I have organization on the brain lately. Perhaps I'm a little obsessed. I guess it's just that with 2 kids, a husband and a home office, I am in a constant state of feeling unorganized. I wrote in a related article about the joy of containers, bins, boxes, and bags.

Here's what I've noticed. When there is a container that the toys are supposed to go in, it seems more manageable to keep them in that container when they are not in use. I think it facilitates the idea of getting out one toy, playing with that toy and then putting it away before getting out a different one. At least it's worked that way in my home thus far. When the pieces have nowhere to "live" chances are they are going to live all over the floor or scattered about my kids' rooms.

Here's what I love; toys that come with their own container packaging. Things like carrying cases, bins, bags or boxes that are sturdy and easy to open and close. A few of my recent favorites (and I say they are my favorites because they are my 3-year-olds favorites AND they came with fantastic and clever containers.

Mr. Potato Head in his Silly Suitcase is great. God love Playskool for this one. Everyone loves Mr. Potato head, don't they? Well, this one has carrying case that fits all the arms, legs, noses, mouths and eyes in it with room to spare. It's easy for my daughter to pick up the pieces and put them in the case herself when she's done creating her potato masterpiece. My most favorite is the "Little Helper Tool Box" by Schylling. This is the most adorable little metal tool box, perfect for little hands. Easy to carry, open and close and it has a super-cool retro design. The tools are made of hard rubber and wood so they stand the test of time and they resemble real tools so you know the kid's love them. It's small and easy to travel with too.

I often consider a toy’s packaging when purchasing things for my kid’s and/of for gifts for friends and families. Anything that makes our lives as parents easier is worth an extra thought!