If you’re looking to save money on kids’ toys and games, here are some tips to help you:

1. Set a Budget: Before you start shopping, set a budget for how much you’re willing to spend on toys and games. This will help you prioritize your purchases and avoid overspending.
2. Shop During Sales and Promotions: Keep an eye out for sales, promotions, and clearance events at toy stores, department stores, and online retailers. Holidays, such as Black Friday, Christmas, and back-to-school season, often bring discounted prices on toys and games.
3. Buy Used or Secondhand Toys: Consider purchasing used or secondhand toys, which can be found at garage sales, thrift stores, online classifieds, or consignment shops. Just ensure that the toys are in good condition and meet safety standards.
4. Explore Online Marketplaces: Online marketplaces like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and Craigslist can be great places to find used toys at discounted prices. Take advantage of filters and search options to find specific toys or games your child wants.
5. Swap Toys with Other Parents: Connect with other parents in your community and organize toy swaps or exchanges. This way, you can trade toys your child no longer plays with for new ones, without spending any money.
6. Consider Open-Ended Toys: Opt for toys that promote creativity and imagination and can be used in multiple ways. Open-ended toys like building blocks, art supplies, and dress-up costumes provide lasting play value and can be enjoyed for years.
7. Check Discount Stores and Dollar Shops: Explore discount stores, dollar shops, and discount sections of larger retailers. They often carry a variety of toys and games at lower prices compared to specialty toy stores.
8. Utilize Coupons and Promo Codes: Look for coupons and promo codes that can be applied to toy purchases. Check newspapers, online coupon websites, and retailer newsletters for any available discounts.
9. Wait for Off-Season Sales: If the toy or game your child wants is not time-sensitive, consider waiting for off-season sales when demand is lower. For example, outdoor toys and games may be discounted during the winter months.
10. Buy Multi-Purpose Toys: Look for toys that offer multiple ways to play or grow with your child. This way, you can get more value out of a single purchase and reduce the need for additional toys.
11. Avoid Impulse Buying: Resist the urge to buy toys on impulse. Take some time to research and read reviews before making a purchase. This will help you make informed decisions and avoid buying toys that may not hold your child’s interest for long.
12. Encourage DIY and Homemade Toys: Engage in DIY projects to create homemade toys or games. This can be a fun and cost-effective way to provide entertainment for your child.

Remember, the quality and safety of toys should always be a priority. Make sure to check for any recalls, read product reviews, and ensure that the toys and games you buy meet safety standards.

The best time of year to save money on toys and games can vary depending on the retailer and the specific toy or game you’re looking for. However, here are some periods when you may find better deals and discounts:

1. Holiday Sales: Major holidays such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Christmas, and toy-specific holidays like World Play-Doh Day or National Puzzle Day often bring significant discounts on toys and games. Many retailers offer special promotions and sales during these times. Keep an eye out for these holiday sales and take advantage of the discounts.
2. Off-Season Sales: Consider buying toys and games during off-season periods when demand is lower. For example, outdoor toys and games may be discounted during the winter months, and holiday-themed toys may be on sale after the holiday season.
3. Clearance Sales: Retailers often have clearance sales to make room for new inventory. Check toy stores and department stores for clearance sections where you may find toys and games at discounted prices. These sales can happen at any time of the year, so keep an eye out for clearance events.
4. End-of-Year Sales: Towards the end of the year, many retailers offer year-end clearance sales. This is a great time to find deals on toys and games that may have been popular during the holiday season.
5. Annual Toy Sales Events: Some retailers hold annual toy sales events or toy fairs, where they offer special discounts and promotions. Check if there are any toy-specific events in your area or online. These events can be a great opportunity to save money on a wide range of toys and games.
6. Back-to-School Sales: During the back-to-school season, some retailers offer discounts on educational toys and games. Take advantage of these sales to save money on toys that can also support your child’s learning and development.
7. Amazon Prime Day: Amazon’s annual Prime Day event, usually held in July, offers significant discounts on a wide range of products, including toys and games. If you’re an Amazon Prime member, keep an eye out for this event and take advantage of the deals.
8. Manufacturer Promotions: Keep an eye on toy manufacturers’ websites or social media pages for any ongoing promotions or exclusive deals they may offer. Some manufacturers offer direct discounts or special bundles that can help you save money on their toys and games.
9. Join Retailer Loyalty Programs: Join loyalty programs or subscribe to newsletters from toy retailers. They often send out exclusive discounts and coupons to their members. By being a part of their loyalty program, you can stay informed about upcoming sales and receive personalized offers.

Remember to compare prices, read customer reviews, and consider the age appropriateness and interests of your child when purchasing toys and games. While finding good deals is important, it’s equally important to choose toys and games that are safe, durable, and provide value in terms of play and learning opportunities.