TOYS keep kids entertained and give parents a few minutes of welcome peace during the summer holidays.
But splashing out on new kit quickly blows a hole in your budget.
We have three savvy ways to save money on buying kids’ toys this summer[/caption]
Despair not — there are lots of ways to get them playing on the cheap . . .
TOY LIBRARY: At these places, parents can rent toys, puzzles and games sure to go down a treat with your little ones.
From Sussex to Glasgow, toy libraries are now springing up around the country.
You can expect to pay a small fee for rentals, but it is a much cheaper way to access expensive gadgets than buying them new in the shops — and helps cut down on piles of unused toys at home.
FREEBIES: Kids grow up quickly, leaving toys that were once favourites ready for a new home.
If you know the right places to look, you can pick up plenty of freebies from parents trying to clear out their homes.
The YoungPlanet app connects people to hundreds of parents getting rid of unwanted toys, as well as clothes and other stuff.
You can make requests or simply browse what’s available.
Sign up to selling groups run for local parents on Facebook Marketplace.
Alongside sellers there are plenty of people happy to give away toys and other items.
SCRUB UP: Think outside the box to get children re-engaged with past favourites they might have lost interest in, providing new playtime at no extra cost.
Fill a small tub with warm, soapy water and ask kids to give dolls or other toys a bath.
Use some chalk outside to create a race track to follow with toy cars.
Or fill a large tray with some flour and add diggers or dinosaurs.
Or simply lay out their toys in a different way to spark interest — setting up toy scenes, rather than having them tidied away in boxes, can rekindle enthusiasm.
- All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability
Deal of the day
SCORE top marks with these burgundy chunky loafers, down from £38 to £14.99 at Schuh.
SAVE: £23.01
Cheap treat
Get these new filled croissants at Morrisons[/caption]
MORRISONS has launched a new pastry line including these filled croissants, as well as caramel-filled doughnuts, £1.50 each.
What’s new?
This super aquajet washer is new in Lidl today[/caption]
GIVE your carpets a deep-clean with this super aquajet washer, £69.99, new in Lidl today.
Top swap
This one from Primark is just £1.50[/caption]
MASSAGE and help plump up your skin with a jade gua sha, above, £12.99 from H&M.
Or head to Primark and get a similar tool, below, for £1.50.
SAVE: £11.49
Little helper
TO help festival goers, Aldi will hand out free Lacura suncream at stores close to Reading, Leeds and the Big Feastival today and tomorrow.
Limited to one bottle per customer.
Shop & save
This grey bookshelf is down from £40 to £28.50 at Wilko[/caption]
CLEAR up clutter with help from this grey bookshelf, down from £40 to £28.50 at Wilko.
SAVE: £11.50
Hot right now
SIGN up to New Look’s mailing list right now, and you’ll benefit from 25 per cent off an online purchase.
PLAY NOW TO WIN £200
JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle.
Every month we’re giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers – whether you’re saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered.
Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket.
The more codes you enter, the more tickets you’ll earn and the more chance you will have of winning!