Craptastic Toy Selection

[Lianne]

Almost all my past and current families call me first when they are downsizing or cleaning out their kids' toys. I have scored some awesome things from them!

Last year a family I had had through all 3 of their child who are now all in school, gave me a GIANT rubbermaid tote full of Fisher Price Imaginex dinosaurs which are super expensive! There were over 30 dinosaurs WITH accessories in the tote.

The year before a family gave me a Little Tike Cozy Coupe and a Little Tikes Pick-up truck.

My families (past & present) and friends and even neighbours I don't know bring me whatever their kids have outgrown. I take everything offered, sort through and take out what I can use then pass on the rest. A few times I've not been able to use something but can sell it on our local buy & sell groups. I return the money to whoever gave me the item. Sometimes they insist I keep the money which I use towards something new-to-us that we can use.

I have three girls in my care that stairstep in age and size. They pass clothes down to each other as they grow and I love that none of them have to spend a fortune to clothe their children.

[Blackcat31]

I have three girls in my care that stairstep in age and size. They pass clothes down to each other as they grow and I love that none of them have to spend a fortune to clothe their children.

I have clothes swappers too! I think it is awesome when they can share too!

It's funny to see the same winter coat on several different kids throughout the years when we look at old photos.

I have a big bulletin board in the entry way and parents will post things they are looking for and have to give away or sell. All my parents participate.

Last year, pne of my families bought an older truck for their teenage son from one of the DCD's that posted a notice on the bulletin board.

Network and sharing....AWESOME!

[LK5kids]

I have no kids today and went and had my hair done. I had to stop in at that craptastic thrift store i mentioned abovr and a maple train table I've been eyeing up (I even asked about 3 weeks ago if it was for sale. Told no. They were using it to display toys) and it was marked $5.00! Also got a nice bin of Duplo blocks for .25 cents.

[Binkybobo]

I did a close to freeproject this weekend that reminded me of this thread. I got a free rectangular coffee table off of the curb this weekend(no shame in my game). You could also keep an eye on Craislist free section or buy a cheap one at a thrift store. I turned it into a chalkboard art table for my dc kids. You will also need chalkboard paint, and paint choice of your choice for the table. When I first started my daycare I discovered a recycling center run by the city where people go to recycle paint, household cleaners, and other toxic things that cannot be recycled. Most cities have one. I painted the whole inside of my house and got spray paint as well as wood stain and other products. It is called a hazardous waste recycling center. I couldn't make the trip this week, but I bought Chalkboard paint at Hobby Lobby for $7.00. I painted the top of the table with chalkboard paint, and the rest of the table a bright yellow color that I had preciously gotten for free. Coffee tables are the perfect height for preschoolers. I moved my old daycare craft tabe to another room and replaced it with this table that looks nothing like a coffee table. I surrounded it with my dc stools, and now I have a snack, art, and chalkboard table in one! Search Pinterest ike the other posters mentioned and think outside the box! Hope this helps!