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Hi I was wondering whether you use the catalogue es such as hope .or do u manage o get everything you need from the various shops abound only I was going to order one off those cataloguez as I think I might be able to get loads that I will need as I. Just starting out x:D
I have tryed to register with child care.co .uk but no luck doesn't recognise my e mail address
I buy lots from ebay, charity shops etc. I have used some catalogues but they can be really expensive. You do not need to buy new you can buy 2nd hand as long as it is in good condition. I love TTS and have a wish list but have only bought a couple of things when I got given a grant.
PM Richard or email the team at childcare with your problem and I am sure they will sort it quickly.
I am an Achica Addict - you have to be up early to catch the real bargains, but I've managed to buy a lot of Melissa &Doug at a third of the real price.
e bay is another good source along with charity shops in really posh areas.
I discovered the firm Cosy at the childcare exhibition - some good value natural outdoor resources which also stimulated Dh to make a balance trail for me out of cut up logs and a mud kitchen from stuff from the garage and shed.
My budget was the government grant - managed to equip virtually from scratch and still have 100 left.
I love charity shops and car boot sales. The look on the mindees faces when Gail has a new toy to share is priceless. They normally only cost £1 too x
Charity shops...
eBay and gumtree...
IKEA...
Then use local shops who have sales and offers on...
If I have spare money I'll spend from the catalogues on one or two really nice things :thumbsup:
Sarah x
I used my own children's toys when I first started out.
Now I spend a lot of time looking in charity shops for things, sometimes car boots or nearly new sales - look out for NCB sales in your area you can often pick up great bargains there.
I look at specialist suppliers usually only when they have sales on; ebay is great, also freecycle - put on a wanted ad if there is something specific you want, you might be lucky.
I also get a lot of stuff donated from parents and I share resources with other childminders.
Register for voucher schemes with supermarkets such as Sainsburys (Active Kids) and Morrisons (Lets Grow) and ask parents to save vouchers for you.
Don't forget places like the Pound shops, Home Bargains, Wilkos as well as supermarkets - you can often pick up things at a fraction of the cost the specialist suppliers charge.
Lastly, don't buy too much until you know what ages of children you are going to be looking after or you might find you've wasted your money.
Miffy xx
I buy most of my toys from charity shops. I have got a couple of things from my local facebook sell and seek group as well.
I did buy some new story books from Morrisons last week, but only because they were on sale.
Please get in touch at Contact Us - Childcare.co.uk and we will be happy to help you.
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Originally Posted by rachelmama
ebay, amazon, charity shops, boot fairs and also use madcafe alot on facebook
Ebay, charity shops, facebook sites, church fetes. I buy my craft stuff from Baker Ross.
Car boots, sales at ELC and Argos passed down from grandchildren