Overheard at my house:
DH: Are we breaking our resolution by taking this vacation?
Me: No, because we aren’t buying stuff.
DH: So, we’re okay as long as we have nothing to show for the trip?
Me: Exactly!
We might not come home with souvenirs, but we will come home with wonderful memories, shared experiences, and hundreds of pictures. However, I realize that my two year old, is not quite so philosophical. He will see toys at strategically placed shops around the parks and museums we visit, and he will want one or two. So, I have rummaged through the boxes of old toys in the garage and come up with some treats to give him throughout our stay:
Some of these items were purchased 15 years ago when we took our older kids to San Diego for the first time. They are not in perfect condition, but they still have many years of play left in them, and more importantly, Rew will love them.
For more frugal ideas visit, Frugal Friday at Life as Mom.
Porch Days says
I hope you have a great vacation!
halfdozendaily says
You are such a smart cookie! 😉 I never would have thought of this, sadly. *blush*
Your Frugal Friend, Niki says
Good thinking! I only have one kiddo and he is young so we haven't been many places with him yet. But as we are planning a Disney trip I am starting to stock up on Disney items I am finding cheaply here. The prices of souvenirs are insane once you get to the location!
Alea says
Rebecca- That is a brilliant idea!
If I did not have so many leftovers from the first batch (as my dh calls our older kids), I would have visited the local thrift shop or ebay to try and find compacty items. However, after watching some of the ridiculous bidding wars on ebay, your idea is probably more frugal!
Struggler says
Great idea to foresee the request for "new" toys and prepare accordingly! Have a lovely trip.
Melissa says
What a great idea!
Have a wonderful vacation. 🙂