The Odd Primate

About a week ago, I was walking through my favorite thrift store in search of a shelf for our bathroom. The store is always stuffed with lots of stuff, which means when I push a buggy of kids through they can reach things. If its not breakable, I let them check out what they pick up. Nothing in the shop costs much so if I had to pay for it, I wouldnt go broke. I figure it is good for them and their vocabulary to check out things that stand out to them. Normally it hasnt been an issue. Except on this one particularly day. Lorelai got her hands on this guy,

I have no idea who he is or where he is from. All I know is he is weird looking and Lorelai loves him. When we were ready to leave the store that day(after finding the perfect shelf for a buck), she would not let go of him without melting down. She was uber attached. I dont know what it was about him but she wasnt leaving without him. I know I could have let her have her fit and use it as that kind of parenting moment, but I decided to pay for the 10cent toy, because getting a quiet kid had never been that easy. 

 

So now this little dude lives here with us in there heap of already accumulated toys. She still holds him and carries him around. When she sets him down she always remembers where. It's totally her thing right now.

 

Do your kids have a toy like this? Do they hold onto it for a long time? How much time is the appropriate time to let it naturally end up in the donate box? I've actually contemplated putting it up and having the story to tell her when she is dealing with her own quirky kids. I'd love to be linked to any similar stories!