--- title: "How to save money on toys and still keep kids happy" description: "A guide to how to save money on toys: buy fewer and better, rotate what you have, use libraries and second-hand, and set limits for birthdays and holidays." author: "Wealtie Team" published: 2026-11-11 updated: 2026-11-11 category: "Budgeting" canonical: https://wealtie.com/blog/save-money-on-toys --- # How to save money on toys and still keep kids happy To save money on toys, buy fewer that get played with for longer, rotate the ones you have, borrow from toy libraries and buy second-hand. In a worked example, a family cuts toy spending from 50 a month to 20 without children noticing much difference. ## Key takeaways - Fewer toys that get played with for longer often cost less and keep children more engaged. - Rotating toys, putting some away and bringing them back later, makes old toys feel new. - Toy libraries, swaps and second-hand toys cost far less than new. - In a worked example, a family cuts toy spending from 50 a month to 20. ## How do you save money on toys? Buy less, choose better, and make the most of what you already have. Many families end up with more toys than children play with, bought as small treats, gifts and impulse buys. A few changes can cut the cost a lot, and often children play better with fewer toys. ## Where does toy spending go? Here's a worked example for a family, in round numbers that work in any currency: | | Monthly | | --- | --- | | Before: small treats, impulse buys, add-ons | 50 | | After: fewer, chosen toys and second-hand | 20 | ![Monthly toy spending. Before: 50, After: 20.](https://us-1-s3.polodev.net/wealtie-blog-media/posts/2026/11/monthly-toy-spending-before-50-after-20-1c20e25076.webp "Source: Worked example in round numbers") That's 30 a month, or 360 a year. Most of the saving came from small purchases, like a toy at the supermarket checkout or a magazine with a plastic gift, that weren't played with for long. ## Which toys are worth buying? Ones that can be played with in many ways, for a long time. Building blocks, art supplies, dress-up clothes, balls, books and simple figures tend to get used for years. Toys that do one thing, especially ones tied to a short-lived trend, are often forgotten quickly. Before buying, ask whether your child will still play with it in six months. If the answer's probably not, it's a candidate to skip. Toys that grow with a child, like building sets that can be added to over time, often offer the best value, since each addition extends the life of what you already have. ## What is toy rotation? Putting some toys away and bringing them back later. Keep a smaller selection out, and store the rest in a box. Every few weeks, swap some. Toys that come back after a break feel new, and children often play with them more than when everything is out at once. It costs nothing, cuts the urge to buy something new, and makes tidying easier. A clear box under the bed or in a cupboard is enough. Many parents find their children play longer and more creatively with fewer toys out, and the house feels calmer too. ## Where can you get toys cheaply? Several places: - **Toy libraries**, where you borrow toys like books, if there's one near you - **Second-hand shops and online marketplaces**, where toys are often barely used - **Swaps with other families**, trading toys children have outgrown - **Hand-me-downs** from older siblings, cousins or friends - **Libraries**, which lend books and sometimes games Check second-hand toys for safety: no small parts for young children, no damage, and nothing that's been recalled. [Buying second-hand](https://wealtie.com/blog/buy-second-hand) has more on what to check. ## How do you handle birthdays and holidays? Set limits and share ideas. Agree a budget for gifts with family and friends, or suggest a few things your child needs or would love. Some families use a simple rule, like something they want, something they need, something to wear and something to read. Experiences, like a day out or a class, can make good gifts too. If your child receives lots of toys at once, keep some aside to bring out later in the year. A gift saved for a rainy day in March often gets more attention than the tenth present opened on the same morning. Grandparents and relatives are often happy to contribute to one bigger, useful gift, or to savings, if you suggest it. ### How do you stop the pester power? Plan around it. Avoid toy aisles when you can, and agree before a shopping trip that you're not buying toys. A small amount of pocket money lets older children save for something they want, which teaches them to choose and wait. [Pocket money by age](https://wealtie.com/blog/pocket-money-by-age) has ideas. ## How much should you spend on toys? Whatever fits your budget after essentials and savings. A set monthly amount, plus planned amounts for birthdays and holidays, stops toy spending from creeping up through small treats. Some families keep toy purchases to those occasions, and use the rest of the year for free play, library visits and outdoor time. Children rarely notice, especially if old toys are rotated back in. ### What about toys you no longer need? Sell, donate or swap them. Toys in good condition can be sold or passed on, and the money can go toward something your child will use. Children can help choose what goes, which teaches them about value and giving. Doing a sort before birthdays and holidays makes room for new things and stops toys piling up. ## How do you track toy spending in Wealtie? Give toys their own line in your [expense categories](https://wealtie.com/features/categories), so you can see what they cost over a year. A share of your monthly limit in the [budget tracker](https://wealtie.com/features/budgets) keeps small treats from adding up unnoticed. ## Questions people ask ### How can I save money on toys? Buy fewer toys that can be played with in many ways, rotate what you have, use toy libraries and second-hand, and set limits for gifts. ### What is toy rotation? Keeping a small selection of toys out and storing the rest, then swapping them every few weeks so old toys feel new. ### Are second-hand toys safe? Usually, if you check for damage, small parts for young children and any recalls before buying. ### How do I stop my child asking for toys every shop? Avoid toy aisles, agree before shopping that you're not buying toys, and give older children pocket money to save for things they want. *This article is general information, not financial, tax or legal advice. Your situation is your own; check the numbers that apply to you before you act on them.*