Could someone have told me or sent out some kind of memo telling me that my kids could have the time of their lives for a mere 5 cents? Could someone tell me why we ever put anything in their Christmas stockings other then latex balloons? Or why every kid meal doesn't just automatically come with one? I USED TO BE one of those parents that would distract their kids at the restaurants with the balloons. You know, "look kids! a deer!", as we scurried them past. And those waiters or waitresses that offered our kids one, never we're in my good graces. I know, shame on me, all good parents like to be smacked in the back of the head with them on the ride home, or, heaven forbid, walk into the store (to grab some milk) with their hair standing on end. But the appeal of the cheapness and joy-filled fun has changed my tune. Mind you, I will still hone my distraction skills in the presence of it's evil twin, helium-filled balloon. Because that's just a whole different ball game.
So thank you Padington's, for opening my eyes and supplying hours upon hours of entertainment with your balloons on a stick. It only cost us $20 a pizza. (True. We don't go there for your balloons, but still, don't you know there's a recession going on? I kid. Who doesn't love great pizza in an old-school pizza parlor setting.)
But it's good to know, that next time my kids are bored with their $25-$50 toys, all I need to do is run down to the dollar store and pick me up a little piece of latex, blow some air in it, and toss it up into the air, and the gracefulness and shine of this intriguing object will keep them
And to think all I had to do was give up 1 drink from Starbucks or Dutch Bros (sorry mid-west, east-coasters, you're missin' out), for 6 months of giggly pleasure.
My birthday and Christmas shopping just got a whole lot easier...Any other good ideas for cheap, and by cheap I mean basically free, entertainment? Do share. I know you've got 'em!
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7 comments:
I agree. Why do we spend money on expensive toys when balloons are so entertaining?! I am in the midst of decluttering the kids room and am getting rid of ALOT of unwanted and/or broken toys. Such a waste.
Balloons are the best. My kids like to employ the "catch and release" method of ballooning. Everyone thinks they've accidentally let it go and rush to get them another one. And the cycle continues.
My 4 year old just purchased balloons with her own money 2 days ago and they have been a JOY!
Yesterday I bought Kaeden a "puffy fish" at Walgreens for $1.99 (that's what he calls it). It's made out of some kind of rubbery material - kind of like a balloon. You can squeeze it, pull on it, and if you hit it then a little ball inside will light up. He has taken it everywhere with him - including the bath!
Balloons are great once we get over the fear of them chocking on them. Other cheap entertainment? Baking soda in an empty parmesan container, vinegar in a spray bottle, scrub brushes, and a dirty bathtub. You get your tub more or less clean at the same time.
I love things that are cheap and the kids spend hours with them, I totally agree, why buy all the expensive toys when they just sit there and collect dust! Love Padingtons too..hm, wonder what we should have for dinner tonight! :) By the way, hope you don't mind I'm going to add you to my blog list! I have enjoyed meeting you at Women's retreat and look forward to more times! :0)
Came across your blog through MckMama's.
Cheap and fun--glow sticks from the dollar store. My kids played with them for over an hour one night and I had the best time taking pictures. Check it out here: http://momofadamabbyandrew.blogspot.com/2009/03/were-glowing.html
Boxes made into forts are always good for some fun too!
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