Before you go out and spend hundreds of dollars this Christmas on play things for your children, it’s important that you read this post. It’s important for your sanity. It’s important for your finances. It’s important for world peace.
Almost everyday I place Jack Henry on a blanket and place several store-bought toys around him. He plays there for about ten minutes before he’s bored, and I replace the toys with my cell phone or measuring cups or some other household item. So, I ask you, why do we buy our children toys?!
The following are some ideas of cheap and long-lasting entertainment for your little ones. Just wrap them up, put them under the tree, and you’re done. Just sit back and enjoy the holidays….
1. Laundry basket
You probably have one or several in your house already, but if not, they are available at your local Wal-mart for about $5 or less. It will provide hours of entertainment for your toddlers and your older ones, who do the pushing. If you’re a homeschooler, you could also count it as PE. I even have a demo…
You’re pets will also enjoy a ride…
Or not.
2. Fall leaves
Now, this is just about as easy as they come….and FREE. You know you probably need to rake anyway, so just put your piles in some giftbags and you have instant fun!
And if you’re really into saving, after a while of playing, your small child will more than likely turn your gift into a high fiber snack.
3. Tissue paper
It’s a long known fact that children under about the age of three are far more interested in the packaging of gifts than the gifts themselves. So save yourselves a lot of trouble, buy a 99 cent package of tissue and let your kids go crazy on Christmas morning.
They will smush and crinkle to their hearts’ delight, and you’ve just saved a ton of money.
4. Party hats
Again, you can probably pick up a pack of eight or so for about a dollar. Give them to your kids, and you’ve just occupied them for the whole afternoon. Go get a pedicure.
They will pretend to be bees…
They will pretend to be from the pages of Where the Wild Things Are…
And if your child doesn’t happen to like party hats, you can strap one on them for a punishment, a sort of creative time-out…
This is just the beginning of this concept, folks. If we can pull all of our ideas together, we can really turn this economy around this season. Maybe we’ll all win the Nobel Peace Prize! Post your own economical toy solutions below and let’s all be frugal!….or rednecks!….I’m not sure which.
You’ve outdone yourself. I’ve had similar thoughts. It gets tougher, though when they are ages 8,10 and 11. They hate the thought of laundry baskets, shun raking leaves and tissue paper has lost its appeal. Happy Thanksgiving.
Jenn
Jenn´s last blog ..Thanksgiving Week, Here We Come!
When our kids were that age, they’d spend a good amount of time in front of a basket full of colorful socks. They’d pull one out, look at it for a few moments, throw it on the floor. Pull the next one out…
When they finished, it’d take 10 seconds to pick the socks up and put them back in the basket. And they’d start all over again.
Wow! You received a comment from the Boss! You should feel privileged. I’ve only gotten one of those, and I sleep with this woman. Wow.
I think this post should be a regular feature. Toys on a Dime. I like it.
Arby´s last blog ..Pocket Change
This is so true! The Tupperware cupboard has always been a big hit in our house and the laundry basket seems more tempting if it has folded laundry in it!
Have a great day!
Sandpiper´s last blog ..Cute Quotes
I have a seven year old boy. All one need to do is go through the recycling bin and bring out anything interesting. Wash it up and wrap it up. All done. THe girls…hmmm… You should see all the things my kiddos can do with a ball of yarn. I mean~hours of fun.
blessings,
Dawn
Dawn´s last blog ..DONE!!!!!
Can I just have Jack Henry for Christmas??!!
CrossView´s last blog ..Music.
Yep, I’m expecting again! Thanks for your well wishes!
Sandpiper´s last blog ..Cute Quotes
I know you’re being “humorous” here, and you succeeded. However, what you say is totally true. Even my six-year old has fun with Wrapping Paper Ball fights with his uncles after the gifts are unwrapped. And sadly, while he no longer fits in the laundry basket, I gave him one of his own, which is a toy and not a recepticle for dirty clothes (again, sadly).
Jennifer´s last blog ..Samuel’s First Story
Too funny!! And true!! One of the best gifts is a large cardboard box to make a fort out of. Everytime we move, my kids get those boxes and love them. They have a fantastic time with them.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Michelle´s last blog ..Night at the Museum
I came over from Arby’s to compliment Jack Henry on his good taste in playing with a stuffed monkey.
And I want to warn you about those laundry basket rides. Miss Dog Lover once tried sledding down the stairs and ended up with her front teeth wired together. Not good. Of course, she is the child who also tried sliding down the laundry chute one day. Also not good.
Toby´s last blog ..Festive Beverage Suggestion