Mommy FTW

Having a child can be so expensive – so here’s a simple and free idea to help save you some cash, and keep your little one happy as well!  Recently I started a toy exchange with two other local moms that have boys around Cameron’s age.  We each brought several toys to a playgroup meet up, then did a little swap (while the boys weren’t looking – of course).  That way, the guys can have new things to play with, and then when they get their toys back at after the agreed upon amount of time has passed (we decided a month) they will be new and exciting again.  Here’s a few tips if you want to start your own exchange:

1) Exchange with other parents who have kids around your child’s age, and sex (I hate to say it, but it really seems like boys are interested in different things than girls – Cameron and his boy friends love trucks, cars, mechanical things – and anything that rolls).

2) Agree upon the length of time for the exchange.

3) Realize that things might break, or not come back in pristine condition!  Hey, I know Cameron is a little destroyer, and I wouldn’t expect anything less from another toddler.

4) Clean your toys before you exchange them, and before you return them.

It’s easy, and it’s free -so ask your friends if they are interested!

I know mommy always thinks she knows best, but sometimes the gifts you get from other people that you wouldn’t have bought yourself turn out to be the best ones.  These toys have consistently Cameron’s favorites, and are also extremely popular at playgroup.

Playskool Busy Ball-Tivity Center

Cameron got this “Activity Center” from one of Matt’s Co-workers when he was about 1 month old.  We kept it in the closet until he was about 6 months old.  When we finally broke it out, I was very unimpressed with it.  It didn’t seem to do much at all, and I found the music it played to be annoying.  Well, shows what I know – this has been, and still is, one of Cameron’s favorite toys.  He loves the music, loves the spinning balls, loves everything about this toy!  And so do the other kids at playgroup.  There is generally a crowd around it.

CAT 3-in-1 Ride-On Dump Truck

When this gigantic ride on truck showed up in the mail, I thought, “What am I going to do with this huge thing?!”  It also arrived when Cameron was very young, like the activity center.  Once he was crawling we took it out of the box, and he immediately began pushing it around the apartment.  It also honks and makes noises when you press the buttons – exciting stuff!  Now, Cameron is using it as a walker.  It is also a ride on if you lift up the back part.  All of the kids at playgroup are immediately drawn to this toy.  So if you’ve got room for a big, ugly, dump truck in your living room… go for it!  Your baby will love you for it.

Cameron’s first birthday was at the end of November, so he just got a bunch of new toys.  If you are looking for some ideas of what to get your little one – maybe these suggestions will help.

School bus from fisher price:

Cameron pushes this thing all around the apartment!

Magnetic letters (these are a great distraction while I am making Cam food):

Keep your baby busy while you're in the kitchen

If you prefer wooden magnetic letters, Melissa and Doug make some.  They also make some wooden magnetic animals that are super cute!

Classic Radio Flyer bike:

So far Cam just rings the bell, but I know he will grow into this toy!

Matchbox cars:

I'm sure these will be a favorite for years to come

Some of these items should get years of use – I remember playing with magnetic letters on my fridge while growing up for a long time!  Anyways, I hope this gives you some ideas.  Generally, it’s not too late to order from Amazon with standard shipping in most cases.  And if you have Amazon Prime, you have until the 21st!  Just check on each product to see what Amazon recommends.  Good luck!

Update:

Just got an email:

JCrew Coupon Code 25% off Orders of $150 or more

Coupon Code: GIFTS

Expiration Date: 12/6/09

Now that Black Friday and Cyber Monday are over, the coupon codes and Friends and Family sales are back!  Here’s some new ones for you all:

Timberland coupon – Friends & Family Sale: 40% off purchases

Coupon Code: FFDEC9
Expiration Date: 12/07/2009

Back To Basics Toys coupon – Up to 20% off purchases

Coupon Code: DECSAV9
Expiration Date: 12/15/2009

Lord & Taylor coupon – 20% off regular and sale merchandise + free shipping offer

Coupon Code: GREAT
Expiration Date: 12/08/09

Betsey Johnson coupon – Friends & Family: 30% off all merchandise + free shipping offer

Coupon Code: FF2009
Expiration Date: 12/07/09

Macy’s coupon – Friends & Family: 25% off + free shipping offer

Coupon Code: MACYSFRIEND
Expiration Date: 12/07/09

CCS coupons – 20% off orders over $99 or free shipping on $30

Coupon Code: LKS69DS5, LKS69DS3
Expiration Date: 01/02/2010

Linens ‘N Things coupon – 10% off your orders + extra $10 off coupon for future use

Coupon Code: SAVE10N10
Expiration Date: 12/08/2009

Lucky Brand coupon – Friends & Family Sale: Save 30% on purchases

Coupon Code: 9DECFFE
Expiration Date: 12/13/2009

GameStop coupon – 10% off video games $20 or more + free shipping

Coupon Code: BEMERRY
Expiration Date: 12/21/2009

GapKids coupon – 25% of purchases

Coupon Code: L9N2H2YK7HTL
Expiration Date: 12/06/2009

The Body Shop coupon – 20% off your order

Coupon Code: FNF2009
Expiration Date: 12/7/2009

Melissa and Doug is having another sale at the Mini Social. They’ve got all new toys for the Holiday Season.  So help Santa get an early start on things and check it out!

If you aren’t a member of the Mini Social yet, sign up using my link!

Cold season is upon us, and is hitting this household especially hard!  I’ve been trying to wash Cameron’s toys regularly, but I got tired of doing it all by hand…. so I decided to chuck them in the dishwasher.  It was so much easier!

Melissa and Doug is having another sale at the Mini Social.  I snagged some toys for Cameron at Christmas that were sold out last time.  Check it out!  Things are going fast!

If you aren’t a member of the Mini Social yet, sign up using my link.

Last time, sold out - this time - got it!

Brooklyn Junior Opening Party

You might recognize this old storefront on Clinton near Myrtle

New details were posted on Parents Around the Hill (via Fort Greene Kids) about the Kids store that is comming to Clinton Hill / Fort Greene.  Check out the website and Blog for the clothing line / store named Brooklyn Junior where you can read more about the clothes and see what they look like.  Super cute!  Of course the store will also have some toys and accessories.  I am hoping once it opens I won’t have to trek over to Area Kids for Birthday Presents…. with this place and Greenlight Bookstore, we are set!

The opening party is Halloween Night, 6-9pm.  After that, regular business hours will be Tuesday – Sunday 12-6pm (closed Mondays).  CLICK HERE TO GET A COUPON FOR 10% OFF!! Valid until 12/31/09.  I will visit once the store is open and post some pics!

The Mini Social just announced the Melissa and Doug sale has started!  Snap up some high quality toys, mommies!  If you aren’t a member of the Mini Social yet, sign up using my link!  Thanks in advance!!

Plan wooden toys are beautifully made, and are some of Cameron’s favorite.  They can also be a little pricey, so I was super excited when I got my email today from the Mini Social saying there was a Plan toy sale going on!  Clearly, I am not the only excited shopper out there, because it seems like these toys are selling out fast.  Here’s a small sample:

Plan Bus

Plan Train

If you haven’t signed up to the Mini Social yet, click through my link!

I can get 10$ if I refer you. Happy Shopping!