Hints From Heloise

Dear Heloise: Buying all new toys when a grandchild comes along can be quite expensive, especially when many of the toys are outgrown quickly.

I saved the outer boxes from food products, such as cake mixes, cocoa, individual cereal boxes, cream cheese, herb tea, even large cereal boxes.

I crumpled up newspaper and stuffed it into the boxes, taking care to keep the sides flat, closed them and used 2-inch clear tape to seal them.

My granddaughter loves these colorful “building blocks”! She uses the small ones and graduates to the larger ones as she grows.

If they tear or get dirty, simply throw them away and make more. It is a never-ending source of blocks and fun! - Karen Awalt, North Canton, Ohio

Many times the best toys are the simplest and homemade ones.

Your hint is a great recycle-reuse, money-saving one that I’m happy to print. - Heloise