring the box to life. They might even raid the other boxes in the house, adding more color and creativity. That simple box keeps them engaged for at least an hour. It’s pure magic.
My kids have an undeniable affection for what most would call trash. I often wonder why I bother keeping their toys when they’d rather dive into the recycling bin. Sure, they have a plethora of toys—perhaps too many, as my living room often resembles a toy store explosion—but nothing captivates them quite like the remnants of our deliveries. Their top choice? Amazon boxes, but they’re not picky. They’ve been known to stack empty Jell-O cups, doodle on cardboard, or use plastic cups for their kitchen adventures.
Their next favorite pastime is wielding makeshift swords. They can easily fashion a knight’s weapon from cardboard, but it’s much simpler to grab something already sword-shaped. For weeks, we had a dog-chewed back-scratcher turned sword in our house. Even a damaged ruler suffices (thanks to our puppy). And let’s not forget the foam noodle that’s seen better days after being left outside all winter.
Whips are another favorite. Any piece of twine or ribbon instantly becomes a whip, leading to frequent shouts from me to keep the chaos contained to another room. They even repurpose used glowsticks into whips, which create a satisfying whoosh with every swing. Their latest innovation? Tying twine to the dog leash for extended reach, which we definitely discourage. Once the novelty of whipping wears off, they’ll climb their play structure, using my husband’s forgotten robe tie as a climbing aid.
Old magazines also become collateral damage in their quest for creativity. My husband has amassed a collection of National Geographic issues, and they joyfully cut them up to make collages. But they’re not choosy—anything from the latest New Yorker to local pizza flyers gets the same treatment. Admittedly, I have mixed feelings about this, as I’m left to supervise scissors (we’ve had a couple of hair-raising incidents) and clean up the paper shreds. Yet, it’s art, and I tolerate a lot for the sake of creativity.
The bathtub, however, is where the real transformation happens. Old plastic spoons? Instant treasure. Once shampoo bottles are empty, they become pouring instruments, and even dog-chewed cups get their moment in the spotlight. They’ll even drag in empty Dawn bottles, which squirt and are coveted. Despite the presence of actual bath toys, I can’t recall the last time they were touched.
In the end, my kids love trash. From boxes to bottles, swords to whips, they find joy in it all. Some might say I’m letting them play with refuse and that I should call social services. But I see it as creative play—an expression of their imaginations. I prefer their engagement with “trash” over many of their toys, as it’s their creativity that leads the way.
So, my kids will continue to eagerly await those Amazon boxes, tear through pizza flyers, and transform shampoo bottles into bath-time treasures. It brings them joy, stimulates their minds, and honestly, these might be my favorite toys of theirs. And while they’re technically trash, that’s just the truth.
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Summary:
In a world filled with toys, it’s often the simplest things that spark creativity in children. This piece explores how boxes, magazines, and other “trash” can ignite imaginative play in kids, showcasing how everyday items often serve as the most cherished toys.