Most of you know how much I *heart* children's books. So I've decided to share some tips on how to build your personal library on a budget (most of you know I am cheap too!!). Let me first say that I think it is hugely important to have lots of children's books in your home. Public libraries are great but having your own books builds literacy by providing repetition. Second, I am very picky about books. I mostly only buy hardcover books because they obviously hold up much better than softcovered ones. So here are a few of my favorite resources:
1. Garage Sales/Tag Sales: I have gotten a lot of great books -- and most of them BRAND new-- by perusing garage sales. Just this past weekend we happened upon a sale that had a ton of unopened superhero early reader books for 25 cents each. I snatched up every last one of them and Carter has been in heaven all week. Once when living in CT, I found a lady selling an entire set of Dr. Seuss books - for 10 cents apiece. I bought all 25 books she had for sale. Most of them had never had the cover cracked.
2. Kohls: Yes, I am serious. Kohls has an amazing program called Kohl's Cares for Kids where they offer full sized hard bound books by favorite authors for $5. They change the featured author several times during the year. Right now they are doing the Dinosaur book series by Jane Yolen and Mark Teague. All of the money they make through the program also gets donated to local charities benefiting children. So that is a huge bonus. In the past, they have featured Eric Carle, the Mrs. Larue series, also by Mark Teague, P. D. Eastman (of Are you my Mother and Go Dog Go fame), and many others. Great way to build your library.
3. Children's Book of the Month Club: I have had great luck with this club. First, when you join you get to choose 8 books for $2 (plus shipping). They have a decent selection of books (you won't be able to find everything you want but they have lots). Your "commitment" is that you will purchase 4 books within 2 years. They also run awesome promotions throughout the year. Last week they did a 50% off ALL books promotion and I bought a ton to give my kids for Christmas (can't beat a hardcover book for $6.99). Once your commitment is filled you can quit and resign up. I think I'm on my 4th membership with them. They practically fall over backward to get you to rejoin. Anyway, the only downside of the club is that you DO have to respond to their monthly offers. It's easy, you can do it online and it takes about 2 seconds.
4. Discount stores: I'm talking places like Ross and TJ Maxx. These can be pretty hit and miss with books but you can also get really great deals. I'd say books are usually at least 30% off the cover price and many times a lot more than that. They also have a lot of unusual books (like Magnet books or felt books) that are great for church or other quiet times.
So there you have it. Some of my favorite resources for buying kids' books. I always feel a little bit sad when I go into homes where there are no books. If you have another great source, I'd love to hear it. I'm always looking for ways to build our library!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
7 comments:
Wow-I'm actually the first to comment. I have actually found good deals on board books at Cub Foods of all places. They have a huge discount bin full of books. You have to dig around a bit, but I have gotten hard cover books for as low as $.89. And board books typically run between $1-3. The only bummer is you can't count on finding a specific book. We also have a place by us called half price books that sells new and used books at discount prices.
wow, good info. I didn't know you could "re-join" the book clubs, might have to talk the hubby into trying that one!
Ooooh, I have a love affair with children's books too. My favorite source is Scholastic - Harrison's school sends out order forms every month, and they run some really great deals! I just love getting a stack of books in his cubby too - sigh.
I so totally agree. Books should play a major role in childhood (and beyond!). We love children's books too. I love when my kids can recite tons of different books. I start reading to my kids when they are infants, hoping to instill a love of books from the get-go! Thanks for the great tips.
Can you believe I haven't been to a tag sale in like 2 years? Maybe I'll catch some soon and find some steals! I totally agree with Ross (am addicted to that store for books and have easily spent $50 on a ton of books and gifts in the last 4 months there!) and the others -- but you forgot to mention Sams! I can't believe the deals there sometimes. I always just about die when I hear someone tell me they bought a book at Borders....they need to clue in!
I still haven't signed up from CBOTM. I really should! Does Carter's preschool do book orders? I can't wait for those!
Don't forget about library sales, either! I get zillions of books for my classroom for *pennies*. A couple of weeks ago it was the slco library sale, and I got over 100 books for about $20. Sometimes some of the branches will have 10 cent book sales, like last week at the South Jordan branch, I paid 10 cents a piece for practically brand-new DK Eyewitness books galore. But you know me, I think that I am even more "cheap" than you are!
Oh yeah, and you can't beat Kohl's deals either!
Post a Comment