Great Values on Toys

If you're looking for toys that will be worth your money (especially as the holidays approach), check out the lists this week on Baby Cheapskate. Angie posts the "most loved" toys for five age groups. Today's group is for babies 5-12 months. And if you find deals on any of these (or have a personal experience with any), post a comment so others can benefit too. For instance, A got the Playskool Busy Ball Popper for her first birthday. However, she didn't start enjoying it until about 18 months (all the noise was a bit too much). However, she got the LeapFrog Learn & Groove table for her first Christmas and the Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Learning Home for her first birthday and loved them both from day one (and still does).

Happy Birthday, Little Monkey!

Happy birthday to my little monkey! She's 2 today! We bought her this playhouse and so far, she loves it. It's a good size for her and keeps her entertained.

At her party on Saturday, we put several things on the deck for her and her 18-month-old friend to play with. We set up a kiddie pool, sand table, a small slide on the deck, and then had a small ball pit and the playhouse in the yard. I think they would have stayed out there all day if we'd let them!

$1 Items for Outdoor Playtime

I was just at Target and found some fun outdoor stuff for kids in the dollar section (you know, the area right inside the front doors near the registers). Little Monkey's 2nd birthday is coming up and we'll have some outdoor activities, so figured I'd pick up a few fun items the kids can play with (and of course A can keep to enjoy later). Here's what I found:

• sidewalk chalk (a multipack of large pieces in various colors)
• bucket with shovel
• plastic rake, spade and shovel set for the sandbox
• beach ball
• small, bright-colored tin buckets for take-home treats

Plus, they have some kids' gardening items such as shovels and spades and mini pots with seeds. I'm sure there was more I'm now forgetting. Check it out if you're looking for ways to entertain your kids while they're outdoors this summer!

Extra Savings Off Sale Items at Fisher-Price.com

Now through Friday, you can get an extra 20% off sale items at Fisher-Price.com. No coupon code needed; the extra discount will appear once you have items in your cart.You'll find riding toys, Little People sets, building sets, software, character items and more.

Discovery Channel Store Toy Clearance--And Extra Savings!

The Discovery Channel Store is having a toy clearance right now. AND you can apply the code TOYS for an extra 15% off! With the addition of the code, you could save up to 75%. It's only good for a week, so if you want to take advantage, do so now!

Thanks, Baby Cheapskate!

Target: Printable Coupons for Toys, Games and More!

Target's website has some great store coupons up right now on kids' toys and games (a mix of items for younger and older kids). Great to use when the products are on sale--and even better when you find a manufacturer coupon to use too! Here's a roundup of what's available:

• $3 off select Hasbro games
• $3 off select Disney DVD or Blu-Ray Disc
• $10 off Schwinn bike
• $5 off select Lego toys
• $5 off select Fisher-Price Thomas & Friends items
• $5 off LeapFrog purchase of $30 or more
• $5 off Hot Wheels purchase of $25 or more

Plus, there are coupons for kids' apparel (Circo, Cherokee, Hanes, Gerber), diapers and kids' snacks.

WaterWheel Play Table Deal

I'm determined not to give up on the idea that nice, warm weather is coming soon! Because of that, I've started looking into outdoor play stuff for A. We're finishing up renovating our deck, and between that and the back yard, we have lots of room for fun this spring and summer. In my search, I found a Step2 WaterWheel Play Table for $35 with free shipping, which some of you might be interested in. If you've seen it cheaper (at a store or online with free shipping), let me know. It's definitely the best outdoor toy deal on the Step2 site right now.

What outdoor toys do your kids love? What do you plan to buy for the summer?

Code for 20% Off Outlet Prices at Disneyoutlet.com

If your kids are into Disney characters, check out the Disney outlet online for discounted toys, games and clothes. Right now, you can apply a coupon code for an extra 20% off items. Use promo code OUTLET20. There appear to be some great deals to be had (and don't forget, Baby Einstein products are owned by Disney)!

Thanks, Common Sense With Money!

Baby Alive First for Me Doll $5 Coupon

For those of you looking for a first baby doll for your little girl, you can print a $5 coupon for the Baby Alive 1st for Me Sips & Cuddles doll. Expires April 15, 2010. This would be especially great if you find it on sale.

Member-Only Coupons for Babies/Toys R Us This Weekend

If you're a Babies R Us Rewards member, be on the lookout in your e-mail for a link to some member-only coupons good this weekend (through Feb. 28, 2010). If you're not yet a member, sign up to become one (it's free) and then you can print out and use the coupons.


Here are a few of the "entertainment" item coupon highlights:

• 20% off baby gear (such as entertainers, jumperoos, etc.)
• 20% off Step2 tables and slides (great for spring and summer) 
• Several for discounts on toys at Toys R Us.

Consignment Sales for Great Bargains on Toys and More

The time for spring/summer kids consignment sales is here! I LOVE going to consignment sales. They don't come often enough, in my opinion (generally, twice a year). Many of my daughter's toys and books (plus clothes!) have come from them--including some of her favorites from when she was a baby. After I've bought items at a sale, I'll often later see the same things at places like Target for three or four times as much as I paid.

Many cities have multiple of such sales, which sell clothes, toys, baby gear and more. Be sure to check out listings near you and be on the lookout for signs. Several cities list their sales on thebargainwatcher.com. You can also find listings (and ratings) at consignmentmommies.com. If you're in the market for toys/games/activity mats/bouncers, be sure to check these sales out (for babies to young kids). They offer some great savings and many of the items look brand new. Before you go, check recall lists when shopping for toys; many sales try to eliminate those items, but they can only do so much. All battery-operated items are supposed to have working batteries in them for checking how they work. If they don't, I wouldn't buy the item unless it's a REALLY good deal and you don't mind taking the gamble. Also be sure all parts are included. And remember, one of the best parts about buying toys at consignment sales is the ability to try them out before you buy! If you're bored with it, chances are your child will be too.

And if you have items your kids have outgrown or are no longer enjoying, consider signing up to sell at a sale. I was a seller for the first time last fall and had a great experience. Having some extra pocket money (or money to spend on consignment items) is always nice. 


Share your tips for shopping at consignment sales! Also, I'll be posting some links for sales I know about on the Busy Little Monkey Facebook page. If you have some to share, add them there as well so it can become a resource for other readers.

UPDATE: Check out the Discussion tab on the BLM Facebook page to view or add to the list of reader-recommended kids consignment sales!

Busy Ball Popper

A has gotten into her Busy Ball Popper in recent months. At first, when the music came on, she'd run the other way! But now she loves putting the balls in and chasing them around the room when they escape. This weekend, with the help of my mom, she discovered she could put a balloon over the air hole and it would dance around in the air above...and then she tried to stuff the balloon into the ball hole.

Right now, you can print a $5 coupon for the Busy Ball Popper on coupons.com (along with other toys and games).

Toy and Game Coupons from Hasbro and Playskool

Right now, you can find quite a few great coupons for toys and games from Playskool and Hasbro for all ages at coupons.com. You can print these twice per computer. Print them now before they're gone!