Sometimes, when our children ask us to get them a new toy, all we can think about is that they want something else to play with. However, the truth of the matter is that there are all kinds of benefits that come with kids engaging in fun activities in this kind of way. Toys and games keep them active, they help to develop their cognitive skills and if they’re playing with them with other children, it teaches them how to share and compromise with others.
Now, that’s not to say that you should feel pressured to purchase every single toy that your son or daughter asks for. If you did, you might have a huge toy box but no house to put them in (yep, a lot of toys can be pretty expensive). But, when there is an item that catches both you and your child’s attention, we’ve got a few ways that you can purchase that toy or game without blowing your budget in the process. Check these tips out below:
Make some. Who said that every toy had to come from the most popular department store in the city? The truth is that some of the most enjoyable ones are the kinds that can be made by hand. Local arts and crafts stores have a ton of items to choose from or you can go online to websites like YouTube, Pinterest or ParentsConnect to get even more ideas. Just go to those sites and put “make your own toys” in the search fields.
Buy used. A lot of times, we don’t think about going to a local thrift store or garage sale to check out the kinds of toys that they have to offer, but we should. Sometimes people donate these kinds of items simply because either their child has too many or they’ve simply outgrown them. When this is the case, their “junk” can become our “treasure” (just make sure to sanitize them first).
Do a “swap”. Over time, as you start to notice that your child is not playing with certain toys or games as much as they used to, don’t make a big deal about it. Just simply remove it from their room while they’re at school or asleep. Ask some of your family members and friends to do the same and then wait a couple of weeks to see if the children mention them. If they don’t, discuss with the other parents about swapping the toys out. It’s one of the cheapest ways for each of your kids to have something “new” to play with.
Use promo codes. Say that you want to go to a website like Toybuzz.org to purchase a few things. If you see something that you want to buy but the cost (or the added cost of shipping) makes it a bit more than you can afford, look at promo code websites such as RetailMeNot.com. They tend to have some really great discounts.
Don’t overindulge them. Children can only play with so much at a time, right? Therefore, make sure that when it comes to getting them toys and games that everything is done in moderation. They don’t need a ton of different items; just a few really good ones. Definitely “toy shopping words” to live by.
3 Comments
Good tips Leon! Parents know… cost of toys quickly add up!
Children love to play and parents want their children to explore , learn and grow through play. Kids are inherently curious beings with a limited attention span. Hence, they need to be provided a platform to discover, explore and learn from as much play as possible. ToyzTreasure opens a whole new world of toys along with helping parents save money and reduce unwanted toy clutter around the home. Best of all ToyzTreasure provides your child with clean and sanitized toys and is eco friendly while saving your time, money and space.
Spool Snakes – – I made Laurel a little toy yesterday. My grandma gave me one of her craft books (which would make it vintage) and it had all kinds of simple ideas for homemade toys. All the necessary supplies are ordinary things that you find around your house. I just love toys that don’t have flashing lights, make beeping sounds, or have a screen.