Child’s play: how to cut the cost of buying toys in the UK

theguardian.com:

The cost of living crisis is putting pressure on every aspect of household finances but children still need toys to play with. However, rather than buying new play sets and games, more and more parents are finding thriftier and more sustainable ways to keep their children entertained. Here’s how.

Facebook Marketplace is a great way to source cheap toys in your local area. Not only can you get some bargains – especially if you haggle – you can often have that bargain in your possession pretty promptly, which is excellent if, say, you check the weather forecast, see a heatwave approaching at the weekend, and suddenly realise you’ve forgotten to buy a paddling pool.

Vinted also sells secondhand toys as well as preowned children’s clothes, while the Octopus Club is another preloved marketplace for parents. It is up to buyers and sellers to manage the transactions themselves: some will ask for cash, some PayPal, some a bank transfer. Do what you are comfortable with, make sure you see the goods before handing over any money, and be wary of anyone who asks for a deposit.

Also consider joining local parents’ groups on Facebook or WhatsApp, which can be a great place to pick up, and sell on, secondhand toys and books. People usually send pictures of the items they are selling, the prices, and a location for collection. Then it is up to you to get in touch. Usually it’s first come, first served. Ask around to see if there are any groups you can be added to in your area.

They have long been a go-to destination for anyone in search of a bargain, so toy hunters of all ages should make a beeline for the children’s section to see what they can find. Sometimes it will turn up nothing; sometimes it will turn to gold.

Katy Mowbray says her