Stop spending money!!

[AmandaKDT]

I would say that before you buy anything, check for it second hand first......

Or make it youself. Kids will be happy if you take two chairs and throw a sheet over top.

Or I have seen a bunch of tutorials online for making kids teepees, doesn't look hard at all. It is on my list of things to do when I have the time or inclination (which means probably never - lol).

My reading nook is just a corner with some throw pillows and a couple kids foam chairs. I put a basket of books in the middle and the kids go to town.

I know you tell yourself you NEED it, but do you REALLY need it? It is hard when you get an idea and a strong want for something, but you may regret all these purchases down the road.

[kindertime]

If you do buy big, new things, keep the boxes! Last summer, it was time for me to update and replace a lot of my outdoor stuff. I bought a tent/slide and lots of ride on toys. The huge boxes they came in filled the playroom for months. The first one got thrown out because it got poop in it. The last one finally bit the biscuit just before Christmas. DCKs were so sad to see it go...

[Elly]

If you do buy big, new things, keep the boxes! Last summer, it was time for me to update and replace a lot of my outdoor stuff. I bought a tent/slide and lots of ride on toys. The huge boxes they came in filled the playroom for months. The first one got thrown out because it got poop in it. The last one finally bit the biscuit just before Christmas. DCKs were so sad to see it go...

It's true! One of my DCKs has more fun in a diaper box than with any of the toys. She sits in it with her legs hanging out, reading a book