Sometimes when I look around my house I feel as if I live in a toy store warehouse. With three kids, it's very easy to quickly accumulate stuff -- video games, books, craft items, blocks, puzzles, games -- I'm getting a headache just thinking about it. And to make it worse, every birthday and Christmas, the piles just keep getting bigger.
It makes me wish I did life in a warehouse -- at least I'd have a forklift!
There is a reasonable answer to my toy tsunami -- one that will not only clean out the toy rooms and basements at my house but the ones all across the neighborhood. Plus, the kids will even get some new stuff too -- just not as much of it.
"Impossible!" you scoff?
Trust me, it's not when you organize a toy swap.
A great way to get rid of massive amounts of old playthings while acquiring smaller amounts of others, all you really need to organize your exchange are people, a little bit of time, a large space and lots of gently used toys. And if you are thinking ahead, a toy swap can be a great way to get a jump on your holiday shopping.
Good luck and get swapping!
More Thrifty Thursday on the About.com Parenting Channel:
- When Cheaper is Not Better
- Kids Eat Free at IHOP
- Free White House Birth Greetings
- Free Personal Training for Single Parents
- Free Babysitting
- Free or Nearly Free Prescriptions
- Save Time and Money by Doubling a Meal
What do you do with all those toys your child doesn't play with any longer?
Where is a good place to sale my old wrecked car? Please help me by sugesting some sites or companies.