Shopping for baby- Cheap and Natural?

[sssheri]

I really want to only buy US made non-toxic toys for my daughter, but can't spend $20+ dollars on each toy. Does anyone have any good tips for where to get inexpensive natural toys? Used is great, but I checked ebay and there wasn't much.

[sere234]

We have mostly wood and plush toys, not all made in the US though. We only bought 1 or 2 new and the rest were consignment sale and garage sale deals or gifts. Maybe hint to your family and friends that you'd like these kinds of toys as b-day/Christmas gifts for your kid(s)?

[blue butterfly]

you can find some great naturals toys on etsy for pretty good prices!!!

[Oliver'sMom]

Why not make your child's toys yourself?  I've made my kids a lot of their toys using simple items from around the house like socks, worn out jeans etc... There are a ton of free on-line tutorials on how to make just about anything your heart desires.  There's also a great toy and doll making forum right here on MDC :)

[matthia]

I second trying your hand at making a few toys. I don't know how old your little one is but cloth blocks and soft balls are easy and hours of entertainment, dolls or stuffies are a little harder but do-able...I would try and make a bunch and then maybe save your money for just a FEW nice toys, an instrument (my 6mo loves his tambourine), a play food set, etc...

Also, remember too that kids need WAY fewer toys than you want to buy them (I'm super guilty of that) BUT also, quality toys will last a long time, not just quality-material wise but playability. An instrument will start off as just another teether, become something to smack, become something to make a racket with, become something to make a tune with, become a prop in "rock star". A good quality doll with start off as something to chew, become something to throw, become "baby", become a character in an expanding world of imagination.

When you say you can't spend 20$ on each toy, what are you thinking of here? 20$ for a wooden teething ring, ok, I totally agree. Or 20$ for one of those washcloth dolly things (that's basically a facecloth with a head and sometimes hands) I don't get that either, but I would spend more than that on a real cotton/wool doll that DS can use for the next 3, 4, 5 years....