Some children’s toys are rather expensive, in fact, they are pricier than some items we buy for ourselves as adults. So, what do you do if you want your kids to have the toys, and enjoy themselves, but want to be a thrifty, price conscious consumer at the same time? These are a few tips to consider, so that you can buy them the great toys they desire, without spoiling them, and without breaking your bank account at the same time.
Buy second hand –
You will find that many second hand items appear brand name, and are sometimes simply store returns which haven’t been used at all. A great deal for you, a toy your child will believe to be brand new, and something which is defect free. A great way to save in many cases over 50% the original price and ensuring your child’s enjoyment without having to worry about buying them toys they don’t want or items which aren’t going to work properly. One example of a site that could help you find products your looking to purchase is secondwow.co.uk.
Finance it –
Don’t finance everything and put it on a credit card, simply compiling your total debt amount. But, you will find there are many catalogues which cater to children’s toys and items. And, many of them allow you to pay off the purchase price over time, and some even offer interest free financing if you pay the purchase price off within a set period of time. Look for these catalogues,and low interest financing options. Also, consider how much you are spending, don’t overspend, and don’t buy items, simply to buy them. Shop consciously, and only purchase what you can truly afford to pay on a monthly basis.
Clearance –
Your kids don’t always need brand new, and need to own the top, latest toys to hit the stores. So, buy on clearance. Buy toys from last season, look for discounts, savings, as well as other low priced items you can find on sale. Make sure you know when to shop, where to shop, and compare before you purchase. As is the case with nearly anything you buy, if you shop around, and are a thrifty comparison shopper, you are likely to save a great deal of money on the items your kids want to own.
Trade –
In many cultures, parents trade toys with friends. You can do this as well. Your children will continually have new toys to play with, you can have toys which will help at different developmental periods as they are growing up, and you know where the toys are coming from (typically friends and family), so you know they are safe for your kids to play with. Not only are you saving, but friends and relatives are as well, as you don’t always have to go out running to buy the latest items, as you can trade and borrow with others you know.
It is possible to give your kids great toys, and some of the newest toys, without breaking the bank, or overstretching your bank account. These are a few simple tips any family and parents can utilise, when trying to shop for toys for their kids, without overpaying for such items.
KNOW your prices!! Go to sites like amazon who not only has free shipping on stuff over $25, but has massive stocks!! (I often put monster high dolls on my wish list and they will send me alerts when things go down in price. – I had been on there and the next day I went to the city shopping, so when I saw the dolls marked down to $6 each, I grabbed everyone that was different and now I have a stash for giving out to my niece ..these items are reg pric $29)
Go to garage sales or become a member of your towns local garage sale on fb. Last yr I sold all of my little tykes items. This company has sturdy stuff and although my stuff was OVER 20 YRS OLD, it sold fast. The coupe had nothing wrong with it at all and at our local garage sale day in our town I saw quite a bit of little tykes going for great prices.
keep in mind days that the stores will do the NO TAX events. Tax on toys, esp big priced items is huge. I do believe Superstore might even do this twice a year.