I try to buy everything used if possible. Just this weekend went to a great garage sale, and bought the following for $5 a piece! A Step 2 wagon (like new), a flintstones style car (looks rarely used - can tell by the tires) and a helmet for my little one when she's riding the trike. Also my mom was on the lookout for things, and found me a wooden Tonka car, a good sized dinosaur, 6 books and a vintage FP chatterbox phone in pristine condition, all for $4!

I think in the past year I've spent about $400 on items for my home daycare. I know I've saved tonnes of money, and I do not get 'used' items just to get cheap. I do my homework, know how much things are brand new. Set a price out for myself on what I want to spend second hand on an online classifieds or at a garage sale.