7 Toys I Sold and Why: Reflections on Playroom Essentials

It’s been a little over a year since I took a hard look at our playroom and decided to part ways with some of the toys that weren’t serving us anymore. As someone deeply embedded in the wooden toy community, I’ve always been drawn to beautifully crafted, open-ended playthings. But over time, I’ve learned that not every toy—no matter how stunning or highly coveted—fits every child or every playroom. Today, I’m sharing seven toys I sold and the reasons why. My hope is that this reflection helps you think critically about your own collection and what truly sparks joy (and play) in your home.

1. Grimm’s Wooden Stepped Roofs

Grimm’s Wooden Stepped Roofs are iconic in the wooden toy world. These vibrant, stackable pieces are designed to inspire creativity, balance, and imaginative play. They’re versatile, beautiful, and timeless—qualities I typically prioritize in toys. But here’s the thing: my daughter just wasn’t into building when we had them.  

At the time, she was more interested in role-playing and small-world play. The Steps sat untouched, gathering dust, while she gravitated toward dolls and figurines. I realized that even the most open-ended toys need to align with a child’s current interests and developmental stage (see this article on play schemas). For us, the Steps were a case of “right toy, wrong time.”  

2. Myers Pastel Rainbow

Ah, the Myers Pastel Rainbow. If you’re in the wooden toy world, you know how elusive and coveted these full colored pieces are. I was lucky enough to own not one, but two of these rare beauties. But as my collection grew, I started to feel overwhelmed. I realized I was holding onto these rainbows more for their status than for their utility in our playroom.  

Downsizing was a tough decision, but it was also liberating. Letting go of these rare pieces taught me that it’s okay to prioritize functionality over collectibility. After all, toys are meant to be played with, not just admired on a shelf.  

3. Bumbu Trees

Bumbu Trees are undeniably gorgeous. Their organic shapes and natural finishes make them a standout in any playroom. But as much as I loved their aesthetic, they just didn’t get much playtime. My daughter found them difficult to incorporate into her imaginative scenarios, and they often ended up as decorative pieces rather than playthings.  

This experience reminded me that beauty alone doesn’t make a toy worthwhile. Functionality and engagement are just as important—if not more so.  

4. Grimm’s Fairytale Houses

Timing is everything when it comes to toys. The Grimm’s Fairytale Houses are perfect for small-world play and storytelling, but I bought them when my daughter was already out of that phase. At 6, she was more interested in complex games and crafts, and the houses didn’t capture her imagination the way they might have a few years earlier.  

This was a hard lesson in understanding developmental stages and not projecting my own nostalgia onto her play. Sometimes, even the most magical toys have an expiration date.  

5. Grimm’s Moon Houses

The Grimm’s Moon Houses fell into the same category as the Fairytale Houses. They’re whimsical, enchanting, and perfect for younger children who are deep into imaginative play. But by the time they arrived in our playroom, my daughter had moved on to other interests.  

I’ve since learned to be more intentional about when and why I introduce certain toys. It’s not just about what I love—it’s about what aligns with her current needs and interests.  

6. Large Abel Blocks.  

The Large Abel Blocks are a dream for flatlay enthusiasts and Instagram aesthetics. But in our playroom, they felt limiting. My daughter rarely used them for building, and they took up a significant amount of space. Over time, I realized they were more of a “me” toy than a “her” toy.  

This experience made me reflect on the difference between toys that are truly for children and those that cater to adult tastes. It’s easy to get caught up in the visual appeal of a toy, but at the end of the day, it’s the child’s engagement that matters most.  

7. Neds

Neds are adorable, no doubt about it. These little wooden figures have different themes and are delightful little robots. But for us, they lacked the open-endedness that I value in toys. Once my daughter had played with them for a few times, she lost interest.  

This was a reminder that not all toys are created equal when it comes to fostering creativity and long-term engagement. For us, open-ended playthings like blocks, loose parts, and figurines have always been the winners.  

Final Thoughts  

Selling these toys wasn’t just about decluttering—it was about reevaluating what truly matters in our playroom. I’ve learned that timing, functionality, and alignment with my child’s interests are just as important as aesthetics and collectibility.  

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your toy collection, I encourage you to take a step back and ask yourself: Are these toys being played with? Do they spark joy and creativity? If the answer is no, it might be time to let go.  

And here’s the good news: parting with toys doesn’t have to be a loss. In fact, it can be an opportunity to pass them on to someone who will cherish them. If you’re looking for a place to rehome your wooden toys, I invite you to join the BST (Buy/Sell/Trade) group I admin. It’s a wonderful community of like-minded individuals who appreciate the value of high-quality, open-ended playthings. Whether you’re looking to sell, trade, or simply find a new home for your toys, the group is a fantastic resource.  

At the end of the day, the best toys are the ones that inspire play, imagination, and connection—everything else is just noise. And who knows? The toy that no longer works for you might be exactly what another family is searching for.