
7. Keys
This is one object to exercise caution with when it comes to your kids. I say this only because some people keep things on their key rings that are dangerous for kids, like small knives or other tools. No, keys are not necessarily a “safe” toy, but my children haven’t hurt themselves by playing with mine (yet). I also use the rule of only letting them play with my keys when I’m able to watch them as I go about what I’m doing. As long as I can see that they are playing safely, I don’t mind a little jinglin’ and janglin’ around the house.

8. Nail Polish Bottles
When I’m desperate for a shower and my little one won’t stop crying, I whip out the nail polish bag. As soon as she sees it, she stops crying. Then she pulls out all of the nail polish bottles and has a blast. I used to quiz my son on his colors when he’d play with them. As soon as my daughter is old enough to understand, I’ll make playing with nail polish educational for her too. Sadly, my kids probably see my nail polish bottles more than my toenails do. But at least I have a few moments of shower serenity while my little ones occupy themselves with Sally Hansen’s finest.
9. Dry Packaged Food
Shake shake! That’s the sound of my child playing with the box of pasta again. She loves doing that while I make dinner. And she also uses the bags of rice, beans, and whatever else she can get her little hands on in our pantry. Part of me has this fear that one day, she’ll shake the package so hard, it will rip open and little grains of rice will fly all over my kitchen floor, covering it like a domestic rice beach. But until that day comes, I’m all for letting her shimmy and shake while I cook and I bake.