Toys Archives - Kids Ain't Cheap

9 Surprisingly Simple DIY Crafts to Keep Your Kids Entertained for Hours

February 20, 2025 | Leave a Comment

Finding affordable DIY kids’ crafts that will actually keep your kids entertained can be a challenge. If you want to encourage your kids to put down their devices and get creative, check out our list of 9 simple art projects below. These DIY kids’ crafts don’t require tons of materials or an art degree to pull off. And even though they’re shockingly simple, they have a big payoff, giving your kids hours of amusement or a new toy to enjoy.

Easy DIY Kids Crafts

1. Homemade Playdough

Do you know that you can make homemade playdough out of common pantry staples? This easy recipe uses flour, salt, cream of tartar, water, and vegetable oil to form a basic dough. Then you can mix in a few drops of food coloring to create vibrant colors.

if you store it in an airtight container, it will stay soft and pliable for up to three months. Although your kids can simply shape the dough with their hands, they may enjoy using a set of mini cookie cutters to take their creations to the next level.

2. Sock Puppet

Making a sock puppet is still one of the most popular DIY kids’ crafts because it’s cheap, easy, and fun. All you need are a couple of pairs of clean socks, scissors, hot glue, and a multicolor pack of felt. Googly eyes and yarn are also welcome additions if you have them!

But even with basic supplies, you can create some super cute creatures, like a dragon with scales or a dog with floppy felt ears. If you have a cardboard box lying around, you can use it to create a puppet theater so your kids can put on a show.

3. Tissue Paper Pom Poms

One of the best DIY kids’ crafts for little girls is these tissue paper pom poms. Your daughter will have a blast pretending to be a cheerleader with her very own set of colorful pom poms. All you need to make them is a pair of scissors, some tape, and colorful tissue paper.

Simply help your child fold a few pieces of tissue paper in half. Then cut the sheets into thin strips, being careful to stop a few centimeters from the fold. Divide each sheet in two by cutting along the fold, and roll up all your sheets into one conical pom pom, securing the bottom with tape. This is a great way to use up leftover tissue paper from the holidays instead of throwing it in the trash.

4. Windsock

Get your kids involved in decorating the porch by making windsocks together. This project is simple—all you have to do is form a piece of construction paper into a cylinder and tape it together. Then attach some strips of tissue or crepe paper to the bottom, which will blow in the breeze.

To hang it, you can fashion a hook out of a piece of string. Your kids can embellish the construction paper using markers, stickers, or glitter to further customize their windsock.

5. Junk Journal

Junk Journals are eco-friendly DIY kids crafts — Image Source: Pexels

One of the best DIY kids crafts for children and adults alike is junk journaling. This activity involves making collages out of recycled or found materials instead of using expensive scrapbooking paper.

First, you’ll need to start saving random scraps of paper, such as receipts, food packaging, junk mail, ticket stubs, or even your child’s homework. You can also collect and dry natural materials from outside like leaves and flowers. Craft odds and ends such as ribbons and buttons can also be fun additions to a junk journal.

Then all you have to do is help your kids arrange and paste the items you’ve collected on blank journal pages. You can also add hand-drawn text and illustrations to enhance your recycled collages.

6. Paper Mache Hot Air Balloon

Paper Mache Hot Air Balloons are interactive DIY kids crafts — Image Source: Pexels

There are few crafts as easy as paper mache. What’s best is you don’t need any wacky supplies, just watered-down glue, strips of newspaper, and something to use as a form. Martha Stewert did a fun DIY for a paper mache hot air balloon. While her instructions are for a purely decorative balloon, there are also plans available for a functional, flying hot air balloon using a small tealight.

7. Newspaper Origami

Origami is a very fun DIY craft for kids, but some younger children who are still developing motor skills may have trouble folding very small pages. This is why we recommend using bigger sheets of newspaper for origami. Plus, you probably have some old newspaper lying around, making this activity budget-friendly. There are many tutorials online to teach you how to make a variety of projects, including newspaper cranes, hats, functional garbage bins, and more.

