When you are shopping for something new, consider buying it used instead. Many items can be purchased “like new” for a fraction of the cost.
Since I am a parent of three young children, I have a lot of experience with buying toys, both new and used. And for toys, used is the best bet 90 percent of the time. Kids quickly grow out of their toys or become disenchanted with them. Then parents get rid of the old toys and buy a bunch of new toys. Made of plastic, most toys are easy to clean and disinfect. Here are some specific toys that are always cheap and plentiful at yard sales, thrift stores and consignment shops.
Just a reminder here. Before buying toys used (or even new), familiarize yourself with toy recall lists.
Cozy Coup Car. Every house seems to have one of these. I can’t count the number of these cars that we have either been given for free, found abandoned, or spotted at yard sales. At one time, when all three kids loved these cars and we had a lot of play dates at our home, we kept three of these cars in our yard and sold, gave away or donated a stream of at least four more. The most I ever paid for a car was $5. At $40-$50 retail, that adds up to a lot of money. I could have had my own little cozy coup car lot, if I wanted to go into business.
Little Tykes Items. From kitchen sets to outdoor play equipment, everyone loves the large Little Tykes toys. Right now on Craigs List for my area, I could find seven Swing Along castle playgrounds, selling for between $25 and $50. These sets retail for around $120 plus tax. There are also plenty of kitchen sets selling between $2 and $25, (compare at $40 to $159), and at least one toy box for $5 that normally sells for $50.
Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, technology in the Computing Blog, and creating a home in the Home Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here.
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