For a lot of us, living in Chicago means apartment living. This can really limit the amount of space available for playing and activities. Add multiple kids and maybe even some animals to the mix, and suddenly you’ve got yourself a full house!
Kids will—and should—play with or without a designated play space. Living in a smaller space may mean that everywhere is the playroom! This might make your living space feel cluttered with toys, but there can be easy ways to avoid that cramped feeling and instead create a cozy, comfortable home for you and your playful little one(s).
There are plenty of compact toys that are tons of fun but take up little space. Some examples include board games like Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza or Not It! Casteland! Board or card games almost always come in compact boxes or tins to optimize storage space. Plus, boxes are easily stackable and can be stored away in your apartment in places like a media center, a closet, or even on display on a shelf!
One of our best-selling compact toys is the Rock and Roll Piano. It doesn’t take up much space to begin with, and it can easily be rolled or folded up to be put away. Play it on the floor, the table, the bed—the possibilities are endless!
Some toys are even designed so that the box they come in is part of the fun! Take for example the Kinetic Sand Folding Sand Box – the sand can stay neatly contained within the box while playing, and then just fold it away when you’re done with it! Other examples also include the Burger Car play set which is both a kitchen, a toy car and storage, or the classic Spirograph (thanks to the storage case it comes in, this artistic and creative toy is easy to travel with too!)
And finally, one of the best solutions to making more play space in smaller living situations is to downsize or make room for new, updated toys. Kids grow, and inevitably they’ll grow out of some of their toys, too. Luckily, there are always new kids for old toys to be donated to! Toy Box Connection is a great Chicago organization located on the south side that accepts used toys of all kinds. Or, the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago’s donation service makes it easy to schedule a pick-up of your used items, not just toys!
It can be hard to let go, but getting rid of those baby toys once you have toddlers will likely clear out some room for more age-appropriate playthings. If you are sentimental, you can also check out A Little Photo Studios ‘memento’ series on display at all *play locations. a great way to keep the memories in your house, without the clutter.
A note from your publisher about *play toys and books
When I first stepped into the role of publisher for Macaroni KID Chicago *play was opening its second location in Lincoln Park, and I wanted to go and introduce myself. When I opened the door I left the busy, bustling street behind and walked into a cozy, welcoming, environment featuring some of my favorite things - games, books, and toys that inspire everyone to play. What struck me most about the shop though was its reflection of the larger, diverse Chicago community it served. The shelves include toys from various cultures and backgrounds, catering to the rich tapestry of families who called Chicago home. There were toys that celebrated different holidays, books that featured characters from diverse backgrounds, and games that promoted inclusivity and cooperation.
I couldn't wait to meet, Ann Kienzle, the person who curated such a beautiful space in our community. Ann herself is a testament to the inviting ambiance she creates within her shops. Her warm smile and genuine enthusiasm for all things "play" immediately put me at ease. She greets customers as if they are old friends (and many of them are!) and her passion for toys is evident in the books and playthings she has selected, favoring timeless classics and unique finds over mass-produced trends. Ann has not only created a series of beautiful neighborhood shops (a total of 4 now!) but also a little piece of heaven where everyone, regardless of age or background, could experience the joy and magic of *play. When I walk into any of the locations I get a sense of nostalgia for the local toy shop in my childhood hometown and a dash of modern life and times with representation and diversity our families deserve.
Here are 6 quick facts about *play every family should know:
- Ann, and her staff, REALLY know toys and the business of play. Have a question or need help? They probably have the answer
- You can shop in person, online or by phone - I have personally utilized all three methods and they were all headache-free for me
- They offer complimentary gift wrap and it's SO GOOD. From the unique paper options to the festive bows on top
- Personal shopping at its best. Need to buy a gift for a child you don't know as well, or a new baby, or maybe you are just out of ideas - no problem. Share what you know and the *play pros (like Moon who contributed this article!) can create a gift that will make you think they personally know the gift recipient
- Call-ahead ordering, pick up and shipping are a busy family's dream
- Ann must be Toy Royalty ("Ms. Ann, Queen of the Toys") and has created one of the best local shops in Chicago
Check out *play at one (or all) of their 4 locations in Chicago!
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