Reader Dawn recently wrote me and asked for ideas on how to save money when buying kids’ bicycles and tricycles.
Like me she has a set of preschool-aged twins, and, if she’s anything like me, could really use the wheels to help wear the kiddos out!
I suggested the following to her:
- Put the word out to every person you know and see if anyone has bikes and trikes they’d be willing to give you or sell to you for cheap.
- Put the word out on Freecycle. This is a great place to get free stuff (and get rid of stuff you don’t need anymore).
- Shop garage sales and consignment shops. I was able to pick up a bike and tricycle in great condition for about $10 each a couple of summers ago.
That was about the extent of my advice, but I’m guessing some of you may have better ideas.
How do you save money when shopping for kids’ bicycles and tricycles? Please share!
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
I don’t have any extra advice for Dawn – you already hit the major tips. But for those readers out there who find themselves with a too-small or too-young bike, trike, or those awesome plastic car things; please, please, please consider donating them to a local preschool or daycare. Those things are expensive and get used up about 50 times faster than they do at a normal home. Plus, most preschools should be able to give you a donation slip to use on your taxes.
Same goes for old-but-still-wearable clothes, art supplies, empty containers, and of course, toys.
We get most of our bikes from Craigslist or from other members of our MOMS Club who are selling them. For my older son’s bike, I waited until TRU had a great sale, then used a coupon and gift cards I’d gotten free from MyPoints. Then I can re-sell his bike when he outgrows it and get money to buy the next one.
Big Lots sometimes has inexpensive bikes in the spring. We also picked one up at Toys ‘R’ Us. Sign up for the birthday club to recieve a gift card. Also look for coupons. One other thought…if friends or family ask for gift ideas, let them know your little one(s) could use some wheels (or gift card or $ towards the purchase).
We often find bikes at our local thrift stores. We just found a Thomas the Tank Engine bike for our 3 year old for a mere $3.25 at Goodwill. Craigslist, newspaper ads, and thrift shops are my 3 go-to places. Make nice with a clerk at your thrift store and ask them to give you a call if there are any bikes that come in. Good luck!!!