I love books! I've always been one to encourage books for kids. I would much rather buy my kids a book than a toy. The average children's book costs between $5 to $10, which means, purchasing children's books over time could get expensive.
My children are avid book readers, especially before bedtime. By default, my house is overflowing with children's books. However, they can end up occupying so much space at home.
In this post, I will share 5 ways to save money and space on children's books. This post is for you, book lovers! ***This post may contain affiliate links and I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases***
1. Borrow from the Library
All you need to do is to get yourself a library card and start checking out books. I like to save time by searching and requesting books on the library's website. Once they are ready for pick-up, I pick them up.
Some libraries have a very nice children's book section. They may even offer activities and events such as storytime at the library, crafts, and more. I remember once a local library hosted a lego event, in which they dumped big boxes of legos on the floor for kids to play with.
Pros:
It saves money (Just remember to bring back the books).
You can make a fun day out of it.
Space saving.
Cons:
Might cost money if you lose track of time and return them past their due date.
Books might not be in the best condition. I've yet to see a "like new" book from the library.
The books have passed through many hands and it might feel gross thinking of the potential germs on the book.
2. Use the Kindle App
Download the free kindle app to start reading books on your smartphone, tablet, or computer. You do not need a kindle device. With the free Kindle app, you can search for free ebooks or audiobooks on amazon. If the title you want is not available for free, you will notice that the kindle version is usually a little cheaper than purchasing the physical copy of the book.
Take advantage of the kindleUnlimited offer and try kindle unlimited for a whole month for free. Canceling the trial membership is easy, just go to "Accounts & Lists” then “Your Kindle Unlimited” next to “Cancel Kindle Unlimited Membership” (on the left). The kindle unlimited membership is $9.99 per month.
With KindleUnlimited you get an unlimited reading with access to over 2 million digital titles. You may also switch to listening with audible narration.
Additionally, with kindle unlimited, you may use your amazon account to borrow up to 20 eligible books at a time. You can read them for free, and "return" whenever you want. If you max out your 20 books, then simply "return" some to borrow more! In order to use kindle unlimited, you must have an amazon account with a valid payment method.
Pros:
Access to free reading materials.
Cheaper than physical book copies.
Saves on space.
Cons:
No new book smell.
No physical copy of the book.
3. Try Audible's 30-day Free Trial
Take advantage of audible's 30-day free trial (they will send you a reminder at least 7 days before your trial ends). Listen to books on your phone, any Alexa-enabled device, compatible Fire tablets, Kindles, Sonos devices, and more.
Audible has the world's largest selection of audiobooks. It has thousands of shows, titles, and podcasts that you can listen to whenever you want as many times as you want. You can either stream online or download to listen offline.
Some popular children's books found on audible include:
Audible's monthly membership starts as low as $7.95 per month (after the free trial). That is about the cost of one paperback book. You can easily cancel your membership at any time. All titles taken during trial and purchased are yours to keep forever.
Exclusive for Prime Members: Try Audible Plus for 3 months Free. Cancel Anytime.
Pros:
Free with the trial.
Saves on space.
Listen to anywhere (car rides, plane rides, trains, etc.)
Great for multi-taskers. Have your kids listen to their favorite books as they play or do their chores.
Great for immersion reading. Children can read books while listening to them.
Cons:
No new book smell.
No physical copy of the book.
Needs membership after the free trial ends.
4. Prime Reading
An amazon prime membership gives you more than just quick 2-day shipping. It also gives you access to free kindle books, such as popular books by children's book author Jory John.
You do not need a kindle device or fire tablet to enjoy prime reading either, simply download their free kindle app for iOS and Android.
Below are some examples of available books with amazon prime reading:
Pros:
Access to free kindle books.
Saves on money and space.
Cons:
Requires an amazon prime membership.
5. Sell and Buy Used Books
Selling books you have at home is a good way to make some money and free up space at the same time. There are many options for selling books. You can sell them through online platforms such as amazon and eBay.
Alternatively, you can purchase used "like new" books from amazon and eBay at a cheaper price than purchasing a brand new book.
Pros:
You could make some money from selling books.
Involve your kids in the selling and buying process.
You could save money by purchasing used books.
Purchasing used books is better for the environment.
Cons:
The used book's condition may be poor.
Selling used books may take some time and patience.
Happy Reading!