Parents are often heard to note that the most exciting part of a new toy is the box. This is certainly the case in our house, where even the acquisition of a new box of diapers is often cause for excitement. The Boy and The Girl draw on, sit in, sail the world or sled down snow-capped sofas in a new box. Cardboard is a highly valued commodity in our house and they are certainly not above fighting for the privilege of getting the first shot at any boxes that arrive here.

Another form of cardboard that engenders much excitement and a fair share of turf wars, is the "toot-toot" as it is known in this house. "Toot-toots" are so named because they are often turned into horns, though they have also been made into kazzos (with the addition of wax paper), spy glasses, scroll holders, sibling beaters, etc. The "toot-toot" comes in both short and long sizes. The long size originally was surrounded by paper towels. The sort version by toilet paper.

My children love them, fight over them and can find a million and one uses for a little roll of cardboard. The embarrassing part is when they ask for the toilet paper roll when we're out at a public restroom and the paper runs out.