What Would YOU Spend $1,000.00 On?

[Lyss]

You can buy a light box at hobby lobby for pretty cheap. I don't know where your located or if they have them there but most hobby stores have them and the nice thing is you can set them up right on your table or the floor.
I've also seen where people have made a box that has a plexiglass top and put white Christmas lights inside to get the same effect.

Rope lights and an upside down Ikea trofast container (white, frosted tupperware basically) is what I currently use but if I ever had a few bucks to spend freely on the DC I'd buy a much larger one so multiple kids could use it at onces as my kids love it!

[ABCDaycareMN]

http://www.honorrollsupply.com/collections/daycare-preschool-toys-games-1/products/softzone-21-pc-jumbo-soft-blocks

This is what I would get! Jumbo soft blocks. And a thick mat and possibly a slide

[ABCDaycareMN]

http://www.honorrollsupply.com/collections/daycare-preschool-classroom-furniture/products/softzone-tunnel-maze

Or this!!!

[LoraJenkins]

Do you already have all the toys, pack n plays/nap cots, diaper changing stations, tables/chairs for art/food? I would love to have that much money to put towards my daycare!

Yes, I do already have pretty much everything. I have been a provider for 20+ years and have slowly added over the years.

Everyone has such great ideas! I think I am going to just keep saving and slowly buy new educational items. I don't have a lot of items for my centers so this is what I am going to work on. Especially items like counting bears, lace up boards, dress up costumes, etc. I only care for ages 5 and under so this may be what I need. Oh, and a new dishwasher....mine is 15 years old. One with a sanitize option. Thank you to everyone for such great ideas....you have really gotten me thinking!

[NeedaVaca]

A six kid stroller. The one I want is about $725.00.

I got mine from craigslist for $200! Check there often and I bet you can find one

[MNMum]

Rope lights and an upside down Ikea trofast container (white, frosted tupperware basically) is what I currently use but if I ever had a few bucks to spend freely on the DC I'd buy a much larger one so multiple kids could use it at onces as my kids love it!

Great idea, all I need is the rope light!

[KnoxMom]

Rope lights and an upside down Ikea trofast container (white, frosted tupperware basically) is what I currently use but if I ever had a few bucks to spend freely on the DC I'd buy a much larger one so multiple kids could use it at onces as my kids love it!

I've been trying to find a DIY way for a lightbox/table as well. Awesome idea!!

[ABCDaycareMN]

Rope lights and an upside down Ikea trofast container (white, frosted tupperware basically) is what I currently use but if I ever had a few bucks to spend freely on the DC I'd buy a much larger one so multiple kids could use it at onces as my kids love it!

Where do you buy the little shape tiles?

[Lyss]

Where do you buy the little shape tiles?

I got mine at goodwill, I found a 3 pack (150 total) in the craft section for 1.99! happyface

They are exactly the same as these: http://amzn.com/B000F8R5MI ($2.95)

[mamac]

some nice big acrylic , unbreakable mirrors, like the ones from discount school supply....some montessori activities like the binomial cubes and such....and a really good back and leg massage

I don't know what Discount School Supply charges for their mirrors, but try looking locally for a plastic fabricator. I have a 3' x 4' mirror that cost me only $30 from a place that is only a few miles from my home. It came as just the plastic panel so once we glued it to the wall we added some door casing to frame it and it looks great. The kids love it.

[Indianadaycare]

Found some!

some nice big acrylic , unbreakable mirrors, like the ones from discount school supply....some montessori activities like the binomial cubes and such....and a really good back and leg massage

I have been looking forever for affordable acrylic mirrors for my new in home daycare. I finally found some at Home Depot! I was shocked at how much less they cost.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Unbranded-24-in-x-48-in-x-118-in-Acrylic-Mirror-AM2448S/202509287?MERCH=REC-_-NavPLPHorizontal1-1-_-NA-_-202509287-_-N

[Indianadaycare]

http://www.honorrollsupply.com/colle...bo-soft-blocks

This is what I would get! Jumbo soft blocks. And a thick mat and possibly a slide

These are a nice alternative to the expensive foam building blocks. On sale for $25, these provided hours and HOURS of creative fun for my four kids growing up. Now as adults, they love sharing memories of playing "house" using these blocks to create separate rooms in their pretend house. If I had the room, I'd buy them for my daycare. Maybe I will anyway!

http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11773807&prodFindSrc=prodCrossSell

[Josiegirl]

If I had an extra grand right now, just to spend on daycare, I'd buy materials for turning my outside play area into more of a natural play area. OR more manipulatives. My dcks love those and it's always good for half an hour of focused quieter time spent together.

[coolconfidentme]

#5 red! :: ::

[Kimskiddos]

If I had $1000. I would put a toilet and sink in my laundry room (it's connected to my playroom) for dc use. They have to basically go through my house to get to the bathroom and the hallway wall is ALWAYS dirty from little hands and bodies.