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100 Creative Ideas for Frugal Fun with Kids!
Published: by Gretchen on | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.
Get a free sample of L’Oreal Revitalift Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum!
Sign up for a FREE Sample of L’Oreal Revitalift Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum!
Published: by Gretchen on | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.
If you have Alexa or Google Voice Assistant, you can get free sample of Free Sample of Aestura Autobarrier 365 Cream!
Right now, you can get a free sample of Aestura Autobarrier 365 Cream when you tell your Alexa or Google Voice Assistant “Ask Send Me a Sample for Aestura”.
Published: by Meagan on | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.
If you have younger kids and you’re looking for ways to incorporate sensory play on a budget, this post is filled with all kinds of amazing ideas and tips!
The following is a guest post by Lisa Marie George:
As a preschool director, I’ve seen firsthand how crucial play is in the early years of childhood development, especially when it involves engaging the senses.
Sensory play, especially, is a vital part of how young children learn about the world. It helps boost creativity, sharpens motor skills, and supports sensory integration — all through the joy of play.
Fortunately, setting up a sensory play area doesn’t mean you need to spend a fortune or have a specialized space. With some imagination and a few household items, you can create a wonderful sensory playground right in the comfort of your own home.
Whether you’re crunching leaves underfoot, squishing colorful dough, or exploring the scents of a spice rack, every moment of sensory play is a building block for your child’s future.
Let’s get started on creating that special space where little hands and minds can explore, discover, and grow!
What exactly is sensory play? At its core, sensory play is any activity that stimulates a child’s senses: touch, smell, hearing, sight, and taste. Children learn to understand the world around them by engaging their senses through exploration, experimentation, and of course, play.
Handling gooey slime, listening to the chime of metal spoons, smelling fresh herbs, gazing at swirling colors, or tasting a variety of new foods — these experiences aren’t just enjoyable, they’re central to how children take in, analyze, respond to, and ultimately learn from processing sensory information.
Sensory play is actually critical to children’s cognitive growth (source), particularly in areas like language development, numerical understanding, and problem-solving.
What’s even more exciting is that engaging multiple senses simultaneously during play doesn’t just amplify the fun; it cements learning experiences more deeply.
For instance, a child who learns about the concept of ‘orange’ by touching a smooth, cold orange, smelling its zest, and tasting its tangy juice, will likely remember the experience more vividly than if they were just to see a picture of an orange on a flashcard.
By incorporating activities that touch on all these sensory aspects, we provide a rich tapestry of experiences that help children form connections and enhance their ability to retain complex concepts.
Let’s explore how simple, everyday items can become tools for sensory discovery, fostering not just education but also a lifelong love of learning.
Choosing the right spot for a sensory play area in your home can be as simple as looking for spaces that are both safe and easy to clean!
Ideally, this means areas with washable surfaces or floors, like tile or hardwood, which can quickly be wiped down after a session of messy play. (If you’re working with carpet, no worries — a large, wipeable mat or tarp can be a game changer.)
Now, about furnishing the space — flexibility is key. Choose multi-purpose furniture that does double duty and can easily be moved or stored away.
Think lightweight, durable tables that are just the right height for your little ones, and can be tucked away when not in use. Storage ottomans are perfect for this, as they provide both a seating option and a place to stash toys and materials when playtime is over.
Remember, your child’s interests and abilities will evolve, and so should their play space. This doesn’t mean a constant overhaul but rather choosing elements that can be easily adapted.
Adjustable shelves, bins with removable dividers, and curtains that can segment or open up spaces are all excellent choices. These adapt as your child grows — from a toddler who loves crashing blocks to a preschooler who’s fascinated by fine motor skill crafts.
Creating a sensory space that can grow with your child not only makes sense logistically but also ensures a continually stimulating environment that keeps pace with their developmental milestones.
Now, let’s dive into how you can stock this space with materials that are both engaging and easy on the wallet.
Creating an engaging sensory play area doesn’t have to strain your budget. You likely already have many of the materials you need at home, and they’re just waiting to be repurposed! Let’s start with the basics:
Using the materials you gathered, the sky’s the limit on how many DIY sensory projects you can create. For some ideas that are both fun and educational, try:
If you need additional materials, consider these inexpensive and sustainable sources:
By looking around your home and visiting a few budget-friendly stores, you can easily amass a wealth of materials that will enrich your child’s sensory play without breaking the bank.
Creating activities that cater to each of the five senses can provide a holistic sensory experience for your child. Here are some simple and safe ideas that you can implement at home:
Each of these activities is designed to be safe, fun, and highly engaging, ensuring that learning is always at the heart of play.
