My DD loves her playpen. She has a couch in there and I rotate the toys. She isn't in there all the time and if she asks to get out I get her out. It is great for when I'm busy with housework.

We had some trouble when we went on holidays earlier in the year and didn't have it. She got so upset when we moved her away from things or took things away from her. Her playpen is her space where she can do what she wants and she loves the combination of independent play and security.

So I'm not opposed to playpens in geneneral, but I think particularly with an older child it is ok to restrict where they can play with certain toys for safety reasons. We have outside toys and bath toys, so I don't think it would be a problem to have "playpen" toys. As Softy said it is about providing a safe environment.