Cheap ideas for resources for a 15 month old

[Sandym3g]

At the moment we have only 1 part time child mon - Thurs mornings. So we don't have much funds if any.

We take him to the stay and play's 2 of these days and we have some toys but not much. I would like to be able to offer more than what we have but can't afford to buy much atm.

What kind of things can I look for that aren't too much money? Idea's please.

Children do not worry about the cost of the things they play with sandy and the most fun can be had with the simplest everyday objects such as wooden spoons, pots and pans, plastic containers, especially when combined with water for pouring If you check out some of the popular childmindingand early years websites they have lots of ideas you can use to create low cost but worthwhile activities. These will all stimulate the child and meet the EYFS areas of learning. If you can run to it, a subscription to childcare magazine is worth t as they have lots of activities that you can pull out and keep, nearly all of which use everyday objects.

Hope this helps, oh and never underestimate the power of learning from the environment around you - home,shops,park etc - all free

pans, wooden spoons, plastic jug, washing up bowl. All great fun for toddlers to play with.
If into craft... sticking with dried pasta, cut up bits of coloured paper.
A small box to collect things in from a walk outdoors.
A large box to pretend is a boat, tunnel, bus, car, anything really. Ask neighbours to keep large boxes so you can use them, then recycle after they no longer stay in one piece.

Scrapstores are useful for craft things at low cost.

Toy libraries exist in some areas - can be a low cost way of renting some large toys.

I have a 13 month old, he adores the cupboard with all of the children's bowls, plates etc, so maybe a little cupboard/box which he can open and take out some inexpensive plastic cups/plates (picnic things from the £ shop!) with some solid plastic spoons and/or wooden spoons.

1 or 2 cars that he can push around, large wheels are great (my little one loves sitting there just spinning the wheels around with his fingers).

Argos did a great little swimming pool for £3 which I filled up with 2 bags of plastic balls to make a ball pit. (Actually, just checked their website and its £2.37 but you will need to see if your local store has it in stock, and they have a 3 toys for the price of 2 at the moment). Balls can cost a bit so keep an eye out for some on sale - Argos are £4.99.

Charity shops will often have some inexpensive cars, the ones aimed at smaller children are usually quite solid so will be robust enough to look new for years anyway. But also, FREECYCLE!!!! You can get some great toys on there.

Oh and gumtree will have lots of things as well, and NCT nearly new sales too.

Pine cones, conkers, conker shells, wood, leaves, home made play doh. Wicker baskets, filled with bits of material.
Go to a pound shop and buy shiny kitchen utensils cheap, cheap brushes anything that feels different, children love it.
Also find out if you have a toy library near you, I get all my oriental dolls and emergency services jigsaws and unusual or expensive toys from it.

Have a look here Lots of ideas for messy play across the EYFS ages which can be done on a very limited budget