8. Cardboard Boomerang

Cardboard Boomerangs are educational DIY kids crafts — Image Source: Pexels

Boomerangs provide endless fun and a great excuse to get outside. While there are plenty of options for sale, did you know you and your kids can make boomerangs at home? Whether you use paper, cardboard, foam, or wood, there are plenty of options and designs available for free on WikiHow. This craft is also educational, offering you an opportunity to teach your kids about aerodynamics and how a plane’s wings work.

9. Sidewalk Paint

Sidewalk Paint is one of the best DIY kids crafts — Image Source: Pexels

If you’re looking for DIY kids’ crafts that don’t require lots of supplies, check out this sidewalk paint recipe. It uses just two common household ingredients: cornstarch and food coloring. You’ll also need some water to thin the cornstarch slurry into a spreadable paint. We appreciate that this paint recipe is nontoxic and provides hours of outdoor fun for kids of all ages!

What are your favorite DIY kids’ crafts? Share your ideas in the comments!

Vicky Monroe

Vicky Monroe is a freelance personal finance writer who enjoys learning about and discussing the psychology of money. In her free time, she loves to cook and tackle DIY projects.

These 7 Trending Toys Are on Every Kid’s Wish List

December 26, 2024 | Leave a Comment

The holiday season is here, and kids everywhere are writing their Christmas wish lists. Wondering what’s hot this year? These seven trending toys are flying off shelves and are sure to make any child’s holiday magical.

1. LEGO Dreamzzz Sets

LEGO’s has a cult following and you’ll find something from this brand on many children’s Christmas wish lists. With so many different builds to try out and imaginative structures you can make, it makes a wonderful gift idea for adults and kids alike. One of the newest LEGO crazes is the latest Dreamzzz series. The sets combine classic building fun with imaginative storytelling, making it a top pick for creative kids. The sets are priced at around $19.99 upwards of $200.

2. Magic Mixies Crystal Ball

Magic Mixies is a fun and interactive toy for kids of all ages. With the use of a crystal ball and magic wand, kids can conjure up magical creatures. The toy combines pretend play with enchanting surprises. If this toy is at the top of your kid’s Christmas wishlist, most average around $62.

3. Squishmallows

Squishmallows are all the rage where I live. The toys are soft, cuddly, and collectible. You can get them in all sorts of characters like the little ones I got from Kroger of Jack Skellington. Squishmallows continue to dominate wish lists for kids of all ages. They can be found at many stores in all sizes so prices will vary. If you’re looking for a knockoff version, Dollar Tree has their rendition for just $5.

4. Barbie DreamHouse 2024 Edition

All my niece wants for Christmas is a Barbie DreamHouse. The house is iconic and the new version of it has a tech-savvy upgrade with interactive features and modern furniture. It’s a must-have for any Barbie lover and will set you back about $125.

5. Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Glow Racers

Hot Wheels are always a good buy. There are so many cars, tracks, and accessories to choose from. One of the Hot Wheels vehicles is the Glowing Monster Truck. They bring the excitement of racing to life with an extra dash of thrill. These monster additions to your child collection will run you around $40 for the truck, glow accessories are sold separately.

6. Bluey Ultimate Playhouse

Bluey has fans around the world. Children who adore the loveable character may have the Bluey Ultimate Playhouse on their list. The playhouse is detailed and does a great job of bringing their favorite characters and stories to life. The playhouse features lights, sounds, phrases, and figurines.

7. Nintendo Switch OLED Model

The Nintendo Switch OLED Model is a versatile gaming console with a vibrant 7-inch OLED screen, enhanced audio, and an improved kickstand. Its rich colors, sharp contrast, and immersive audio create a captivating gaming experience in both handheld and docked modes. With a vast library of games and seamless transitions between play modes, the Nintendo Switch OLED is a must-have for gamers.

