As we near the holidays you may be looking forward to (or dreading) the fact that friends and family will soon gather together to celebrate. If you have kids, this is a definitely stress trigger as kids have the amazing capacity to come through like a hurricane leaving a wake of toys, books, and crafting supplies E.V.E.R.Y.W.H.E.R.E….
Add the abundance of holiday decor (if that’s your thing) to the mix, and you looking at a clutter-filled home that is impossible to maintain that magazine appearance you originally envisioned.
Especially if you don’t have the space for a dedicated playroom where you can shut the door and forget it exists for the holidays or when guests come to stay.. (I feel your pain!)
But have no fear! I have some awesome tips and tricks to hide that clutter in plain sight, where the toys are still accessible for the kiddos, yet have a dedicated home to hide in when company comes to call.
You can then sit back, relax and have a giggle that nobody is the wiser…
Decorative Basket Toy Storage
So this is my setup in our living room. We do not have a playroom for little miss E. So her options for play were pretty much her bedroom or our living area.
After her 1st birthday, my little walker who acquired a crap-ton of toys at her birthday bash started bringing on the messes!! As a baby, the few sensory toys she had could be contained to her play pen, bouncer, and pack’n’play. So not the case once she was free-walking!
That was a rude awakening for this mama, as we did not have any sort of playroom for her. So naturally the toys just started stacking up and stacking up in our living space until I could not take it any longer and started searching for solutions.
That’s when I decided to remove the nick-knacks and photographs I had strategically styled our entertainment center built-in with (before kids) and replaced them with decorative baskets that could fit ALL THE THINGS.
It’s amazing how many toys can fit into these bad boys.. seriously awesome toy storage.
I found some very similar baskets on Amazon for ya that are awesomely neutral (for my Farmhouse lovers out there!) and come in many size variations so you can find the perfect shape for your space.
These actually have a drawstring top closure, so you can completely conceal the toys inside!
I chose a set in Ivory and Navy that matches my Farmhouse Nautical decor theme, attempted to organize the toys, and DONE.
The organization doesn’t stick most days and I end up shoving whatever fits into whichever basket – and that’s OKAY.
That is the whole point.
Nobody can see it, nobody cares if it’s organized.
The kids are going to just pull it out and dump it anyways.
So don’t stress about the mess mama! It can all be tossed back into the baskets in a matter of minutes. Out of sight and out of mind.
Toy Storage Ottomans
You may also consider a longer, rectangular ottoman for the larger toys. E has this toy broom and vacuum she loves to carry all around the house but I struggle with a place to hide them away when she’s not using them. This would be perfect.
Outward Island Toy Storage Cabinets

The Ever-Popular Cube Toy Storage System
You can pick from virtually any shape, color and number of cubes you need to suit your space and fill them up with patterned, or plain cube inserts to stow away all the unsightly things that need storing. Including TOYS.
Just be sure to double check the insert measurements match the cubes!
Ready to be sneaky with your toy storage?
I love every single one of these solutions and DO use them myself in some way shape or form.
I know they work and I hope they will help you regain some sanity in being able to tuck away the toys!
You worked hard to make your house a home, let’s show off all your home’s glory to friends and family that visit for the holidays this season.
Well, at least for a minute before the kids woosh past you and pull out all their beloved toys and make a mess again!
But that’s life love! Embrace the chaos, and find comfort in knowing everything has a place it will eventually go when play time is over.
xoxo,
Christi