I figure this could help others, not just me.
We are pretty broke this Christmas. Not destitute broke (I still have a job with income). But, I just put on a new roof, and we have had a bunch of car problems that required parts...etc. So, the kids aren't getting tablets or game systems, or other high end stuff.
The wife and I have been making a list of stuff we can either make or not spend much on. Think bang for your buck. We have a full range of kids from 18 month old, to 2 teenagers and 3 in between. My kids are artsy and like to play games. I have been looking at more "pioneer" or settler type games and toys. If anyone has any ideas, feel free to add.
Here is the list I have made so far:
Make:
stilts
wooden airplane
wooden guns
jewelry box
drawing board
wood blocks
beads on a wire (think doctors office toys for toddlers)
ring toss
jump rope
sling shot (david and goliath style)
toy box
drawing notebook (buy paper, bind it diy style)
piggy bank
cat's craddle string with illustrations (and later youtube searching for tips)
button string spinner
sword/shield/helmet roman style (sword and shield out of wood, helmet out of foam)
toddler puzzle
chess board
buy:
rubix cube
puzzles with 1000+ pieces
marbles
wooden dinosaur skeleton (harbor freight has cheap ones)
dominoes
chess pieces
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