Tree Trimming with Vintage Toys

I enjoy trimming a Christmas tree with our usual hodgepodge collection of ornaments but I also love themed trees.  Themed trees are based on a color, a style (i.e. Victorian), or another common thread (a cowboy/cowgirl theme, the 50’s, a tropical theme, etc.). Once every few years I like to decorate a themed tree in addition to our traditional tree.  If you choose to do the same, it is helpful to choose a smaller tree for the themed tree– this makes it easier to find space for it and to fill the tree with decorations. Themed trees can be placed in guest rooms, hallways, entry spaces, and other areas that need a holiday touch. This year I chose to decorate a tree with the theme vintage toys, which strikes a nostalgic note.  If you don’t already have some toys from childhood to add to your tree, no worries– there are some inexpensive shortcuts you can take to add retro-looking toys to your tree.

Here are possible toys you can add to your own tree trimmed with nostalgic toys:

• Fisher Price people
• Wind up toys
• Gum ball machine prizes
• Small die cast cars and vehicles
• Puzzle pieces from a child’s puzzle
• Small Play-Doh containers
• Green Army soldiers and other plastic figurines
• Playing cards
• Jacks
• Alphabet blocks and wooden toys
• Small candy boxes (i.e. Junior Mints)
  

If you need to recreate the nostalgia theme then you can buy some of these items from a toy store or a dollar store.

Materials for Tree Trimming with Vintage Toys

• A collection of retro style toys
• String or ribbon
• Eye hook screws
• Scissors
• Sewing needle and thread (if using small plush toys)

Directions to Attach Vintage Toys to Tree

1. Fisher Price people and other peg-style people can be placed on the end of a wire tree branch by turning the end of the branch upward and placing the figurine on the upturned branch.  If you are using a real tree you will need to attach an eye hook screw to the top of the figurine’s head (only if the figurine is the older wooden style, not plastic). Tie string or ribbon through the eye hook and hang the figurine on a tree branch.
2. Many wind up toys can be tucked into a sheltered spot in the tree.
   

There are obviously many more toys you can use and many methods for adding toys to your tree.  Regardless of the toys you use and how you hang them, your tree will bring a smile to those who get to see it!

Bonnie Thomas

Bonnie Thomas works as a child and family therapist in southern Maine and is also an established artist and author. She has published several books with Jessica Kingsley Publishers, including Creative Coping Skills for Children: Emotional Support Through Arts and How to Get Kids Offline, Outdoors, and Connecting With Nature.

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