Nine ways to save money on toys

No doubt about it, kids love toys and everything about them. However, with the growing prices and all the brand new toys that come out seasonally, keeping up can be expensive. You can afford to cut back on toy expenses without losing any of the fun of playing. We put together an extensive list of the top nine ways to save money on toys and games, no matter how many fads there are.

1. Yard sales- Browse the selection here, you may even find a few great classics. Great finds are often found at garage and yard sales when people are in a rush to move. Even if you don't find anything, a weekend morning spent searching garage sales is always a fun time.

2. Thrift & Secondhand stores-So the idea of buying toys at a Salvation Army may not be alluring, but give it a try. You save a bunch, and may even find toys that haven't yet left their package. The toy selection at Once Upon a Child is worth nothings you buy online?- Sometimes you can find a toy cheaper online, but be cautious. Take the cost of shipping (and weight) into consideration. Once you have the total including shipping and handling, ensure that the price is still cheaper than simple retail. 

3. What isn't being used- When you notice a toy is being used, stash it somewhere (your child probably won't notice). When you build up a collection, exchange the toys for another set from a friend. You'll come home a hero with a interesting new box of toys.

4. Right after Christmas- Right after the holiday, everything stores offer are deeply discounter (sometimes up to 80%!) to make room for the new seasonal merchandise. So many retailers are dying to get rid of the inventory.

5. Free toys?- Browse Freecycle and the free section of Craigslist for toys. People that hate to throw things away will give them away.

6. Is it really a bargain?- Just because you found it in the clearance section, doesn't mean the discount is really that great. I've even seen items place there that were a pathetic $0.25 off. Check the original price first.

7. Look around- By now, you've probably figured out that the price of almost everything varies from retailer to retailer. When it comes to larger toy purchases, do your research. Check the stores in your town as well as online stores like Amazon, Buy.com and Etoys. You could also use an online price comparison search engine. We like PriceGrabber.

8. Return unwanted toys- If your child receives a toy that may not be their favorite, exchange that item for a more favored one.

9. Use toy coupons- Everybody loves saving money with coupons. Find them at Retail Me Not, Daily E Deals or Coupon Cabin. You can also get them straight from the stores that sell toys, like Target .

 Finally, do keep safety first. Secondhand toys could have safety issues. Be sure to check the U.S. Government's Consumer Product Safety Division's Website to confirm your "new to you" toy doesn't have a problem.