Make your child’s Christmas wish list dreams come true by getting them the hottest toys of the year. These trending toys are sure to be a hit and will make this Christmas unforgettable. Don’t wait too long, these popular items will sell out fast!

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Shay Huntley

Shatel Huntley has a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Georgia State University. In her spare time, she works with special needs adults and travels the world. Her interests include traveling to off-the-beaten-path destinations, shopping, couponing, and saving.

These 10 Crazy Cool Toys in the 70’s

June 12, 2024 | Leave a Comment

Ashleigh Clyde

Ashleigh Clyde is a dedicated youth advocate, journalist, and researcher. Passionate about shedding light on important issues, such as financial literacy and marketing tactics. She has extensive experience in entertainment journalism.

10 Cool Toys in the 60’s

June 10, 2024 | Leave a Comment

The 1960s was a transformative decade, marked by cultural revolutions and technological advancements that shaped modern society. Among the most influential trends were the toys that captured children’s imaginations everywhere. These toys weren’t just playthings but symbols of innovation and creativity. Exploring the cool toys from the 60s provides a nostalgic glimpse into an era that continues to influence today’s toy industry.

1. Twister

Twister, launched by Milton Bradley in 1966, quickly became a party game sensation. It involved players placing their hands and feet on colored circles, creating a fun and often hilarious tangle of limbs. The game promoted physical activity and social interaction, making it a hit at gatherings. Twister’s enduring popularity lies in its simplicity and the endless laughter it generates.

2. G.I. Joe

G.I. Joe, launched in 1964, was more than just a doll; it was the first action figure. This toy represented bravery and adventure, quickly becoming a favorite among boys. Its interchangeable uniforms and accessories provided endless scenarios for imaginative play. G.I. Joe’s legacy continues as it evolves with new generations.

3. Mouse Trap

Introduced by Ideal Toy Company in 1963, Mouse Trap was one of the first mass-market, three-dimensional board games. The game involved building a complex Rube Goldberg-style contraption to catch a mouse, providing a unique blend of strategy and engineering. Children enjoyed the hands-on aspect of constructing the elaborate trap and the suspense of seeing if it would work. Mouse Trap’s innovative design and interactive gameplay made it a beloved classic that continues entertaining families.

4. Hot Wheels

Mattel launched Hot Wheels in 1968, revolutionizing the toy car market. These die-cast cars and customizable tracks provided endless hours of racing excitement. The attention to detail and vibrant designs made Hot Wheels a favorite among young car enthusiasts. Today, Hot Wheels remain a staple in toy collections worldwide.

5. Easy-Bake Oven

Introduced by Kenner in 1963, the Easy-Bake Oven allowed children to bake mini cakes using a light bulb for heat. This innovative toy encouraged kids to explore the world of cooking safely. It was not only fun but also educational, teaching basic baking skills. The Easy-Bake Oven’s enduring popularity showcases its timeless appeal.

6. Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots

Released by Marx in 1964, Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots featured two battling robots in a boxing ring. Players controlled the robots’ punches, aiming to knock the opponent’s head off. This toy was a hit due to its interactive and competitive nature. It remains a nostalgic favorite, symbolizing the fun of classic mechanical toys.

7. Operation

Operation, released by Milton Bradley in 1965, offered children a fun and challenging game of skill and precision. Players used tweezers to remove various ailments, like the “funny bone” and “wishbone,” from the patient without touching the edges and setting off the buzzer. The game required steady hands and concentration, making it both entertaining and educational. Operation remains a popular game known for its unique blend of humor and hand-eye coordination challenges.

8. Spirograph

The Spirograph, introduced in 1965, combined art and mathematics to create mesmerizing geometric patterns. This drawing toy used interlocking gears and wheels to produce intricate designs. It captivated children and adults alike, fostering a love for creative and analytical thinking. The Spirograph continues to inspire budding artists and mathematicians.

