Frugal Kids Toys

[Thrifty Ray]

My 23 month old grandson spends alot of time here with us. Being excited new grandparents, we have purchased several toys for him...his favorite of all?? An old puppy slipper my husband received as a gag gift a few years ago that he tosses down the stairs, and one of us tosses back up to him- over and over again. (His second favorite is his little red wagon- a great investment)

What are some of your kids (grandkids) frugal favorites?

[shelbylovesmelby]

tp & or paper toweling tubes
boxes for almost anything
old purses
junk mail
bear toss (toss'n a lil bear bac & forth)
looking thru sale ads
old plastic containers as tub toys
skipping rocks in the drive way (down the drive way & not at cars)
an old swing set that our neighbors kids grew out of
drumming on a coffee tin
clanging lids to my pots
playing dominos with vhs tapes

hmmm... that's all I can think of @ the minute that my 3 yr old enjoys

[sweeps]

empty Gatorade bottle
dozen plastic cups
remote control with the batteries removed
flashlight

[PrincessPerky]

'yucky soapy bubble water bottles'
some old lids and the bowl my christmas tree came in (played with in the dirt out back-who needs a sand box, we have dirt!)
Library books, lots (board when younger, sturdier)
Shape cutouts and pictures (covered with clear contact paper)
Money (when old enough not to eat it)
crayons (you would be amazed how many people over look this simple cheap fun activity!)
clay (of any type bought or made)
GOOP! (so cool!)

Oh and sooo much more, I think the only store bought toy that gets used regularly would be the Duplos, or legos (age depending) Maybe blocks, wooden simple blocks.

[Thrifty Ray]

Great responses! My dad used to keep a big old coffe can full of nuts and bolts in his shop when my kiddos were little...he would set the can down and have the kids sort the nuts from the bolts...they were so 'big' when they finished!! Then he'd pour 'em all back together after the kids left...for next time.

It just goes to show you, that kids really don't need the expensive, fancy toys that are out there....usually just the box the toy came in would do!! Take note new parents....

Thanks for sharing!

[contrary1]

I don't have grand kids yet, but something that is almost free that any little kids at my place have enjoyed are homemade blocks ...........of any kind. My dad made a set that fits exactly into a home made box. I will treasure these forever. Too fun, hours of enjoyment and the adults like trying to get them back into the box more than the kids like playing with them.
I have made blocks from milk cartons too. Cut the tops off 2 containers (same size) and slip one inside the other. "wrap" the new block with contact paper. I have used colors for the different sizes, but the kids always like playing with the set that had wood toned contact paper on them. 1/2 gal, quarts, pints.........they all work. Very strong too.
Little ones in high chairs..........my favorite is ice. Too much fun to have an ice cube.

You're right, the things that are the most fun didn't cost a thing! Don't forget an empty box!!!

[mbhunter]

Magazine subscription cards
Old computer equipment (keyboards with the cords cut off)
Garage sale/thrift store toys (a little soap and water and they're quite clean)
Anything that resembles a percussion instrument

[tgavin71]

Even though our x box wasn't the most frugal gift we have bought for our kids it has been the most used. They got it as a joint present for Christmas 05. It gets played at least 5 times a week. So value for money wise it has been great.

[Thrifty Ray]

Originally Posted by tgavin71

Even though our x box wasn't the most frugal gift we have bought for our kids it has been the most used. They got it as a joint present for Christmas 05. It gets played at least 5 times a week. So value for money wise it has been great.

Funny x-box story....we bought one the first Christmas they came out (in other words, paid top dollar- this was back in the work outside the home days) It was a joint Christmas present for all of the 'kids'...and I instantly became an xbox widow... .my DH LOVES that thing...and so how many years later, many a night he is playing that darn thing....it is his 'stress relief'

[Bluezy]

Rehashing another thread....

CJ has discovered that upside down plastic carafes make outstanding drums. Long cardboard rolls from wrapping papers make diggery doos. Boxes makes great buses and fire trucks, just draw wheels on the outside.

Don't forget to purchase washable crayons and lots of recycled paper.

[cschin4]

A ball!
My kids spend most of their time playing football, kickball, etc.

My kids and our neighbor love to play store with old key boards.(computer) They also love their trampoline. Not very cheap but it keeps them busy and active. I too have bought a Game Cube, Playstation 1 and 2, and an X Box. Keeps them busy for hours and hours.

[pearlieq]

Nothing on earth beats a cooking pot and wooden spoon for the toddler set.

You just need to factor in the price of a couple of Advil for yourself!

[fultron]

my daughter enjoys:

playing with junk mail
an old cordless phone that doesn't work
crayons and paper (not free, but pretty close)