Anonymous wrote:Top reason: the lights and sounds irritate me.

Second reason: when my DS plays with them he does more looking than touching. I don't like that. He's mesmerized by the sounds and lights. I'd rather he be mesmerized by his own creativity and imagination.

Same here. The primary reason is definitely because they annoy me. We have a small space and low tolerance for noises and such.

All the other reasons are just value-add. My kids definitely love playing with the light and sound toys when on play dates and that's cool.

I used to buy a variety of toys - wooden, plastic, active, art, etc. Suddenly, I find myself held hostage by STUFF everywhere. Plastic, noises, excess.... That is how I found this thread. I want to get rid of all the crap, keep the quality (most happens to be wooden, metal, and requires no batteries but not all) and get my fxxxing house back! I am so sick of my living room, dining room, And their playrooms being filled with plastic crap I bought for some unknown reason. I know my three boys don't prefer it and they gravitate toward real things. ahhhhh- I'll donate it and be liberated!

You old soul, are greatly appreciated. Your children will be creative, calm, resourceful and engaged. Your "special snowflake" will remain special, a leader, a confidant person with reverance for the world. I applaud you. Your child will be able to sit through a nice dinner at a restaurant without bothering everyone around them with crys to be entertained. You will be able to travel without a trunk load of needless gadgets and toys, because your child will actually enjoy the journey. You will be able to walk through Target without tantrums for the lates toy. I know because I have done it with two children.