9. Lite-Brite

Launched by Hasbro in 1967, Lite-Brite allowed children to create illuminated pictures using colored pegs and a lightbox. This toy combined creativity with the magic of light, captivating young imaginations. It encouraged artistic expression and offered a unique way to create glowing art. Lite-Brite remains a cherished toy, continuing to light up playrooms.

10. Super Ball

Introduced by Wham-O in 1965, the Super Ball became an instant hit with its high-bouncing capability. Made from a synthetic rubber called Zectron, this small ball could bounce up to six times higher than a regular rubber ball. Its unpredictable bounces and durability made it a favorite among kids and even adults. The Super Ball’s simplicity and unique performance captured the playful spirit of the 60s, leaving a lasting legacy in toy history.

Appreciating These Cool Toys in the 60’s

The toys of the 1960s were more than just entertainment; they were a reflection of the times, capturing the spirit of innovation and creativity that defined the decade. These cool toys not only brought joy to countless children but also left a lasting impact on the toy industry. Their legacy continues to influence the design and development of modern toys, reminding us of the timeless appeal of imaginative play. As we look back, these toys offer a nostalgic journey through a pivotal era in history.

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Catherine Reed

Catherine is a tech-savvy writer who has focused on the personal finance space for more than eight years. She has a Bachelor’s in Information Technology and enjoys showcasing how tech can simplify everyday personal finance tasks like budgeting, spending tracking, and planning for the future. Additionally, she’s explored the ins and outs of the world of side hustles and loves to share what she’s learned along the way. When she’s not working, you can find her relaxing at home in the Pacific Northwest with her two cats or enjoying a cup of coffee at her neighborhood cafe.

The Top 10 Cool Toys in the 50’s

June 3, 2024 | Leave a Comment

The 1950s marked a golden era for toys, introducing iconic items that remain cherished even today. This decade witnessed the emergence of inventive playthings that captured the imagination of children across the globe. From the early stages of the space race to the dawn of television culture, the 50s produced toys that reflected societal changes and technological advancements. Here are the top 10 cool toys from the 1950s that left an indelible mark on childhood memories.

1. Hula Hoop

The Hula Hoop became an instant sensation after its release in 1958. Manufactured by Wham-O, this simple plastic hoop encouraged kids to showcase their skills and agility. It quickly became a cultural phenomenon, with children across the United States competing to see who could keep the hoop spinning the longest. The Hula Hoop’s popularity underscored the era’s fascination with physical activity and outdoor play.

2. Mr. Potato Head

Introduced in 1952 by Hasbro, Mr. Potato Head was the first toy to be advertised on television. This innovative toy allowed children to create comical faces by attaching plastic parts to a potato. The original set included only facial features and accessories, with the potato provided by the child. Mr. Potato Head’s customizable nature and interactive play fostered creativity and became a beloved toy for generations.

3. Barbie Doll

Barbie made her debut in 1959, revolutionizing the doll market. Created by Ruth Handler and manufactured by Mattel, Barbie represented a more adult-like figure compared to the baby dolls popular at the time. With her fashionable outfits and varied career options, Barbie empowered young girls to dream big and envision diverse futures. The doll quickly became a symbol of aspiration and play.

4. Play-Doh

Originally created as a wallpaper cleaner, Play-Doh was reimagined as a children’s toy in the mid-1950s. Its malleable and non-toxic formula allowed kids to sculpt and create various shapes and figures. Play-Doh’s colorful appeal and ease of use made it a staple in households and classrooms alike. The toy encouraged imaginative play and artistic expression, solidifying its place in toy history.

5. Slinky

Invented by Richard James in the early 1940s, the Slinky gained widespread popularity in the 1950s. This helical spring toy could “walk” down stairs and perform various tricks, mesmerizing children with its unique motion. The Slinky’s simplicity and versatility made it a staple in toy chests across the country. Its enduring appeal highlights the fascination with kinetic toys and mechanical principles.