Creating a sensory play space at home offers is a fantastic way to support your child’s development. It supports creativity, enhances motor skills, and aids in sensory integration — all through the joy of play.
By providing a safe and engaging environment where your little ones can touch, taste, see, smell, and hear, you’re laying the foundation for a love of learning that will extend far beyond these early years.
Take joy in small moments of discovery and learning you cultivate. Encourage exploration and be sure to let your child lead the way in their sensory adventures. Each sensory experience is a stepping stone to a future where your child is not only equipped to handle the world’s complexities but is also capable of appreciating its vast beauty.
Embrace the mess, relish the chaos, and celebrate each little learning milestone with your child. It’s all part of the incredible journey of growing up!
Lisa Marie George is the owner and director of The Anne Brower School in Huntington, NY, where children explore and grow in an enriched, creative, and joyful learning environment. At school, Lisa Marie channels over a decade of experience into instilling a lifelong love of learning in each and every one of her school’s students. At home, Lisa Marie is a mother to three wonderful children, from whom she gains new insights every day. Their curiosity and fresh perspectives continually enrich her understanding and approach to both parenting and early childhood education.
Published: by Gretchen on | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.
If you need new jeans, be sure to check out this sale at Maurices!
Maurices has their M Jeans on sale for only $20 and $25 today! No promo code needed.
There are lots of style and color options available.
Choose free in-store pickup to avoid shipping costs.
Published: by Sarah on | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.
Wow! This is a great deal on Swedish Fish Candy!
Amazon has this Swedish Fish Mini Candy Family Size Bag, 1.8 lb for only $4 when you clip the $0.75 off coupon and check out with Subscribe & Save! This beats the current Walmart price of $6.42.
Sign up for a free trial of Amazon Prime to get free two-day shipping (and possibly one-day or same-day shipping!) with no minimum. If you’re not sure Prime is worth it, read this post for some helpful info to help you decide! And don’t forget you can sign up for Swagbucks to earn free gift cards to use on Amazon deals!
Published: by Gretchen on | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.
Here’s a great Father’s Day gift idea!
Walmart has this Blackstone Adventure Ready 2-Burner 22″ Propane Griddle for just $124 shipped right now!
This has hundreds of five star reviews and would make a great gift for dad!
Published: by Sarah on | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.
Wow! This is a great price on this Walking Pad Treadmill! {Sponsored by WellFit.}
Amazon Prime members can get this this Walking Pad Under Desk Treadmill with Incline for only $139.13 shipped when you clip the $20 e-coupon and use promo code 4JMX6XDO at checkout! This is regularly $349.99 and a fantastic price!
Sign up for a free trial of Amazon Prime to get free two-day shipping (and possibly one-day or same-day shipping!) with no minimum. If you’re not sure Prime is worth it, read this post for some helpful info to help you decide! And don’t forget you can sign up for Swagbucks to earn free gift cards to use on Amazon deals!
Valid through June 16, 2024, while supplies last.
Published: by Gretchen on | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.
Hurry and score a deal on these highly rated Grace & Stella Pimple Patches!
For a limited time, Amazon has these Grace & Stella Pimple Patches for as low as $4.70!
Choose from Round, Heart, or Multishape. Unlike other basic pimple patches, these acne stickers are make with acne-fighting ingredients like tea tree oil and salicylic acid, all while staying vegan, cruelty-free, and safe for all skin types.
Or get these Grace & Stella Purple Eye Treatment Gels, 24 Pairs for just $14.36 shipped when you clip the 30% off e-coupon and check out through Subscribe & Save!
Sign up for a free trial of Amazon Prime to get free two-day shipping (and possibly one-day or same-day shipping!) with no minimum. If you’re not sure Prime is worth it, read this post for some helpful info to help you decide! And don’t forget you can sign up for Swagbucks to earn free gift cards to use on Amazon deals!
Published: by Sarah on | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.
Don’t miss this great price on Adidas socks!
Adidas is offering up to 50% off Adidas socks right now! And, you can get an extra 25% off sale items with code EXTRASALE at checkout! Plus, shipping is free for members (it’s free to join).
Hurry — these are selling out quickly!
Here are a few deals we spotted…
Get these Trefoil Crew Socks 6-Pairs for only $13.50 shipped (regularly $22)!
Get these Kid’s Athletic Cushioned 6-Pack No-Show Socks for just $10.50 shipped after code (regularly $18)!
Get these Trefoil No-Show Socks 6-Pairs for only $13.50 shipped (regularly $22)!
Valid for a limited time only.
Published: by Sarah on | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.
