As children grow up, they are often attracted to many different types of toys. Whether it is stuffed animals, slime, action figures, or tiny cars, everyone has that one thing that brings them joy, but as they become teenagers, do they still hold onto those things? There has been a rise in the popularity of a variety of toys for people who aren’t still considered kids. No one really knows why people like to hold onto these objects, but it could be because it reminds them of their childhood.
Teens can be seen as a big part of this specific group. At this age, many of them will gravitate towards certain items from their childhood. These include keychains, Squishmallows, Nee Dohs, or the Target weighted stuffed animals. Many teens like to get these as a reminder that they are still kids and can express themselves. Mia Dela Cruz, senior, liked many different types of toys as a kid, including stuffed animals, Minions, and books. She still holds onto many of these items. “I still have a lot of my Minion stuffed animals. I now have a minion keychain for my keys and plenty of gifts that are Minion-related,” said Dela Cruz. Many people still like to have these things because they can also represent a connection to their childhood. Even though it might only be something like a keychain or a phone case, this can help people know that they still have a part of their adolescence with them.
Teens aren’t the only ones who like to remember their youth in this way. Many adults also do this. Whether it’s having posters from their favorite childhood show in their office or showcasing action figures on shelves, many adults find nostalgia in putting these objects out for people to see. Mr. Hauck has been teaching in the district for 16 years and has found a lot of joy in showing off different memorabilia in his classroom. “My collection of Funko Pops and my sticker wall behind my desk allow me to still collect things that remind me of my childhood but also connect me to the present day,” said Hauck. Even if it is small things like stickers, it shows that it is okay to represent something that one is still fond of. By having these objects in his classroom, Hauck can show that connecting to one’s childhood is something to be proud of and it’s a great reminder that individuals should share with others. “I do think it is very important to preserve the childhood memories that might otherwise fade over time. This is because it allows you to connect yourself to past experiences, people, and places. This helps us reconnect with our younger selves,” said Hauck. Even if one has grown, it doesn’t mean that they have to let go of some of the memories.
When getting older, it can be challenging to navigate how individuals connect with their younger selves. Some days, it could be looking at pictures of how they used to dress or walking down the toy aisle at a store. Knowing that it is okay to keep objects and memories from the past can sometimes be the best news to hear. Growing up can be scary, so finding happiness in the items that brought us comfort as kids is sometimes the best thing to do.