6. Matchbox Cars

Matchbox cars, introduced by Lesney Products in 1952, offered miniature die-cast vehicles that fit into a matchbox-sized container. These detailed and affordable toy cars captivated young enthusiasts, fostering a love for automobiles. The small size made them easy to collect and transport, leading to a massive following. Matchbox cars set the standard for miniature car collections and remain popular today.

7. Etch A Sketch

The Etch A Sketch, introduced in 1959 by the Ohio Art Company, provided a new way for children to draw and create art. This mechanical drawing toy featured a screen that could be erased and reused, allowing endless creativity. By turning the knobs, kids could produce intricate designs and then start over with a shake. Etch A Sketch became a beloved toy for its innovative approach to drawing and creativity.

8. Frisbee

Another hit from Wham-O, the Frisbee, took flight in the late 1950s. Inspired by pie tins that college students tossed around, the Frisbee became a popular outdoor activity. Its aerodynamic design allowed for long, gliding throws, making it a favorite at parks and beaches. The Frisbee’s simplicity and fun factor made it an enduring outdoor toy, fostering social play and physical activity.

9. Lego Bricks

Lego bricks, created by the Danish company Lego, started gaining international recognition in the 1950s. These interlocking plastic bricks allowed children to build a wide array of structures, from simple houses to complex machines. The endless possibilities for creation encouraged imaginative play and problem-solving skills. Lego’s timeless appeal lies in its ability to evolve while remaining a fundamental building toy.

10. View-Master

The View-Master, initially introduced in the late 1930s, became widely popular in the 1950s. This stereoscopic viewer allowed children to view 3D images by looking through a special lens. With reels featuring scenes from popular movies, cartoons, and travel destinations, the View-Master offered a unique visual experience. It combined education and entertainment, captivating children with its immersive imagery.

Appreciating These Cool Toys from the 50s

Cool toys from the 1950s continue to resonate with new generations, reflecting the timeless nature of play. Each toy on this list not only provided joy and entertainment but also played a role in shaping childhoods during this transformative decade. The legacy of these toys endures, reminding us of a simpler time when imagination and creativity were the cornerstones of play.

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Catherine Reed

5 Ways to Buy Legos at a Discount

October 21, 2021 | Leave a Comment

A few years ago, my daughter began a Lego obsession. She asked for Lego Friends sets for her birthday, and she was surprisingly quick at putting the sets together. Not long after, she advanced to Lego sets for teens like Lego Architecture sets with hundreds of pieces. If your child is a fellow Lego enthusiast, I don’t need to tell you how quickly the prices for these sets add up. Luckily, there are several ways to buy Legos at a discount.

How to Buy Legos at a Discount

You can buy Legos at a discount, but you have to be patient and use one or more of these methods.

Buy on Sale

Yes, Legos do sometimes go on sale. Often, especially during the holiday season or when a Lego model is discontinued, you can find the sets for 20% off. The best places to look are Target, Walmart, and Lego.com.

In addition, Lego.com sometimes offers free small Lego kits when you buy a set from them. Last Easter my daughter got two free, small sets when she purchased a larger one.

Buy at Costco

Costco doesn’t always carry Legos, but they do during the holidays. These sets are cheaper than you can buy them elsewhere, but they do sell out quickly. Keep an eye out for Lego sets in October at Costco.

Join Buy Nothing Groups

If you’re not looking for a particular set but just pieces, consider joining a local Buy Nothing group. People frequently sell large bags of miscellaneous Lego pieces at a low price. This can be an excellent way to start a Lego collection.

Other Things to Consider

You can utilize two other strategies to lower the overall price of Lego sets.

Help Your Child Save for a Lego Set

One of my friend’s sons wanted to buy a Lego Star Wars Millennium Falcon kit. These retail for about $130. My friend didn’t want to spend that much on one set, so she made a deal with her eight-year-old son. If he saved $65 for the set, she would chip in the other $65. She was impressed with how hard he worked and how much he saved to afford the set.

If your child wants an expensive set and you have the money to split the cost with him, this agreement can be an excellent way to teach your child how to save.

