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Tip Store: Children: Books


Building a Cheap Kids Library

Approximate $ Savings: $500+

My children love to read. I have built up a library of books for our children in excess of 120 books over the last 3 years. I figure I have saved well in excess of $500 on buying new or "on special" books at retail stores by becoming a frequent visitor to some of our local charity stores. I have picked up practically brand new, never or hardly read books some with an RRP of $15-20 each for 50 cents to $1 each. I am able to continue to provide my kids with a nice steady, varied selection of books that change over time so that they don't get board with them. My daughter loves coming home to a pile of new book treasures that I have found at our St Vinnies or Salvation Army stores.
Contributed By Rosemary Merlino, 15th January 2011
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Kid's Brag Books

I have three children who have received awards, report cards, photos in the paper, etc since they were little. Storing everything in a box wasn't working as the kids like to look at what they have, and I like to keep it in order. Solution - I bought three Marbig folders in their favourite colours, a box of clear plastic sleeves and some coloured paper. Working forwards from their first award I've placed everything in the folder. Each sleeve can store two A4 items (back-to-back) or if they are smaller you can stick them on to a coloured piece of paper. The children love looking through their folders and I still keep everything in order. Everybody is happy!!!
Contributed by Debbie, New Beith, 8th June 2009
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Free Colouring Books with a Green Message

I don't know if this classes as a hint or not, but i just discovered today my local IGA store are giving away free colouring-in and activity books. This is not the best part though, there is also a colouring-in competition for children up to & incl. 12yrs where there is a store prize, a state prize and even a national prize up for grabs. If this isn't enough with nearly every picture there is a 'green' tip covering things such as composting, planting seedlings, recycling and more.
Contributed by Emma, Guyra, 16th April 2008
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Activity Books that Last Forever


Approximate $ Savings: $100's
My 4 year old loves the sticker and activity books that help with maths, phonics etc and would happily go through one a week. Once you have drawn in them they are "useless" and need to be thrown away. I slip a plastic sleeve over each page (either cut the book and put it into a folder or cut the sleeve and slide over the page) and use the white board markers. She can then use the page as many times as she likes and easily rub out mistakes with a tissue. It works fantastic and I'm no longer being "talked into" new books all the time. This saves about $4-$10 per book.
Contributed by Sharon, Mudgeeraba, 26th July 2007
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Protecting Books

Approximate $ Savings $20-$60.00
Do you get lent books from friends that aren't covered and you want to return it in the same condition you received them? Then try this 60-second solution: grab some Glad Wrap {cling wrap} and wrap all the way around the book just as if you were applying contact. The Glad Wrap adheres at edge and keeps the book clean and protected while in your care. When you're ready to return it, then just peel it off! - Contributed by Jenette, Tamworth, 1st June 2007
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Free Colouring Pages

Save money on colouring books, print out colouring pages: http://www.kidprintables.com/coloring/
Contributed by Kaye, Dianella, May 23rd 2005
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  • Home
  • Join the Club!
    • Twenty Reasons to Join the Cheapskates Club
  • About Us
    • Cath's Story
    • Ask Cath
    • Glossary of Cheapskating Terms
  • Forum
    • Current Forum Discussions
    • How to Use the Member Forum
  • Inspiration
    • Getting Started
    • 31 Days of MOO Index
    • Articles
    • Housekeeping Routines
    • Budget Renovations
    • Saving Stories
    • Learning Centre
  • Recipes
    • Recipe File Index
    • Meal Plans
    • Add a Recipe
    • $300 a Month Food Challenge >
      • $300 a Month Food Challenge
      • The $300 a Month Food Challenge Forum
  • Newsletters
    • Newsletters 2023
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    • Newsletters 2021
    • Newsletters 2020
    • Newsletters 2019
    • Newsletters 2018
    • Newsletters 2017
  • Saving Money
    • Latest Tips 2023
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    • Cheapskates Tip Store
    • Tip Sheets
    • Top Tip Competition
  • Contact
    • Changing Details
    • Help Files