DEAR SPRINGFIELD MAMA

BRICK & MORTAR |

I hate — hate — buying toys that will end up in a landfill one day.

Nothing inspires me more than visiting my 70-year-old mother-in-law’s home, where tucked away in a closet, she still has Lincoln Logs and a toy dump truck from my husband’s childhood that are in perfect condition nearly 40 years later. All her grandkids still benefit from her one-time purchase.

What makes these toys endure?

Longevity isn’t just about how a toy is made; it’s about how it’s used. The best toys earn their keep by offering endless ways to play. I went back through five years of purchases to find the toys that never lost their place in our home. These are the ones still in regular rotation, still being built, hauled, stacked, and reinvented—gifts you can give with zero buyer’s remorse.

Magformers

Hands down, Magformers were one of the best toy investments we ever made. Leo started playing with these at age 2 and continues to build with them at 5 years old. They have strong magnets and terrific expansion options that open up imaginative play, such as wheels for building vehicles and windows and roof tiles for building houses and structures. Pair them with magnetic people figures and you’ve got endless play options.

Where to find locally: You can find basic starter sets at Barnes & Noble in Springfield.

Wooden Train Sets

We inherited a lovely wooden train track set from my brother-in-law, who had kept it since his own childhood. They’ve been pulled out daily by Leo, who builds winding, elaborate cities. We’ve extended play for this set by adding a new feature each year: bridges, steam engines, loading cranes, and lumber wagons. Every time Leo has a friend or cousin over — even older cousins up to 11 years old — the children all gather around the train tracks.

Where to find locally: You can find Brio products at Barnes & Noble in the toy section (a track is also set up in the Children’s book department), and at Hobbytown across the parking lot (also has a Brio model set up).

Lincoln Logs

This brand has been going strong for over 100 years for a reason. Tactile, satisfying to layer and stack, these OG STEM toys are never going to disappoint.

Where to find locally: They’re for sale in many places, but I always see those nice tin collections at Bass Pro and Barnes & Noble this time of year.

K’NEX

K’NEX were an instant hit in our house. The bright yellow containers arrived from my mother-in-law, who had saved them from my husband’s own childhood. What started as a nostalgic hand-me-down quickly became one of our most-used building sets. Together, my husband and son build barns, cranes, elevators, and elaborate zip lines. On his own, Leo snaps together simple structures and experiments with motion using battery-powered motors. K’NEX grow beautifully with a child, moving from basic construction to real mechanical thinking.

Where to find locally: You can often find starter sets at Barnes & Noble, and at this local tool store, more advanced sets with motors are available on Amazon if you want to expand over time.

Tree Swing

I could never get behind a full swingset in my backyard. I was afraid Leo would lose interest, and the thing would sit there rusting in my backyard for 10 years. Instead, I opted for two tree swings. One is this disc seat and climbing rope set, and the other is a more traditional playground-style swing. Leo has been swinging on both for years quite happily, and they cost far less than a full play structure!

Unlike many backyard toys, a swing never tells a child how to play. It lets them seek motion, challenge, and calm in their own way.

This is the only item I couldn’t find for sale locally, probably because it’s freezing outside.

Creatology Basics Craft Case

This arts-and-crafts purchase opened up an entire personality trait in my son (he chose to dress up as an artist this year for Halloween!). Picked up on a whim at Michael’s, the Creatology Basics Craft Case is packed with sequins, googly eyes, pipe cleaners, tissue paper, glitter glue, and other irresistible materials. It held his attention for months as his creations grew more elaborate and intentional. The mix of bright colors and varied textures invited deep, sustained focus, the kind of play that stretches on for hours. Over time, that single kit evolved into something bigger: a permanent art table in our breakfast nook, now stocked with markers, pencils, glue, and paper. It’s not a one-and-done craft!

Where to find locally: It’s still in stock at the Michael’s in Springfield.

Tonies Box

Not exactly a toy, but this little device has been used daily since it was gifted for Christmas three years ago. A Toniebox is a screen-free audio player for kids that plays stories and music when a little character figurine is placed on top. Originally marketed to little ones, the company has designed content to help grow with your kid, with “big kid” audios up to about age 8.

Our favorite Tonies include the Fox and Castle lullaby songs, and the “Little Engine That Could” and “Make Way for Ducklings” audiobooks. He’s been listening to these at bedtime for years, and stopped bedtime callbacks almost immediately.

Where to find locally: You can find Tonies at Jellybeans, Target, Walmart, Hobbytown, and Sam’s Club in Springfield.

(Psst. If you have slightly older kids, consider the much-lauded Yoto Mini at Target.)

If a toy can survive daily play, growing hands, and multiple stages of childhood, it’s worth bringing home. Happy shopping!