How to Be Frugal with Toddlers

Raising toddlers can be expensive, but with some thoughtful choices, you can keep costs down without sacrificing fun, learning, or quality. Being frugal with toddlers is all about making the most of free resources, investing in versatile items, and focusing on what truly brings value to their development.

Starting from the beginning with implementing these suggestions definitely helps kids adjust their “excitement” meter for everyday occurrences. I am so thankful that simple things like picnics, reading library books, and creative play have become a staple in our home. They follow after me in finding joy in simple things.

Here are some practical ways to be frugal with toddlers while still giving them a rich and engaging childhood.

Utilize Free Community Resources

• Libraries – Local libraries are a goldmine for free entertainment and education. They offer storytimes, play areas, music classes, and, of course, a constant rotation of books to keep your toddler engaged.

• Parks & Playgrounds – Instead of costly indoor play centers, take advantage of your local parks, trails, and splash pads. These provide fresh air, exercise, and endless fun at no cost.

• Playdates – Organizing playdates with other parents is a great way to entertain your toddler without spending money. Rotate hosting so that each family contributes to the fun in a cost-effective way.

Invest in Open-Ended Toys

Rather than buying trendy toys that your child will outgrow quickly, focus on open-ended toys that encourage creativity and grow with them:

• Building Blocks – LEGOs, wooden blocks, or magnetic tiles provide years of imaginative play.

• Art Supplies – Crayons, markers, paper, and stickers offer unlimited creative possibilities.

• Buckets & Shovels – Great for outdoor adventures, whether at the beach, in the garden, or at the playground. My kiddos favorite thing to do outside is play with old kitchen pots, pans, and spoons in the dirt. You could also easily use old yogurt tubs and takeaway spoons!

• Bikes & Scooters – These provide long-lasting entertainment and encourage physical activity. Look into purchasing second hand.

Lean into Minimalism

Minimalist parenting can help keep clutter under control and prevent unnecessary spending:

• Buy Less, Choose Wisely – Focus on a few high-quality, versatile items rather than accumulating excess toys and gear.
• Rotate Toys – Store some toys away and rotate them periodically to keep things fresh without buying new ones.
• Encourage Experiences Over Things – Opt for fun experiences like picnics, nature walks, or baking together rather than buying more stuff.

Save on Clothing & Essentials

Toddlers grow fast, making it unnecessary to buy everything new:

• Thrift & Buy Second-Hand – Consignment shops, thrift stores, and online marketplaces often have excellent quality kids’ clothing at a fraction of the retail price. I like places like Facebook Marketplace where you can bundle and save on kids clothes. If you ask in a neighborhood group, someone may pass down clothes to you for free!
• Accept Hand-Me-Downs – If friends or family offer used clothes, toys, or gear, take advantage of the savings.
• Limit the Wardrobe – Keep a small, mix-and-match wardrobe with durable, comfortable pieces.
• Buy Less Big Ticket Items – For things like coats and snow boots, I typically buy a size up and try to get two seasons out of them.
• Gender Neutral – If you have multiple kids of multiple genders, consider buying more neutral clothing that could work for both kids. Simple shirts, larger coats, sandals, and snow boots are all examples of things I try to get in a more neutral palette to fit all of my kids.

Cut Costs on Food & Snacks

Feeding toddlers can be expensive, but simple choices can help:

• Less Processed Snacks – Pre-packaged toddler snacks are pricey. Instead, go for simple, whole foods like fruit, yogurt, cheese, and homemade muffins.
• Cook at Home – Preparing meals at home saves money and ensures healthier options.
• Buy in Bulk – Purchasing frequently used items like oatmeal, rice, and pasta in bulk can lead to significant savings.

Embrace DIY & Homemade Solutions

• Make Your Own Playdough – A simple mix of flour, salt, water, and food coloring creates hours of fun.
• DIY Cleaning Wipes – Skip expensive disposable wipes and make your own with cloth wipes and a bit of dish soap.
• DIY Toys – I love to make smaller toys for my kids all the time. This adds a bit of energy back into our play routine and I typically only utilize things that I already own. Take a look at my blog posts for DIY toys for kids here.
• Repurpose Household Items for Play – Everyday simple household items can be integrated into kids’ play. Read more ideas in my blog post, Repurpose Household Items for Kids’ Play here.

Embrace Being Frugal with Toddlers

Being frugal with toddlers doesn’t mean sacrificing quality or fun. By taking advantage of free resources, making thoughtful purchases, and embracing a minimalist approach, you can give your child a fulfilling and joyful upbringing while staying within your budget.