Really, for free??

Germophobic moms & dads, just stop reading here, you won’t make it through this one.

When our daughter was born my husband and I vowed we would not fill our house with a million toys. Especially a million plastic toys after reading this article. Well, as many of you know, having a kid = having toys. Ok, fine – most are received as gifts and yes, kids need toys. We have, however, really tried to stick to our guns when it comes to purchasing big new pieces of molded plastic toys/furniture. Not only the scary plastic filling the ocean scenario – but also, who can afford it?

In an effort to keep our vow, I joined a group called The Freecycle Network.  To date, I have received via Freecycle: a plastic shopping cart , set of big cardboard building blocks (retail for $40) and a table and chairs set. Then, at various yard sales, we have purchased a great sliding board for $7 (retails for $89) and a play kitchen for $40 (retails for $169.99).  So, the sliding board shows some wear and the kitchen didn’t come with all of its parts – but who cares, our daughter sure doesn’t!

Then there are the “found” toys. Every kid since the beginning of time has been able to make a game out of something they have picked up off of the ground, or off of your dresser, or really where ever. Our current favorites are paper towel and toilet paper cardboard rolls. They are telescopes and bracelets (though to me it always looks like a cast).  We started to decorate one, but then she decided she liked them plain. (??hmm??)

If you are interested in joining freecycle in your area, click here to find a group near you. Freecycle expects its members to not just receive, but also give. It is a great way to pass things on you know have more life in them, but you just aren’t using anymore. Also remember something you might be ready to toss or put in the recycle bin, might just be something your little one can use to spark their imagination!