Kid’s toys can tell a whole story about the child’s background and family, and even the professions of the parents. In his photo series ‘Toy Stories’, Italian photographer Gabriele Galimberti traveled around the globe for 18-months and took interesting photos of children with their toys.

Gabriele would often play with kids before actually starting the photoshoot, and he noticed how differently children from different backgrounds accepted his presence:

“The richest children were more possessive. At the beginning of my children’s photography session, they wouldn’t want me to touch their toys, and I would need more time before they would let me play with them. In poor countries, it was much easier. In Africa, the kids would mostly play with their friends outside.”

Children also ascribe similar functions to their toys – during his journey, Galimberti met a boy in Texas and a girl in Malawi who both believed their plastic dinosaurs would protect them from dangers at night. And even though the portrait photography project is about children, the photographer says he learned more about the parents – commonly toys represent their occupation and hobbies. Embark on a little journey through childhood memories and tell us your toy story in the comments!

Website: gabrielegalimberti.com

Chiwa – Mchinji, Malawi

Jaqueline – Manila, Philippines

Tangawizi – Keekorok, Kenya

Julia – Tirana, Albania

Orly – Brownsville, Texas

Botlhe – Maun, Botswana

Li Yi Chen – Shenyang, China

Alessia – Castiglion Fiorentino, Italy

Enea – Boulder, Colorado

Abel – Nopaltepec, Mexico

Allenah – El Nido, Philippines

Lucas – Sydney, Australia

Keynor – Cahuita, Costarica

Arafa & Aisha – Bububu, Zanzibar

Shaira – Mumbai, India

Bethsaida – Port au Prince, Haiti

Ryan – Johannesburg, South Africa

Taha – Beirut, Lebanon

Pavel – Kiev, Ukraine

Watcharapom – Bangkok, Thailand