Underconsumption lies at the heart of PlanToys' philosophy. Rather than promoting excessive toy purchases, we encourage our community to maximize the use of their existing toys. Our products are crafted for durability, designed to endure wear and tear, and adapt as children grow and develop new interests. This approach makes PlanToys the ideal choice for building a toy collection that lasts, minimizing the need for frequent toy purchases throughout a child's life.
Additionally, we design toys that complement those already found in households. We understand that families have diverse toy collections and do not expect them to dedicate their toy chests exclusively to PlanToys.
What is Underconsumption?
Underconsumption involves maximizing utility. In short, making the most out of what you already own, as well as reducing the need to replace items and purchase multiples. This includes accepting items in imperfect condition if they can still function safely as intended. Here are simple ways to integrate underconsumption into your life:
- "Shop Your Home": Rediscover forgotten objects around your home. Regularly rotate toys and everyday items to maintain freshness.
- Make a List of Essentials Before Shopping: Avoid redundant purchases by acknowledging what you already own.
- Care for Your Belongings: Use belongings responsibly and as intended and store them carefully when not in use. If an accident does occur, research what can be done to repair the item so it can be used again safely.
- Purchase Intentionally: Invest in durable items designed to evolve with your family. This is one of PlanToys' core values.
What Makes PlanToys Last?
PlanToys are crafted using various materials, with upcycled rubberwood as our primary material. We source rubberwood from latex industries where trees are considered disposable after latex production ends. After harvesting, the wood undergoes kiln drying to enhance its durability. Here are more reasons why PlanToys are built to last and align with underconsumption:
- Timeless Designs with a Modern Twist: PlanToys embraces classical play concepts that are developmentally appropriate and beloved from early childhood. We honor traditional play and also innovate to appeal to children of the future.
- Safety: PlanToys meet or exceed global safety standards and undergo rigorous safety tests, (including drop tests) for enhanced durability. With our own testing laboratory, we're able to oversee every step of quality control.
- Designed for Longevity: Many PlanToys products are designed to grow with children, adapting to their evolving abilities and interests over time.
- Heirloom Quality: Combining enduring design and durability, PlanToys often become cherished heirlooms within families or among loved ones, remaining part of childhood memories for years.
- Multi-Generational Fun: Our Better Aging line bridges generational play by encouraging adults and the elderly to engage with children's play, while also enhancing cognitive health.
PlanToys with Enduring Longevity
While all PlanToys adhere to rigorous safety protocols and are crafted for enduring structural and educational quality, certain PlanToys embody an even stronger growth mindset. Here is a curated selection:
- Pull-Along Toys make perfect gifts for babies aged 12 months and older, encouraging immersive play and exploration. They are cherished gifts that often remain within the family or are passed down to friends and relatives as children grow. Our globally beloved Rainbow Alligator is a standout in the PlanToys collection. Discover our full range of pull-along toys here.
- Classical Blocks are at the heart of play, offering limitless possibilities for creativity and education. We provide a diverse range of traditional blocks in various quantities, shapes, and colors, celebrating both abstraction and representation. Whether it's our classic 50 Unit Blocks or our innovative Water Blocks, there's a set for everyone. Explore our complete collection of building and construction options here.
- Unit Plus is a series designed to meet children's developmental needs as they grow. For instance, Fraction Blocks can be introduced to children as young as 2 years old to explore colors and shapes, remaining a part of their play routine until around age 8 or 9 when they begin learning fractions. Even beyond, they serve as handy references and shapes for tracing activities. Click here to view the entire collection.
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PlanFamily provides a delightful avenue for embracing diversity and inclusion in play, allowing children to incorporate their family members into their imaginative play scenarios. These dolls are thoughtfully crafted to hold significance for children as they mature, aiding in their development of language and emotional expression. They are versatile, suitable for independent play or within a dollhouse setting. Explore the complete collection here.
We hope this inspires our community to make mindful purchase decisions and continue to care for the toys that play an essential role in their family's life. If you’re adding new toys to your home, we trust these suggestions will assist you in your shopping journey.