Are Saxon Math Manipulatives K-3 worth it?

[Jackpackbaby]

I am going to try saxon math K with my DS and found the teacher's guide and meeting book new for 20.00 (I also found them used on Amazon.com for 19.00!) anyway, I still need to purchase the manipulatives but are they really worth it? I have read conflicting reviews. Do I need all of the manipulatives in K? Is this stuff that is easier and cheaper to find elsewhere? Thanks for the help everyone!:

[Theoretica]

The text uses the specific manipulatives. At the same time, the large majority of manipulatives (pattern blocks, counting bears etc) can be found at Walmart or a school suppy store much cheaper than what Saxon offers. Also, check your local homeschool support group to see if someone has a used set they'd like to part with.

HTH!

[Smithie]

Rainbow Resource Center sells a package to go with Saxon that I think they put together themselves. I have found them to be very convenient and my kids love them.

Heads up - the K course asks you to make a lot of copies. You might want to take the textbook down to Kinko's and get that out of the way before you even start!