As a parent, instead of having your kids play with toys or spend time in front of the TV all day long, having them read a book is one of the best ways to keep them occupied. However, the issue is that many parents, educators, or anyone trying to build a library for young readers may find it challenging to get quality and affordable children’s books.
Whether you’re looking for bedtime stories, educational books, or books to spark imagination, many resources offer affordable children’s books without compromising quality. Here are eight of the best places to find a wide selection of affordable children’s books, all while sticking to your budget.
1. Thrift Stores
You can find cheap children’s books at plenty of thrift stores like The Salvation Army, Goodwill and local second-hand shops. Many of these stores sell gently used books at a fraction of their original price; sometimes they go for as low as $1 or less.
The selection can be a bit inconsistent depending on the store and location, but with a little patience, you can find classic children’s titles or popular series.
2. Shop From Dollar Stores
When looking for affordable children’s books, stop by the Dollar Tree. You can find some good books there for just a dollar!
You can also check out other dollar stores, such as Dollar General and Family Dollar, which also sell new books at low prices.
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3. Discount Bookstores
There are many discount bookstores online and offline where you can find affordable children’s books. Stores like Half Price Books, Ollie’s Bargain Outlet, and Books-A-Million offer discounted books, including popular children’s titles. These stores often buy overstock from publishers or sell pre-owned books at reduced prices.
They usually have sections dedicated to children’s books, where you can find everything from board books for toddlers to novels for older readers. Feel free to check out clearance sections for deep discounts or sign up for store newsletters to receive alerts about sales and special discounts.
4. Borrowing Books From the Library
When looking for affordable children’s books, your local library should be one of your first stops, considering that it is the easiest way to save money because it is free. Most libraries have extensive children’s sections, ranging from early learning books, story times, chapter books, and many other resources.
If you don’t already have a library card, you can apply for one before you can begin borrowing books. Don’t forget to keep track of the due dates to avoid paying late fees. The downside, however, is that the books will never be theirs to keep; your kids will have to return them after a couple of weeks.
5. Library Book Sales
You can check out books from your local library for free and buy used and cheap children’s books at library book sales. Many local libraries hold annual or seasonal book sales where they sell old or donated books to raise funds for the library.
These library sales usually offer a wide selection of books, and the children’s section is often filled with treasures, ranging from picture books to young adult novels. To participate in this, arrive early for the best selection.
Bring cash, as many smaller library sales might not accept credit cards. Don’t be afraid to buy more than one book, as many libraries offer bulk discounts (for example, a bag of books for $5).
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6. Online Book Retailers
Online retailers like Amazon, ThriftBooks, and The Book Bundler are excellent options if you want a more comprehensive selection of affordable children’s books. These websites offer discounts, bundle deals, or secondhand books much cheaper than brand-new ones. The convenience of online shopping also makes it easy to browse and compare prices without leaving your house.
The Book Bundler is especially popular for its bulk deals on pre-owned children’s books at great prices. They sell cheap kids’ books in bundles of 10–60 and categorize them by age groups, genres, and book type. This can be a great way to build a child’s library quickly and stick with your budget.
7. Garage and Yard Sales
Garage and yard sales can be another excellent source for affordable children’s books. People often sell pre-owned children’s books when their kids outgrow them. You can try to find garage sales hosted by families for the best deals and the best variety of books to suit your kids’ ages and reading levels.
Don’t be afraid to bargain because prices are often negotiable at garage sales. Besides, it is a win-win situation because participating will help others declutter while sticking to your budget.
8. Book Swaps and Exchanges
A book swap is a fantastic way to refresh your child’s library without spending any money. Book swaps are often organized by local communities, online book clubs, schools, or parenting groups, and participants exchange their used books for new ones.
Most swaps use a point system based on the age of the book and sometimes based on the author. You can also find online book swap communities where you can exchange books with people nationwide. This approach can be a great way to introduce new stories and characters to your child while keeping your collection fresh and diverse. It also teaches kids the value of sharing and reusing books.
Developing reading habits in your kids will help them become intelligent, make wise decisions, and grow to establish sound financial management skills. By utilizing these eight great resources, you can stick with your budget and provide your child with many opportunities to learn, explore, and dream through the power of books.