Can Sell to Recoup Money

Remember, your child won’t always want to build Legos. When she is 16, she may have outgrown Legos. If she has kept all the pieces to her sets as well as kept the boxes in good condition, she should be able to sell the sets and recoup some of her money, unlike many other toys.

Final Thoughts

If your child wants some expensive Lego sets, try utilizing some of these strategies to save money. But remember, start your search earlier. You’ll likely need some time to buy the Lego set at a discount. You’ll need to search the sales and perhaps offer your child a money matching proposition to be able to afford the larger sets.

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Melissa Batai

Melissa is a writer and virtual assistant. She earned her Master’s from Southern Illinois University, and her Bachelor’s in English from the University of Michigan. When she’s not working, you can find her homeschooling her kids, reading a good book, or cooking. She resides in Arizona where she dislikes the summer heat but loves the natural beauty of the area.

5 Quality Baby Items That Are Worth the Investment

October 17, 2016 | 2 Comments

In 2014, my husband and I had two in two years. We also lived on less than $2,000 per month. Having a lot of baby things simply wasn’t an option during that season of life. However, we did save up for a number of quality baby items, and I’m glad we did.

We may not have had new living room furniture or all new kitchen appliances, but if there was something costly that got its money’s worth for our kids, then it was money well spent.

5 Quality Baby Items Worth the Investment

Hear me out. One thing we did not do is go into debt to purchase these items. Nor did we dip into our emergency fund. Either option would have been so much easier. Instead, we opened a checking account with no minimum balance required and labeled it our “Baby” account.

Each month, we’d budget an allotted amount into the account. Having it separate from our primary checking helped protect that money from being mishandled.

We saved up, used coupons, used gift cards, or we said no to the purchase.

There are so many different brands of these products, but here are the ones we chose and that I recommend.

1. Fisher-Price Rock ‘n Play Sleeper

We kept our babies in this Rock N’ Play throughout their entire newborn stage. It was so nice to have them right next to our bed at night, elevated so they could probably breathe when congested. Another perk was how lightweight the product was. After I had an unexpected c-section with my second child, I had a major weight restriction during the first several weeks. The Rock N’ Play was easy to fold and transfer from room to room.

2. Medela Advanced Breast Pump

I made the choice before my first child was born to breastfeed. I was still employed at my banking job during that time, so have a reliable and efficient breast pump was crucial. Since that time, the government has made it much easier to obtain breast pumps for free or to receive reimbursement on a purchase. Definitely look into that. If you can’t get one (a QUALITY one) for free, then I highly recommend this product. It hasn’t given me any problems and I was able to breastfeed both of my children for at least 12 months.

3. Aden + Anaias Swaddle Blankets

The features I love most about these swaddling blankets is that they’re sheer which reduces the risk of suffocation, and they’re large enough to do a full swaddle on a baby throughout the first six months to a year. My 2-year-old son still chooses his Aden and Anaias blankets to sleep with over any other bedding.

4. Braun Ear Thermometer

If you’re up at 2:30 AM with a screaming, feverish baby, you need a reliable thermometer that will tell you exactly what’s going on, every time. I tried the cheap route at first, using a knock-off thermometer under the baby’s armpit (try getting a fussy baby to keep his arm down long enough to get a consistent reading). Finally, I realized it wasn’t worth the risk of misdiagnosing. High fevers can spike at any time. I’ve caught each of them in time with my Braun ear thermometer.

5. Wooden Toys

What I love about wooden toys is that they’re made well. My parents grew up in the era of wooden or metal toys. I was raised throughout the dawn of plastic. To see the difference in toys like Melissa & Doug and many others is very refreshing. I head straight to that aisle every time I buy a gift for a baby shower or child’s birthday party.

What quality baby items are you grateful you purchased? Share in the comments below!

This post contains affiliate links.

