for us, when hawk appears to have a specific, lasting interest, we purchase.
for example, he was obsessed with bikes. we would go to the playground, and as soon as a kid got off a bike, he would try to get on it and ride it. he would point them out, he would try to ride, and he would often just ride that around the playground (parents are pretty open here) and then cry when the family reclaimed their bike.
so, we shopped and found a balance bike that we like, that we know is adjustable and could last many years (up to age 5-6). (http://www.wishbonedesign.com/) he rides it every day, he talks about it constantly, and he loves to take it out for a ride. it was a good purchase, and will last him another 3-4 years. by then, he may have a sibling who could use it also, or we could pass it on to cousins or such.
anyway, his birthday came and while his grandparents wanted us to buy toys for him, i showed them how he "made" his own toys. he created a helicopter (be-leh-be-leh) with a peg, and two bits of the stacking toy; he created an airplane with his train and two pens stuck through the windows. so, he didn't need those toys. one train car is a 'car' and another is hte 'cable car' and then he also has the train itself. and then blocks make boats and houses. he doesn't really need any more toys.
they sent clothes and also books, which is perfect, and we just keep it simple with some basic wool felting supplies--a hand working skill i want to introduce to him. i think he will enjoy it. if he doesn't; i will.
i keep my parents focused, telling them explicitly what i want. they know we live in a small space, that i prefer minimalism and open ended toys, and that craft supplies here are expensive. so, they can support that process (and then we'll send the results to them!). my ILs are a bit harder to predict and rein in, btu they are cheap, so they won't buy much.
for example, he was obsessed with bikes. we would go to the playground, and as soon as a kid got off a bike, he would try to get on it and ride it. he would point them out, he would try to ride, and he would often just ride that around the playground (parents are pretty open here) and then cry when the family reclaimed their bike.
so, we shopped and found a balance bike that we like, that we know is adjustable and could last many years (up to age 5-6). (http://www.wishbonedesign.com/) he rides it every day, he talks about it constantly, and he loves to take it out for a ride. it was a good purchase, and will last him another 3-4 years. by then, he may have a sibling who could use it also, or we could pass it on to cousins or such.
anyway, his birthday came and while his grandparents wanted us to buy toys for him, i showed them how he "made" his own toys. he created a helicopter (be-leh-be-leh) with a peg, and two bits of the stacking toy; he created an airplane with his train and two pens stuck through the windows. so, he didn't need those toys. one train car is a 'car' and another is hte 'cable car' and then he also has the train itself. and then blocks make boats and houses. he doesn't really need any more toys.
they sent clothes and also books, which is perfect, and we just keep it simple with some basic wool felting supplies--a hand working skill i want to introduce to him. i think he will enjoy it. if he doesn't; i will.
i keep my parents focused, telling them explicitly what i want. they know we live in a small space, that i prefer minimalism and open ended toys, and that craft supplies here are expensive. so, they can support that process (and then we'll send the results to them!). my ILs are a bit harder to predict and rein in, btu they are cheap, so they won't buy much.
