How to Save Money on Toys
with
Lisa Mahar
Toys can run up a pretty big bill if you let the spending go out of control, but of course you don't have to break the bank on them. Learn some smart ways to save money on toys.
Transcript: How to Save Money on Toys
Hi, my name is Lisa Mahar, and I'm the owner of Kid O here in New York City and I'm here for About.com. Today I'm going to talk about ways to save money on toys.Save Money on Open-Ended Toys
One of the best ways to save on toys is to buy toys that are open-ended, which means you can use them for many different uses. One of the most open-ended toys we sell here is the Billibo. You can use it not only for a sled, you can use it for a steady stool, you can use it for something to spin in, you can put it on your head, you can use it on the ground to put trains through, you can put dolls in it -- kids will find the thing that interests them and use it for that. The Billibo has a million-and-one uses -- it's like the indestructible cardboard box!Save Money on Toys that Grow With Kids
Another way to save is to choose toys that are appealing to a wider age group and a wider range of interests. This Village of Towers is a set of blocks that is appealing not only to children who are about the age of one -- because they can use it for nesting, as well as stacking, both activities that a young child enjoys doing. But as a child grows, and as their imagination grows, they can also use it to create play scenes -- for cities, to play with their friends or siblings -- so it has an amazing range, just in terms of activities you can do with it, as well as the age of children and number of children that can play with it at one time.Buy Durable Toys
Another way to save is to make sure that you buy toys that are durable and well-made. Toys that are wooden, that are classic, that can be handed down to other siblings or given to friends, are a good choice. Also, toys that are made from a durable plastic that are easy to clean -- nothing ages a toy like dirt and disrepair, so look for things that are really easy to maintain.An easy thing to do is to actually just buy fewer toys. Buy better toys, more durable toys, fewer toys, and then rotate them. One thing that I do at home is I put toys in the closet and rotate them out on an ongoing basis. Especially for younger children, it feels like a new toy after a couple weeks!
Save Money With Art Supplies
Art supplies are also inexpensive and essential. A great painting kit, crayons, and just some white paper is all you need to keep a child entertained and inspired.So just remember, you don't have to spend a lot of money to get toys of great value and quality. Thanks for watching. To learn more, visit us on the Web at About.com.