If thrift stores are not your thing you could also DIY your toys. I am not a crafty person. I can’t sew or knit incredibly well, but the wonderful thing about children is they rarely complain about something handmade.
Tree Blocks
Tree blocks are incredibly easy to make and probably my son’s favorite toy. Making tree block is an easy process you just need a branch from a tree. We have used branches that came down in storms and we’ve used branches that needed to be trimmed.
We simply cut them down into block size pieces and let them dry naturally for about 2-4 weeks. I do not seal the blocks with anything. Depending on the type of tree the bark will stay or need to be peeled off.
Sock Dolls
Another easy DIY toy is a sock doll. While it’s not as cute as a traditional Waldorf doll it’s a great place to get started. All you need is two pairs of socks and stuffing. You can find all kinds of tutorials for sock dolls on YouTube.
Peg dolls
Peg dolls are equally as easy and fun to create. We leave some plain. Others I have painted one solid color with a matching counterpart- maybe a mom and child set. Still others I have added felt capes or fake flowers even acorn cap hats too. You’re only limited by imagination and your supplies.
Felted Roads
Another incredibly easy DIY toy is felted roads. I created this toy out of a large sheet of black felt cut into strips and some yellow felt Needle felted down the center. If you’ve never Needle felted before it’s fairly easy and you can also find tutorials online.