Frugal grandparenting

Who knew a two year old could be so much fun to take to yard sales?! My grandson loves cruising through other people's garages, and is amazingly picky about what he does or does not want to buy. Most kids spot ANY toy and yell and scream until they get it. Brayden says "Ummmmmmmmm...Nooooo" more often than not.

Friday morning (he'd spent the night with us Thursday night), we were up and ready to head out the door by 8:30am. First yard sale, Brayden spotted a box full of Army Guys that he insisted his grandfather would love (and he was right). But he didn't find anything there for himself, despite the yard sale advertising TOYS TOYS TOYS and there being plenty age-appropriate toys for him to choose from.

But at the second yard sale we got the deal of the day. A Little Tykes Kitchen, complete with "communications center" (the phone rings and tells you things like "It's time to wash the dishes" or "Let's get cooking!"), talking recipe book (Chef Tony give you step by step recipe to create spaghetti and meatballs or bacon and eggs with your plastic dishes and food), a microwave, stove (burners light up), sink (makes water sounds), refrigerator, oven, and more. It came complete with dishes, silverware, cooking pots and pans, cooking utensils, a huge amount of food, and more. It's not exactly like the one here in the picture (it's actually got more burners and more counter space), but it's close. The price? $15.00!

Today, Jeff and I went out to yard sales and once again, I had a GREAT find. I found a Kasey the Kinderbot (Toy of the Year in 2002), an interactive robot that teaches numbers and letters - for $2! Retail price for this on Amazon today is $199.00! It's perfect for Brayden, who is enthusiastically learning his numbers and shapes and colors. When my kids were small we had a similar toy, except not computerized, of course. It was a small "robot" in which you placed cards, and the child matched numbers or colors or letters and the robot beeped. Both my kids absolutely loved this toy, and really learned a lot from it. I think Brayden is going to love it, and it will really help quench his thirst for knowledge stage he's going through. He can now count to 19 and knows all his colors and shapes. I think that's pretty good for a 26 month old... but then, I'm his grandma, so I guess I would!

So, grandparents -- head to the yard sales! Toys are SO expensive these days and there are so many great deals to be had at yard sales and garage sales. The kids don't care if the toy is used, believe me!

BETTER THAN YARD SALE PRICES - FREE!!

Here's a Toys R'Us coupon for a FREE Thomas the Train toy - value up to $12.99! (Thanks to Money Saving Mom). Brayden loves Thomas the Train -- I think I'll do some frugal Christmas shopping!