5 Cheap Alternatives To Expensive Toys Your Kids Keep Begging For

While there are tons of Pinterest boards dedicated to making your own baby toys out of twigs you collected during a family hike through the woods and some upcyled, repurposed, vintage, organic, recyclable mason jars, I have no time for such things. I buy my toys from Amazon Prime like any other anti-social person. As a thrifty, nifty mom I loathe spending excess moola on toys that my kids will outgrow quickly, so here’s a handy list of toys you can buy if you’re feeling like Beyonce, and the basic mom model.

1. Nesting Cups $18.99 vs. 6-Piece Measuring Cup Set, $8.99

Both will let your little angel scoop and pour to his heart’s content, but only one will leave you with enough extra cash for a bath bomb for yourself.

2. Inflatable Ball Pit $34.99 vs.Inflatable Baby Pool $10.99

You child will not be looking at the cartoon characters when there are colorful plastic balls to swim in. Pocket the extra $24 bills for you next Target run.

3. Magnet Board $59.99 vs.Drip Pan $19.95

This is a no brainer. Magnetic alphabet letters and dry erase markers work on any metal surface, and you just saved over 40 big ones.

4. Monster Repellent Spray $9.99 vs. Plastic Spray Bottle $3.99

The idea of a special spray to make scared kids feel braver is a great one, just not one I’m willing to shell out the big bucks for. Water in a plain bottle works just as well if you jazz it up with some stickers and a Sharpie. Take the extra six bucks to the nearest Starbucks for a PSL.

5. Sand Table $49.97 vs. Storage Tote With Lid $14.70

Does it hold sand? Check. Is there a lid to keep the cat out? Check. But the storage tote will save you about $35.00 plus you don’t have to worry about your kid climbing up into it and falling out, which means you have more attention to devote to looking at Facebook on your phone. Win/win.

(image of toybox via Shutterstock.com, all other images via Amazon.com)

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