Wow! Score HOT deals with the Kate Spade Outlet right now!
Kate Spade Outlet is offering savings up to 70% off right now! Plus, save an extra 20% off when you use promo code EXTRA20 at checkout!
Here are a few deals that we spotted…
Get this Elsie Pebbled Leather Crossbody for only $68 shipped (regularly $299)! Available in three colors.
Get this Madison Medium Compact Bifold Wallet for only $47.20 after code (regularly $199)! Available in two colors.
Get this Perry Leather Large Backpack for only $92 shipped (regularly $379)! Available in three colors.
Get this Chelsea Medium Backpack for only $79.20 shipped (regularly $299)!
Valid for a limited time only. Shipping is free on orders over $50.
Published: by Sarah on | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.
Lululemon is offering rare discounts on several of their popular belt bags and accessories right now. And shipping is free!
Here are some of the best deals we spotted. Shop quickly before they sell out!
Get this Everywhere Belt Bag 1L for only $29 shipped!
Get this Everywhere Belt Bag 1LRipstop for only $29 shipped! Available in two colors.
Get this Everywhere Belt Bag 1L Canvas for only $29 shipped! Available in two colors.
Get this Clippable Card Pouch for only $24 shipped! Available in two colors.
Get this Mini Belt Bag for only $29 shipped! Available in two colors.
Get this Dual Pouch Wristlet for only $34 shipped! Available in two colors.
Get this Never Lost Keychain for only $14 shipped!
Sarah here – I have a couple Lululemon bags that I love! They are my go-to bags for day-to-day life and hold up really well!
Valid for a limited time only, while supplies last.
Published: by Gretchen on | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.
Love Red Bull? Here’s a great stock up deal!
Amazon has this Red Bull Energy Drink, 8.4 Fl Oz, 24 Cans for just $24.88 shipped when you clip the $6 off e-coupon and checkout through Subscribe & Save!
That’s just $1.04 per can shipped which is a really great deal for these.
Note: Once your order ships, you can go into your Amazon account and cancel your subscription if you don’t want recurring orders.
Published: by Sarah on | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.
Wow! Score fantastic deals on Columbia with this brand new promo code!
Columbia is having a big sale with savings up to 60% off right now! Plus, save an extra 20% off when you use promo code SAVEINJUNE at checkout. Plus, shipping is free for members (it’s free to join)!
Here are a few deals we spotted…
Get this Women’s Kruser Ridge II Plush Softshell Jacket for only $39.99 shipped after code (regularly $180)!
Get this Men’s Steens Mountain Half Zip Fleece Pullover for only $22.40 shipped after code (regularly $65)!
Get this Women’s Fire Side Fleece Hoodie for only $23.99 shipped after code (regularly $110)!
Get this Men’s Castledale Ledge Quarter Zip Pullover for only $24 shipped after code (regularly $50)!
Get this Men’s Gate Racer Insulated Softshell Jacket for only $44.80 shipped after code (regularly $180)! Available in three colors.
Get these Women’s Trailstorm Hiker 2-Strap Sandals for only $33.60 shipped after code(regularly $70)!
Get this Men’s Northern Utilizer Jacket for only $32 shipped after code (regularly $110)!
Get this Infant Powder Lite Reversible Bunting for only $32 shipped (regularly $110)!
Get this Women’s Pike Lake II Cropped Jacket for only $43.99 shipped (regularly $140)! Available in several colors.
Get this Boys’ Big Fir Reversible Jacket for only $32 shipped after code (regularly $80)! Available in four colors. Get the girl’s version here.
Get this Girls’ Katelyn Crest II Hooded Jacket for only $32 shipped after code (regularly $110)! Shop more kid’s styles here.
Valid through June 12, 2024, while supplies last.
Published: by Gretchen on | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.
Grab this Great Grains cereal for a great deal!
Amazon has this Post Great Grains Cranberry Almond Crunch Cereal for just $3.05 shipped when you clip the $0.81 off e-coupon and check out through Subscribe & Save!
That’s a really great deal on this cereal.
Note: Once your order ships, you can go into your Amazon account and cancel your subscription if you don’t want recurring orders.
Published: by Gretchen on | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.
Wow! This is a great deal on women’s socks!
Walmart has this No Boundaries Women’s Low-Cut Socks, 10-Pack for just $3.48 right now!
Choose from several color options.
Choose free in-store pickup to avoid shipping costs. Or shipping is free on orders over $35 (or sign up with Walmart+ to get free shipping on all orders, no minimum!).
And I'll send you 1 to 2 daily emails with the best hand-picked hot deals as they become available!