Purchasing toys - how often

**donnahay0** · 13-04-2008, 07:45 PM

Was just wondering how often you all purchase toys?

Do you tend to do 2 or 3 main shops for toys and other resources each year or do you budget a set weekly/monthly amount and purchase regularl?

**miffy** · 13-04-2008, 08:00 PM

Well if I'm truthful I buy things when I see them which is most times I go shopping

I am hopeless and always buying something for the children even if it's only small things like craft materials

Oh and I don't have a budget either - see said I was hopeless

miffy xx

**Kelly** · 13-04-2008, 08:01 PM

I TRY to only buy new toys if I need them (by new I mean new/used toys), however I find myself at car boots/NCT sales etc all the time and I just can't seem to stop myself, when I'm there I tell myself I need it! When I get home and wonder why have I bought them most of the time!

I have no strict guidance to when I buy them.

Kelly

**Monkey1** · 13-04-2008, 08:01 PM

Usually when i see a bargain, which like Miffy says thats most times i go shopping!!!!!

**angeldelight** · 13-04-2008, 08:02 PM

I buy them if I can afford them or if I see something that catches my eye

Dont even ask about arts and crafts because I cannot pass a shop with out spending

Angel xx

**crazybones** · 13-04-2008, 08:02 PM

Too often.

**NikNak** · 13-04-2008, 08:05 PM

does anyone buy toys that are really for the benefit of their own children and still put them down as expenditure?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

**Kelly** · 13-04-2008, 08:14 PM

have to admit it, I do, but most of their toys are shared with the minded children.

**NikNak** · 13-04-2008, 08:20 PM

Yeah I do, but like you all toys are shared with mindees too. It seems a bit of a taboo subject and I feel bit guilty! But I think it is one of the perks of childminging actually! I have even been thinking ahead as far as christmas presents! Am I the only one?! x

**sarah707** · 13-04-2008, 08:21 PM

My 2 are much older, so no I don't do that!

I do buy too much, too often though!

**Jinx** · 13-04-2008, 08:30 PM

Originally Posted by sarahnev707

My 2 are much older, so no I don't do that!

My kids are older too, 3 teenagers and a 7 year old, but they love the toys I buy for the babies I mind!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Think I must have deprived them as babies and or, made them grow up too quick!

Jinx x

**Spangles** · 13-04-2008, 08:39 PM

I buy things as I see them too!

I don't have a budget, that's way too confusing for me!

I don't put my son's toys that I buy him on my accounts but if I buy something that is meant to be used by everyone and that I wouldn't have bought him otherwise then I do. However, it is tempting sometimes but I don't give in! Ha ha!

**crazybones** · 13-04-2008, 08:41 PM

Do you think I could claim a percentage of the new Mario game for the Wii. I know they are all going to want to play it after school tomorrow.

**Lou** · 13-04-2008, 08:44 PM

Originally Posted by annie337

Do you think I could claim a percentage of the new Mario game for the Wii. I know they are all going to want to play it after school tomorrow.

Absoulutly!!!!

Put it all through, if ever questioned you bought it for the mindees x

**manjay** · 13-04-2008, 08:45 PM

Errr how often? Daily probably. If I can't manage to get to the shops I can usually find something on the internet.

I do't have a budget as such. If I want something and it is not too extortionate I will buy it. I don't put my childrens specific presents (like birthday) through but most other things are bought with mindees in mind and so go through my books

**Twinkles** · 13-04-2008, 09:27 PM

How often ? Most weekends

I find it hard to go into ELC and not buy something. However, I do buy a lot of second hand stuff.
I have a lean to/conservatory attached to my playroom and it is FULL of toys.
My main weakness is craft stuff though.

**Minnie Minx** · 13-04-2008, 09:28 PM

Originally Posted by angeldelight

I buy them if I can afford them or if I see something that catches my eye

Dont even ask about arts and crafts because I cannot pass a shop with out spending

Angel xx

That is so true, when we went shopping you and carol only bought childminding things lol

xx

**miffy** · 13-04-2008, 09:30 PM

Originally Posted by Minnie Minx

That is so true, when we went shopping you and carol only bought childminding things lol

xx

And Angel was even shopping for me too

miffy xx

**donnahay0** · 14-04-2008, 07:03 AM

Oh how nice to know that I am completely normal then. I ordered loads of stuff from Toys R Us cost I wasn't going that way and wanted everything yesterday. Then at the weekend I went to Toys R Us and got loads more - heaven knows where I am going to put it all.

I don't budget either - my husband said I should. Now I know everybody else doesn't I don't feel so bad at not being organised.

p.s. my weakness is craft stuff and stationery (my family think i'm bonkers) cos I love it so much.

**LittleMissSparkles** · 14-04-2008, 07:18 AM

I would say I buy something every week without fail.... hubbys usually says do you need that really !!! yes of course I do ...LOL If I see something I think the kids will like I buy it, got lovely hopscotch game ( huge foam shapes that fit together with removable numbers in it ) for £4 and a velcro ball game for £2 from Tesco the other day xxx