Thrifty Mommy Toy Wish List
March 19, 2007 by Karen Weideman
Filed under blogs, shopping, toys
Today Hsien encouraged us to write our toy wish list. Hsien was inspired by an interview of Eric Weiner, executive producer of Disney Channel’s Little Einsteins.
What I want: A nice swingset and play area for my kids. Last year my kids got some birthday money and we promised to get a swing set. The problem is, the stores were sold out! We still have the money set aside though. Fortunately, they do have a Little Tykes castle with a slide. Don’t worry. It was a hammy down. This Thrifty Mommy isn’t paying $300 for one of those.
I must have: Some storage for all these toys before they drive me crazy! It seems that the toys continue to multiply. I continuously purge. I honestly have no idea where they come from. There are some toys that are really hard to get rid of because my kids still play with them, but they only need so much, ya know?
What I hate: Cheap toys that break easily. For example, I’ll use the cheap coffee maker from Toys ‘R Us that I got my kids for Christmas. Today my little toddler broke it. Goodness, I paid $10 for a piece of plastic that does nothing but make a little noise when you push the button. You’d think I could get a decent coffee maker for $10. The real ones don’t cost much more than that. And of course, since Toys ‘R Us takes nothing back, I am just stuck with this broken toy. Sorry, I am ranting now. Moving along . . .
Savvy shopper: You know me; I’m looking for a bargain. If I buy toys new, then they’re usually found at the clearance section of Target at 75% off. More than likely they came from a yard sale, consignment store, or other thrifty place.
My pick: Hmmm, that’s a good question. I don’t really have a “pick”. I’m for anything that isn’t too noisy and that my kids will get plenty of use of. Right now Little Boy is playing with my old shopping cart. It has to be 25 years old. It is made of a nice thick rubber type material. They just don’t make them like they used to, you know? Too bad I didn’t get as much use out of the coffee pot.
Next best thing: Books, coloring books, paints, markers, play dough, balls, and cars. Honestly, if I got rid of everything but these, my kids could still keep themselves pretty entertained. If you’re just starting your toy collection and don’t have much money, I’d seriously consider these items and some blocks.
Let us know about your favorite toys.
I love your list. My youngest would be happy with a box of rocks, a cardboard box, and some crayons.
Check your local paper for someone selling a swingset. We lucked out and got one of those really nice $3000 ones for $300 about 8 years ago when friends of ours were moving and didn’t want to take the swingset with them.
I hear you about cheap toys. and about the only toys that the kids really need! they don’t have to have all the noisy bells and whistles.
thanks for stopping by my blog i’ve been looking for a salsa blanco recipe for you and i couldn’t find anything like you said. but i did find ranch salsa. here’s the link http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Ole-Party-Salsa/Detail.aspx i would think that you can probably subsitute the ranch with sour cream and you’ll have your salsa blanco. sorry if that doesn’t help.
Thanks Allena for checking on the salsa recipe for me. I’ll go check out the link.
I hate toys that don’t aren’t acurately described on the box and you can’t see what it looks like through the packaging! Arg!
My grandson likes to play with the plastic lids from pop and water bottles and put them in and out of a container. Of course since he is under three this requires constant supervision since he or my dog could choke on them, but I all ready had them laying around and you can’t get much cheaper than free.