Inexpensive Small Toys as Prizes
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Whether you are a teacher looking for classroom prizes, or a parent looking to bribe (cough cough- I mean reward) your child for good grades, good behavior, potty training, etc.- a lot of small prizes can add up to a whole lot!
Here are a few ways to cut costs in the small prizes department:
- Garage sale- I have been to countless garage sales selling little McDonald’s type toys and cars for 10 cents or LESS each. Sometimes you can get a huge bag of random little toys for $1 with 30-40 toys in them!
- Buy clearance after holidays. One way I’ve saved my husband a tremendous amount of money is to buy Valentine’s, Christmas, and Halloween items after the holidays. I’ve found 6 pack of Valentine’s party favorites for as cheap as $.05! And nice things too like little mirrors, yoyo’s, mazes, etc. Candy canes are usually very easy to find inexpensively after Christmas- the kids certainly do not care if they get candy canes in January!!
- If you have to buy at regular price buy in bulk. Oriental Trading is a good place to get all sorts of small prizes in bulk.
- Instead of small toys consider individually wrapped candies like Starburst which you can buy in a big bag.
- Consider a pretend money system where the children can ‘earn’ money for special events throughout the year such as a party, a toy store you have in your room, etc.
- Ask other moms! Seriously- At least once or twice a year I have a toy purge from my house. I get rid of all the random small toys to clean out!