You have these items lying around, in the attic or basement, cheap things that you might find children wouldn't care for, but you would be surprised. It doesn't matter how old or young, these time-tested toys, keepsakes and all-around cheap goods will often win some attention from busy-body children who need to do anything but sit in front of screens all day.
Although not exciting or trendy to us adults, you stick these cheap goods in a child's hands and they will amuse themselves! Avoid putting the typical video games in their hands when possible especially very young children (less than 6 years), we already know what the older ones do, they sit and sit and sit for hours in front of screens (smh).
1) Old stuff. Crack open that old album and your children or grandchildren are sure to laugh. Take it one step further and create a photobook for them. Pop in an old VHS or DVD of family events and someone might be more grateful for all the people and stuff they have in their lives. Go the extra mile and give them their own copy on a portable drive. Yes, entertaining children with your old stuff will keep them busy for at least a little while. Encourage them to ask questions.
2) Balls. You have anything that is bright, colorful, bounces or rolls and you can get a group of children outdoors. This includes bubbles! Do your research and find websites that have all sorts of toys that take their fun to the next level!
3) Things with movable parts and makes sounds. Whether it is something that came off a broken item or a state of the art toy that just came out this year, if it can be opened, turned, pressed, or broken down--it's a winner!
4) Tools. Handy with tools? A child is sure to follow in your footsteps with at least a few handy skills. Start off with toy tools and when they are older begin to introduce them to useful household tools where they can actually build or fix something.
5) Plastic Organizers (includes folders, albums, and display cases). From the large container a baby just pats on to an organizer that a young girl can keep her play stuff in, all children want something in those hands that makes them feel good! Teach them how to organize their treasured items, display them and protect them.
6) Toys with wheels. Whether they ride on them, push them, or control them with a remote--they are fun! Wheeled items will get some children outdoors! Why not get one for yourself too, check out these adult stunt scooters!
7) Toys they can build stuff. Legos, soft plush and wood blocks haven't been around this long for nothing! They know what our thinkers like!
8) Art. You know what pleasure you had when you finally created something worth keeping! They can draw, paint, cut, twist, glue, create...whatever comes to mind they will come up with something.
9) Cards. Whether these are cards for collecting, playing, stacking, or viewing...there is something about the shape of the rectangle that draws people in.
10) Playsets. Remember the magic of having a great playset! Your imagination went wild saving the Barbie from one of the wild animals, bouncing a wrestler off the top rope, or a superhero who finds his way back to the bat cave---yep, creatives, thinkers, and smart kids love good opportunities to learn with great stuff!
When you start shopping for items, be sure to use the tips in this guide for great savings. I wrote this to help people find deals on year round. Black Friday Cyber Monday Strategies to Use Year Round
Nicholl McGuire blog owner and contributor