Image Credit: Gaelle Marcel (UnSplash)

How to Save Money On Kids Toys

April 30, 2014 | 1 Comment

I have a young daughter and am realizing just how expensive it can be when it comes to toys. Advertisers do a great job at marketing to both parents and children in trying to convince them of what they ”need”. Most toys are not a necessity in any way. Granted, there are some really great toys/educational items we have come across that we have enjoyed but I don’t think she is any better of a toddler in terms of development because she had these toys growing up.

Given that purchasing even some items will be inevitable with kids, I have gone out of my way to figure out ways to do it as cheap as possible.

Borrow

My first option is easier for young babies and children but if there are items you can borrow from a friend of family member save your money and do it! Most of these toys (such as exersaucers, play mats, activity tables) are indestructible and easy to clean so you don’t have to worry about ruining or spreading germs. We have a friend with a daughter who is four months older than our daughter which worked out well for sharing some baby toys. As she was getting ”too old” for the objects, we inherited them temporarily. Babies especially lose interest or grow so fast they don’t play with things for very long.

Same goes for books. While we have many books purchased or gifted we also borrow a ton from the library. Makes for a fun outing and she gets ”new books” every few weeks.

Buy Used

Younger kids especially will have no way of knowing if something was used, nor do they often care. Items we couldn’t borrow from friends we often bought through online classifieds or yard sales. Again these objects were often only played with for a very short time and resold at a fraction of the cost. A quick clean restores them to brand new conditions!

Online or Price Comparison

If I must buy something new, I always check online (Amazon, Ebay etc) first since their prices almost always beat in-store. If I can’t find what I want online (or shipping isn’t included, I take my search back to the internet but to look at specific stores until I find the best price. If there is another store that does price match guarantee (sometimes even beating it by a few dollars) I usually try that route too.

Buying New: Sale, Discount or Awards Offered Only!

If we’re buying from a store, it’s a super sale or we’re getting something in return. We decided to get our daughter a specific outdoor playhouse for her upcoming birthday. Retailing around here for $300 didn’t settle well with us. For months we’ve had our eyes on online classifieds with no luck. Buying online also wasn’t an option since it was massive and was going to cost a small fortune (anywhere from $50-$100) to ship. We accepted we’d need to either change our minds on gift or buy it new. We lucked out with a 50% off sale, plus price match. We snagged the $300 playhouse for $115 (less a gift card we’ve been holding on to). We also received bonus collectors points for our purchase! I was more than happy!

Even if you only get the item on a tax-free sale, saving tax is money in your pocket! Shopping around can be tedious but in my option so worth it.

How do you save when it comes to buying kids ”toys”, other than, of course, avoiding the purchase at all?

Catherine

Catherine is a first time momma to a rambunctious toddler. When she isn’t soaking up all that motherhood has to offer, you can find her blogging over at Plunged in Debt where she chronicles her and her husbands journey out of debt. You can also follow her on Twitter.

plungedindebt.com

Gender Identity and Children’s Toys – My Rant

January 8, 2014 | 3 Comments

I have a very sweet almost 19 month old little girl. She is a little girl in almost every way: angelic face (though don’t let that fool you), sweet voice, even wears a pink sparkly tutu sometimes. She truly is a little girl through and through. Also, she adores Thomas the Tank Engine more than anything in the world. She sees a train and yells ”Tommy!” in a crazy excited voice as if she may never see him again.

On the contrast, I have a good friend who has a little girl who hates pink. Hates sparkles. Hates everything ”girly”. She’s four. She wears jeans, a cool leather jacket and dressed up as Spiderman this past Halloween. Seemingly totally on her own, she identifies herself as a ”tomboy” and looks up to her older male cousins.

Why must we as a society have any issue with either of these situations?

My husband, daughter and I were recently at the store buying our kiddo a small Thomas train (imagine her gripping it with all her might as we approach the cash), we had to pull her hands apart to get the toy free and pass it to the older lady working the cash.

”Oh that’s sweet, you must be buying this toy for a little brother maybe? (looking at us parents for some assurance), it seems as though you care very much about the toy” says the cashier.

