How much does the average family spend on toys?
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Are you tired of spending too much money on toys and just can't remember? Perhaps it is enlightening to know what other Dutch families spend on toys each year.
According to Statistics Netherlands, Dutch households spend 6 thousand euros a year on 'entertainment', and toys also fall under this heading. The Netherlands spends between 50 and 300 euros per child per year on toys alone.
In this article I discuss the averages and also the results of our own research among the readers of our blog.
But is it really necessary to spend that much on this?
Not at all, according to a German study, but not everyone shares that opinion. Responsible toys can also have a very positive influence on the development of children.
Having your house overflowing with toys is of course not part of responsible upbringing and it is best to buy sustainable toys that are also fun and educational for the next children in your family or relatives.
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What we discuss in this comprehensive post:
Cost for toys per child between 2-4 years
You would expect that with a second or third child, fewer toys need to be bought.
There are a lot of gender neutral toys, but of course it could be that real boy toys from your first child, don't like being used by your second!
Often more money is spent on toys for the first child, because everything still has to be purchased. You also see this with expenses such as a crib, buggy or car seat.
When the second one is on the way, you seem to have most of it already. Even when it comes to toys, you only 'need' one addition.
If you already have a little one, durable toys will also be useful for siblings who come after.
Keep in mind that towards the end of the year Sinterklaas or Santa Claus will also come by with presents; sometimes also at the sports club and at work with mom.
Do you have too many cuddly toys & toys at home and do you want to donate it? These are 4 places that would love to have it
How many toys does a child need?
We sometimes think that the more toys we offer our kids, the better it is for their development. However, this is not always true.
Certainly not if you ask a group of German researchers. According to these researchers, your child simply does not need a toy.
In this large-scale study from the 90s, all toys were taken from children of different age groups. Of course in consultation with the parents.
These children received only the basic necessities, such as blankets and furniture. This turned out to be a success.
But of course we don't all think that way.
It could not be denied that the children all looked up strangely. At first they didn't know what to do with this stuff.
After a while, however, they suddenly became very creative and more and more children – while playing together – showed 'unsystematic' behaviour.
They invented original games themselves and actively participated in role-playing games. The children turned out to be able to work well together.
So how much should we spend on toys for our children? Not really much…
The 4 golden gift rules
Of course, some good toys are always very welcome with a child and the parents. It is often better not to buy too much, but to buy sustainably.
The four gift rule is a very easy tool to control the amount of presents for your child.
If you are interested in this, as a parent, you may adhere to the following rules:
- One thing they want
- One thing they need
- One thing they wear
- One thing they read
Something they really want and something they really need. Something to wear and something to read!
You can go many ways with these 4 golden rules. You decide how much you spend on these 4 presents, of course.
It is good to inform the rest of the family of your plan as well. You can agree to give 1 or 2 beautiful gifts together.
Or ask grandma and grandpa what to put in their grandchild's piggy bank instead of a gift.
This is the nicest & most durable baby toys for your baby or as a gift
What costs are there besides the toys?
According to experts, one third of the monthly age of children between 0 and 2 years is more than enough for the number of toys.
A 9 month old child only needs 3 toys.
Outside the toys, there are even more important costs that money can be spent on.
Obtaining a swimming diploma A already costs around 450 euros and an A + B diploma together quickly 580. The gymnastics club costs 6 euros per year up to 180 years and there is also the obligatory clothing.
For children from 6 to 18 years old, you can charge an average of 300 euros per year for the sports club, except for a few peaks.
During childhood, about 6 second-hand bicycles worth around 80 euros are worn out by the first child.
You see, you won't get there with toys alone, a child will only really cost a lot if it has to learn to swim and wants to join a sports or hobby club.
Well, the first-born will cost a little more than the second or third, but you can make it as crazy as you want!
Read all about it the 20 wooden toy brands that will surprise your child
Always something to do for the holidays or rainy day?
Play Choice now has the ultimate activity book collection, with over 60 pages of fun coloring pages and educational puzzles.
Joost Nusselder, the founder of Speelkeuze.nl is a content marketer, father and loves trying out new toys. As a child he came into contact with everything related to games when his mother started the Tinnen Soldaat in Ede. Now he and his team create helpful blog articles to help loyal readers with fun play ideas.
