Hi Ladies, I am in desperate need of outdoor toys for my one year old daughter, I went to alot of stores and seen alot of wonderful outdoor toys for her but its too expensive and I cant afford it? I went to Once Upon A Child and they were charging the same as Target and Walmart, I dont mind if its used just as long as the baby has something to play with outside, does anyone have any suggestions?? I would greatly appreciate if someone wants to donate or sale used outdoor toys to me.
I have actually been on Craiglist this past week looking for the same thing. There are a lot of listings-a bunch of houses, a couple of Little Tikes climbers for toddlers, a couple of Little Tikes 8 in 1. They were reasonably prices also. Do a search by "climber" or playhouse (with and without a space between words. I had trouble sending an email to people. You do have to be able to go get it.
Craigslist and garage sales. I actually look for garage sales on craigslist, just type in garage sale and your town.
You can also register with your local Freecycle group.
I have been doing this for a year now and the gist of it is: One person's trash is another's treasure. So, I list items that I wish to "Offer" or if I want something in particular, I post a "Wanted" note. We are grouped by Zip Code, so it is mostly local people so you never have to travel too far.
Everything must be 100% FREE. There is no borrowing, bartering or selling.
Whoever offers the item the gets to choose from the responses who will get the item. Then, the receiver comes to your house and collects the item on the appointed day/time.
I often see outdoor items posted as give-aways.
GOOD LUCK!
I agree witht others look at garage sales but you can often find them for free by looking around your neighborhood around garbage day. I have found all of my kids outdoor play stuff this way and then some.I just give them a good scrub down. You can also check Craigslist.
N.,
I live in Bolingbrook, also. Get the local paper on Friday and look at the page listing all the nearby garage sales.
Go early on Friday or Saturday and check out some of the garage sales. You will be amazed at all the children's toys offered for a fraction of the original cost! I am always replentishing my home daycare this way. Good luck.
Start hitting the garage sales in your surrounding areas - Lemont, Downers Grove, Homer Glen.... Be the early bird. It's the way to go!
Check out www.napervilleyardsales.com or www.jolietyardsales.com. It's kind of like Ebay, but everyone who is selling is local. Great place to find used children's toys. Also, take a ride out and check out garage sales. Our community has a neighborhood garage sale every year - Caton Ridge subdivision in Plainfield (near Caton Farm Rd and Drauden). This years sale is June 12 & 13. There are LOTS of kids out here with lots of parents trying to sell the toys their kids have outgrown. Also, the Plainfield Park District has a kids garage sale every year. It's all kids items and the sale is usually held at Renwick Park. The park district website should have info on that.
I agree with the other mother. I have found all of my children's outside riding toys at garage sales. I have never paid more than $5 for them.
I have a Little Tikes Toddler Cube with slide for sale for $25. The platform is a bit dented, but doesn't affect play. I can send you a picture if you send me your email address. I live south of Oak Park.
Otherwise, check Craigslist for used stuff.
Check out garage sales. Also one of my kids favorite thing was the wagon. I filled it w/ water and they would have an instant water table. They would play w/ action figures, use it to fill squirt guns, or get some of those cheap sponge topped thing that you use for painting and let them "paint w/ water on the siding or sidewalk. I would also give them big spoons, bowls and cups to play w/ in the water. Good Luck!!
Big Lots, Menards, Craigslist, Mommail if you live near Oak Park, garage sales, hand me downs from friends.
