Kim Conti, Founder & CEO of Orbit Crates
As parents, we all want to give our kids the best. It’s hard not to get carried away as a parent to buy the latest and greatest for our kids. But if your kids are anything like mine, you might have experienced complaints of boredom... sitting in a playroom full of plastic!
Research proves what we inherently understand as parents. Studies show that children engage more deeply and play longer when they have fewer toys to choose from.
According to a study published in the journal Infant Behavior and Development, toddlers who were given fewer toys played more creatively and for longer periods compared to those surrounded by an abundance of toys. The study observed 36 toddlers in two different play sessions: one with four toys and another with 16 toys. The results were clear—the toddlers with fewer toys explored more possibilities with each toy and used them in more imaginative ways. The researchers concluded that "an abundance of toys present in the environment may create a distraction, diverting the child’s attention and hindering their ability to fully explore and engage with any one toy."
Dr. John D. Rich, a child psychologist, explains that fewer toys can lead to more focused play. "When children have too many toys, they become overwhelmed and may not fully engage with any of them," he says. "With fewer options, children are more likely to develop their creativity, problem-solving skills, and sustained attention."
Beyond improving play quality, having fewer toys can also positively impact a child’s behavior. A cluttered environment can contribute to feelings of stress and anxiety, both for children and their parents. By minimizing the number of toys at home, families can create a calmer, more organized living space.
At Orbit Crates, we believe in the power of intentional play. Instead of overwhelming your home with endless toys that gather dust, our rotating toy rental service ensures that your kids have just enough to spark their curiosity and creativity. Our company’s mission aligns with what research shows: fewer, carefully selected toys lead to longer, more meaningful play sessions and a happier, healthier home environment.
Moreover, reducing the number of toys aligns with a minimalist lifestyle that many parents are striving to adopt. Marie Kondo, a well-known organization expert, emphasizes the importance of decluttering and keeping only the items that "spark joy." This principle can be applied to toys as well. By rotating toys with Orbit Crates, families can keep their homes tidy and ensure that every toy their child plays with feels special and exciting.
Our company also teaches children valuable lessons about sharing and sustainability. When kids know that toys will be returned and shared with other families, they learn to appreciate and take care of their belongings. It also reduces waste and promotes a more eco-friendly lifestyle. My own kids have organically adopted this behavior by cleaning out their own toy room and donating to the toys “in orbit.”
By providing a curated selection of high-quality toys, Orbit Crates helps families embrace the "less is more" philosophy—without sacrificing fun. Our goal is to support parents in raising curious, creative kids while making their lives easier and their homes more joyful.
Join our mailing list to learn more.