When my 8 month old was born...she got a few toys...but not too many. So when she was about 2 months old...yard sale season started to hit..and I began collecting. These are my main 3 sources:

1. yard sales/flea markets

2. freecycle.org....join your local group

3. "Once Upon a Child" (franchise store)


I'm telling you...rarely do I spend over $1 for her toys! Since I started when she was so young, I had time to be picky and find things that weren't used much. Most people seem to have one or two children...then they get rid of stuff...it's still in great shape! My favorite finds:

1. at yard sales I have found all of the rattle types of sassy toys and stuff for 50 cents to $1 each. I bought so links and I link them in group and keep them in the car. I keep rotating them so my little one doesn't get bored...plus I can attach them to carseats and strollers and stuff. I also got an exersaucer....the $60 kind...for $5! I couple toys were missing...but who cares?! It went to my mom's house and my daughter loves it!

2. On Freecycle. org...this woman who lives near me was going through her children's toys...she gave me a whole 13 gallon trash bag full! I went through the toys, found the ones in the best shape and took the rest to goodwill. Again...I'm amazed! I got shape sorters, puzzles, and things she can even use in the future...mostly little tikes, fisher price, and sassy!

3. I love Once-Upon-A-Child! If you dig through their toys...sometimes you can find things marked at $1! It suprises me! I also have found board books there for 50 cents and $1. But my greatest find was a jumperoo!!! Those things go for $70....I got mine for $30! There was a sticker that was scratched off of it...that's it!

My daughter does have a few new things. I have found a couple toys at Ross, Costco, and Amazon.com....but mostly...I buy used because that way...when they get destoyed by toddlers....I won't feel so badly about it!

I love bargains!