The computer age has ushered in a whole new definition and price point for toys.  Gone are the days when simple Lincoln Logs, board game, or a doll baby could fill a child’s day.  Now toys are more gadget-based, require a power source, and can be very costly.  When looking for ways to save on toys, check thrift and second hand stores as well as yard sales. 

Buy Used Toys
The value of used toys cannot be underestimated.  Check toys to make sure all game pieces are present and make sure the item has been gently used before purchasing.  Nothing’s worse than finding some key piece is missing from a game.   Give each toy a good cleaning using a disinfectant like Clorox in water. Allow toy to dry thoroughly before giving them to your child.  

Consider doing a toy-trade with neighbors or even a toy-share where you share the cost of purchasing an expensive toy.  Be sure to work out the details of how the toy will be shared upfront including who’s responsible for repair if needed to eliminate any misunderstandings later.

Low- Cost Activities
As a parent spending time with your children is always time well spent. Interacting with your child helps mold their attitudes toward you and others and is one of the most important things you can give to your child.   There are plenty activities for children that both teach and provide fun and cost little or nothing.  Turn off the TV and let your child’s imagination take center stage.

Kids love to cook.  Ask them to help you make ready to bake cookies, a green salad or other easy to make foods.  They’re a lot more likely to eat foods like vegetables that they have made or helped make.

You can put together non-toxic play dough with simple ingredients you find in your pantry ( recipe below).  Older children should be encouraged to engage in home science projects like growing Rock Crystals using table salt or making a realistic erupting volcano.  Modeling clay, crayons and coloring books allow your child to create anything his or her imagination conjures.  Proudly display artwork on the refrigerator or a wall in their room. Always get kids involved in preparations for holiday and family events. 

Frequent trips to the public library are a must for any child.  Get your child their own library card and let them select books that you read to them before bedtime or they read aloud to you.   Many libraries also offer free story time readings for children of all ages during the summer or on Saturdays.

The internet has a variety of websites geared to entertaining children. One of the most popular sites is Allcrafts.net.  They provide free craft ideas, templates, patterns and much more.  All you need is a printer and an imagination.  Magazines such as Family Fun and Wondertime also offer crafting and activities ideas in each of their issues, many with an eye toward cost efficiency.

There are many different ideas for creating low cost and high fun activities with your children. With a few simple low cost supplies on hand, children can be taught, entertained, and the bond between you made stronger without breaking your bank.

Easy Play Dough

You’ll Need:

Step 1
Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan.

Step 2
Set burner to medium heat and stir constantly until dough forms a ball.
Remove from heat. Let cool.