How to Save Money on Sandbox and Beach Toys!

Mar 29

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I'm going to save you SO much money

WHAT I BUY AT DOLLAR TREE – IT'S NOT BEACH AND SAND TOYS

First, let's address the fact that sand toys from just about anywhere are cheap and break so incredibly fast. I just simply cannot justify wasting money on them. I haven't bought any in years at this point. Since we have a giant 8x8 foot sandbox in our backyard. This is what I buy.

The scoop. The Ice scoop, We've had one of these that has literally lasted 2 plus years in our sandbox right now. It's one of the sturdiest kitchen finds that I have found, and is perfect for scooping sand.

Measuring cups and measuring spoons. The best for sand and water play. A perfect water table scooper. Scoop and pour, scoop and pour.

Mixing bowls, they last so much longer than beach pails, and you can still build structures with them, no turrets, but your wallet will thank you

The Meat stirrer thing what do we even call this thing? It's amazing for stirring sand and water and potions and water play and so much more.

The butter dish, It's great for building sand creations.

The pet food dish, you can build with it, you can serve 'food' with it. It's super versatile.
The one thing they didn't have that day, but we still have in our sand box from last year...the cat litter scoop. So fun for watching sand fall.

The cheap fun doesn’t end there

Next, let's look at what I repurpose from my house and throw outside for my kid’s sand and water play.

Yogurt containers have been many things in our yard bug habitats, potion containers, hats, "shoes" for our toddler, so many things. A plus side for these, the lids are easy to poke holes in for insect habitats oxygen needs.

Supplement bottles. These are generally the sturdiest types of bottles that last forever and a day. And a lot of them are the perfect size for stashing in pockets. Mom beware on laundry day though.

Applesauce containers, another favorite for mixing things and transporting water around the yard

Laundry detergent bottles! These are the BEST for summer water play. fill it up and they can dispense for hours and use all kinds of ways!

Spice bottles, the ones with the shaker tops are the favorite around here.

Sturdy Take Out containers, fantastic for mud kitchen play

Exhibit A that this works? We currently have an empty Oxi Clean container sitting on our front porch with a poisonous caterpillar habitat in it. Because, kids.

So you don't have to spend a ton of money to give your kids a good time. Whether its a dirt pit, a sand box, or just a puddle in your driveway, it's affordable and durable from the Dollar Tree kitchen or pet section, or free from your kitchen and laundry room.

Link to the Dollar Tree Instagram post - here
Link to the Repurposing Instagram post - here

Happy Sand and Water Play Season!
Melinda

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