All of the rush, all of the hustle, all of the running around like crazy - it’s all over. And, odds are, you are a little overwhelmed with all of the new merchandise that found its way into your house. Especially if some if the new stuff in your house aren’t exactly things that you would pick for your family. The funny thing is that someone, somewhere bought that toy because they were just certain you, or your child, would be crazy about it.

Kind of like the Christmas when my son received a drum set. He was three at the time. Or the 300 piece puzzle for my puzzle loving two year old. Not to mention the itch inducing sweater that smelled like a wet dog. And what about the time that my daughter received not one, not two, but THREE battery operated stuffed animals that barked and sang in chorus?

Knowing that those gifts were bought by someone who loved my child, if not entirely in touch with reality, helped me see that the gifts were not “bad”, just not the right gift for our family. The right gifts for my family involve a little less noise and a little more manual labor for the child. In years past, I’ve had the distinct chore of holding on to those unwanted toys until sufficient time had passed, and then throwing them in the garbage. This year I won’t do that. I’ll list the unwanted items on Zwaggle, saving the environment from the extra trash, allowing them to find the right home, and turning those Zoints into things that we really can use. Puzzles, blocks, books - there’s a list a mile long. Thankfully, I’ve got plenty of choices, both in what we don’t need anymore and things on Zwaggle that we really do!