”No” I replied, ”It’s for her, she adores Thomas (insert my snarkiness)”

”Oh, it’s just that usually only little boys play with trains…”

We paid and left (me uttering comments under my breath).

Why, must we as a society place gender roles on things like toys?! In this case we’re talking about a train. A really cute little train with more train friends and a cute show both her father and I approve of.

I cannot even begin to tell you the comments my friend got for ”allowing” her daughter to wear a Spiderman costume at Halloween. Comments as crazy as she’s ruining her little girl to stuff about later regret in life when she comes home a lesbian.

Again, what in the world is wrong with people?! Why can’t a cute little four-year-old act like a superhero and dress up like Spiderman? I’d much rather raise an ass-kicking daughter than a pathetic little princess awaiting some prince charming to rescue her, that’s for sure.

Being a parent has opened my eyes to many more worldly issues I, as a non-parent, was totally ignorant to. I grew up playing with toys. Toys bought from the toy section of the store. Not the girl section or boy section, just the toy section. It was recently brought to my attention that even birthday cards for little kids (<2-year-old) was divided by boy cards and girl cards, how about we just have a ”birthday card” section. I don’t want my daughter ever feeling weird for picking a ”boy card” for her girl friend. This is an issues, I as a parent shouldn’t have to worry about.

We are placing unnecessary stigma in children’s heads and it needs to stop. Plain and simple.

Catherine

plungedindebt.com

Easy DIY Infant Toys

February 19, 2013 | 1 Comment

Last week I wrote a post dismissing the notion that kids were overly expensive and today I’m going to elaborate on this by showing a few DIY toy ideas.

My daughter has many toys, from fancy jumpers to basic blocks. The toys she consistently plays with the most though? Ones that were made for her out of basic household items like pop bottles and baby wipe containers. My sister is an early childhood educator so I have to credit her with these ideas since they’re all ones she makes in the classroom. I don’t know what it is about these particular items but she continues to play with them over her store-bought toys so I thought I would share a few ‘recipes’ for DIY infant toys.

Easy DIY Infant Toys

Pop Bottle Shakers: Using a small pop (soda) or water bottle (500-750ml size), fill it will whatever you want as long as it makes noise and won’t break! I have one filled with colored pasta noodles, sparkles and sequins and another filled with small wooden alphabet letters (found at the dollar store), sparkles and more sequins of different shapes. If you can fit it in the opening of the bottle, the possibilities are endless!
Sensory Containers: Made from baby wipe containers, wash and dry the containers and fill them with things the baby can pull out of the opening and vary in textures. Ours is full of fabric swatches. All different textures, from denim to crinoline to super soft baby fleece. This tutorial took it a step further and stitched numbers and letters on the fabrics. You can again fill with small toys they need to dig to get. Baby wipe containers often, but not always, have a wide opening which is safe for little fingers but make sure there are no sharp edges before making this craft.
Taggies: This is the picture featured at the beginning of the post. I don’t know if there is a correct term for these but it’s a basic fabric square with ribbon loops stitched into it. I don’t know what it is about ribbons/tags but kids LOVE them. I’ve seen taggie books, fancy taggie stuffed animals but the basic square with a few ribbon loops seems to do the trick and if you can stitch a straight line you can easily make one at home.

Other things my daughter loves to do is splash water either in the tub or sometimes I’ll just pour a little water on her high-chair tray and allow her to splash and make a little mess, after all it’s only water and she doesn’t need a lot to entertain her, maybe 1/2 cup. Good ‘ol fashion bubbles are often overlooked. Bubbles have entertained her for what seems like hours.

There are many options out there for making your own toys for kids of all ages, more proof that kids don’t have to be as expensive as some will have you believe. You don’t necessarily need fancy store-bought toys, anything that encourages playing and exploration means you’ve succeeded in the making of your own ‘toys’. Happy crafting!

What other DIY infany toys have you made?

Catherine

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