Mom’s viral video reveals son loves $2 toy more than Christmas gift—and every parent can relate
As parents, we’ve all been there—spending weeks agonizing over the perfect Christmas gift for our children, only for them to fall in love with something completely unexpected.
TikTok mom Whitney Swaim’s (@whitneyjswaim) relatable video about her son preferring a tiny rubber dinosaur from a bath bomb over his dream Christmas gift has struck a chord with parents everywhere. The video has garnered over 832,800 views (and counting), with Whitney recounting:
“I just spent 45 minutes looking for this rubber dinosaur from a two-dollar bath bomb because you would have thought it held all the secrets to our family.”
Her son enthusiastically asked Santa for the “ultimate Hot Wheels garage” and declared it his dream gift, yet the towering toy was quickly overshadowed by the unexpected allure of a small, inexpensive trinket.
The video has resonated deeply with parents. It showcases how kids often find joy in the most surprising places and sparks conversations about why this happens.
Why kids find magic in unexpected objects
But Whitney’s story isn’t just relatable—it also sheds light on something researchers have studied for years: why kids so often love the unexpected. Recent research has provided insights into why children can form attachments to everyday objects, favoring them over more elaborate toys.
• Comfort and Emotional Security: Everyday objects often act as transitional items that provide comfort and help children navigate new or overwhelming experiences. A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry highlights how objects like stuffed animals, blankets, or even small toys can provide emotional support in times of change or stress.
• Imagination and Open-Ended Play: Unlike structured toys with predefined uses, simple or unconventional objects foster creativity and open-ended play. A 2023 study titled Preschool Children’s Loose Parts Play and the Relationship to Creativity, published on PubMed Central, found that children engage more imaginatively with loose parts like cardboard boxes, wooden blocks, and random household items. These materials are not limited by design, allowing kids to reimagine their purpose—turning a makeup sponge into a rocket ship or a dinosaur into a superhero.
• Novelty and Attention: New, unexpected items often capture a child’s attention more effectively than familiar or predictable toys. An object’s unique shape, texture, or origin—like a tiny dinosaur from a bath bomb—stimulates curiosity and exploration, making it more appealing than even the most elaborate playset.
Whitney’s son’s attachment to the tiny dinosaur highlights what research has shown: children often connect deeply with objects that foster creativity, provide comfort, or spark curiosity.
Related: It’s science: Toddlers are happier with fewer toys
Parents share their own stories
The comments section on Whitney’s video reflects how common this phenomenon is. One commenter, @stephfroeli, provided helpful insight, noting that “The Hot Wheels is what’s called a ‘closed-ended toy.’ You can only play with it a certain way. ‘Open-ended toys’ are like blocks, figurines, etc., that can be played with in any way.”
Another commenter, @CharityDiane, shared her experience, saying, “My son’s new prized possession is a makeup sponge. He just carries it around.”
The takeaway for parents
Whitney’s viral moment offers an important reminder: kids don’t need expensive or elaborate gifts to spark joy. Sometimes, the most straightforward items we might never consider bring them the most happiness.
And if your child loves a $2 trinket or a makeup sponge? Celebrate the moment—it’s a small gift for your wallet and your child’s joy. These moments also foster creativity, imagination, and emotional comfort, which are far more valuable than anything money can buy.
Related: Here’s how to actually buy fewer toys this year, according to a sustainability expert
