| Play is a kid's work. Of course, toys are their | | | | they want and there's no "guesswork" for |
| tools and equipment, and are therefore, a | | | | parents. |
| necessity in a child's life. While it's true that children | | | | 2. Buy for cheap! Make a commitment not to |
| don't need the most expensive and latest toys | | | | spend over a certain amount for toys. That |
| that hit the market, they still need these metal, | | | | doesn't mean that you should buy all of your |
| plastic, and squishy contraptions for experiential | | | | children's toys from the dollar store, as |
| learning and, most importantly, fun! During this | | | | sometimes, those toys are not even WORTH a |
| economy crisis, families that are in need of toys | | | | dollar. However, if you set your toy budget in |
| can get them a number of different ways | | | | advance, then you can seek out sales and other |
| without blowing the family budget. | | | | opportunities to buy for cheap. |
| Here are three ways to exchange, buy cheaply, | | | | After each holiday, such as Christmas and Easter, |
| and get for free lots of toys for your growing | | | | many stores put toys on sale for up to 60% off |
| child: | | | | of the original retail price. That is the perfect time |
| 1. Host a toy exchange with other parents! This is | | | | to buy for cheap for birthdays, family days, and |
| not only fun, but it's also one of the best budget | | | | other times when you will need toys. Expect to |
| saving ways. Save money by not having to pay | | | | get great buys for next to nothing during those |
| out lots of cash for toys that your kids will only | | | | sale seasons. |
| enjoy for the moment. Other parents know what | | | | Of course, you should never forget about the |
| it's like to dish out money on pricey toys, only for | | | | thrift stores and garage sales. They are great |
| kids to spend a few minutes enjoying them. With | | | | places to buy for cheap lots of toys that your |
| a toy exchange, kids can get the toys that they | | | | kids will love. Buying at a thrift store or garage |
| like without the parents having to pay! During this | | | | sale could net you a savings of up to 90%! |
| economy crisis, families need to take advantage | | | | 3. Get toys for free! Yes, you can get toys for |
| of all opportunities for saving, cost-cutting, and | | | | free. Try going the consignment route! Take |
| spending less. | | | | some of your gently used stuff to a local |
| Toy exchanges are easy to set up. Simply find a | | | | consignment shop, where they will give you store |
| space, such as a church basement or community | | | | credit or cash for your old stuff. Then, you simply |
| center that you can rent for free, and invite | | | | take the money or credit and get some more |
| everyone to bring their used toys. Group the toys | | | | toys either from the consignment shop or by |
| according to type or age. Give the kids a bag or | | | | using your cash elsewhere. Thus, your child gets |
| basket and let them rummage through picking | | | | "new" toys completely free! |
| what they like best. That way, they get what | | | | |