Like every 1 year old, kuttyma is surrounded by toys. Our home now resembles a mini war zone with toys strewn around. But often it is the randomest everyday items that keep her occupied for minutes (toys marketed for kids hold her attention for seconds). Here are some of her favorite “toys”

• A box of Kleenex – A whole box would be her idea of heaven. I usually give her 2-3 facial tissues and she loves them. Tearing them into bits, playing peak-a-boo with them and a lot more. Often as I watch the earnestness with which she tears the tissues I wonder what goes on in her tiny mind. What is so fascinating about tearing paper? She examines each small bit intently and then proceeds to tear them smaller
• Pottu/Bindi – It is amazing how an everyday thing can fascinate her so much. She loves putting them on my face roughly on my nose and eyes and taking them off. The cycle repeats and we go through multiple pottus before she moves on
• Bangles – Another favorite plaything. She puts them on her toes and mine, strings them on a stick, puts them in a basket, takes them out and never gets tired of them
• Random pieces of cloth – From bibs to handkerchiefs she likes them all. She examines them, plays peek-a-boo, wipes her face, throws them into the air and walks around with them. Again an insight into her mind would be great as I have no idea what she is playing with the pieces of clothes.
• String/ribbon/yarn – Twirling them, spinning them she goes on and on. A ball of yarn is definitely more interesting than a spool of ribbon but fun none-the-less
• Post-its/stickers – Sticky fun rocks! She can spend minutes sticking stuff on her hands and taking them off
• Cardboard tubes – like the ones in toilet paper, paper towels and gift wrap – great fun

The usual pens, pencils, plastic containers, spoons also make it to her list. It is amazing how kids can find numerous ways/uses for simple everyday things. We have unfortunately shut down our minds and fall into the stereotype of seeing an object as is and refuse to think beyond it. I am glad I have an everyday reminder to think beyond and outside and all I hope for is kuttyma never loses that special gift children have. To look beyond and not be drawn and confined by strange norms set by