You can do toys on the cheap, and keep it green. Here's my tips for toys that won't cost a packet, and make the most of recycling, reusing and borrowing.
- Toy Swap. I do temporary swaps of bags of toys with friends and it works a treat. Your little one will be delighted with the 'new' toys, and will enjoy getting their 'old' toys back.
- Car boot sales. I can't resist them. Best toy bargain? Toy pram for 25p.
- Freecycle. I can't help myself and check this site most days. Latest acquisition was a Playmobil castle with play figures - absolutely free! Items get snapped up quickly so keep your eyes peeled.
- Charity shops. 'Nuff said. They're a goldmine of cheap toys just waiting to be loved all over again.
- NCT Nearly New Sales. They're popular, and with good reason.
- The great outdoors. Get your wellies on! Nothing beats fresh air, and a run around in the park, woods, or garden. Need inspiration? Check out Nature's Playground and Green Crafts for Children.
- Netmums. Just discovered I can get free kids' stuff in my local area. And give away/sell my own. It's dead easy to advertise items, I put up 3 items at the weekend with my 18 month daughter messing about on my lap.
- Gumtree. See Gumtree Free postings
- Libraries. When my kids are fed up of their toys, it's time for a trip to the library. My little boy loves choosing books for himself and his sister, and putting them in the machine to scan them. There's not a toy library near me, but you might be lucky.
- Rubbish. Think Mr Maker. Collect toilet rolls, yoghurt pots, boxes, ribbon, any bits that a child can transform into a robot/castle/rocket/etc. Pasta shapes, paint and string? You've got a princess bracelet. Keep bits in a shoebox and rainy days will never be the same again.
1 comments:
Great tips here, thanks for sharing
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