How to Grow Your Child’s Book Collection for Free

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I remember when I was in Kindergarten, we started learning how to read. I flourished once I caught on and became a reading wizard. I wanted to read any and everything all of the time. Now that I have kids of my own, I want them to enjoy reading as much as I do. Thankfully, everyday Evan reads for at least an hour and Max requests a bedtime story every night so we’re off to a great start. Books can be pricey once your little one gets into the groove though so I’ve found different ways to grow your child’s book collection for free.

Hand Me Downs

This may sound silly but it is an easy way to gain free books. How many people throw all of their old books into a box and forget about them? How many parents have kiddos that have outgrown their books? I know plenty! My friends and I started giving each other books that our littles have grown out of. For instance, my 9 year old doesn’t want his “easy” chapter books now so he gave them to his 6 year old friend. That 6 year old didn’t want his baby books so he passed them to my 3 year old. If you ask your parents they may even have a box of your old books somewhere.

Gifts

For the boy’s first birthdays I decided that instead of toys and clothes, I requested everyone give them a book as a gift. I asked everyone to write a sweet message inside so they would always know who it came from. Their book collections grew a ton on their first birthday alone! This is a simple and easy request of your guest when throwing a birthday party. It can be done at any age and everyone has a favorite book they would love to gift.

Kellogg’s and Scholastic Free Book Program

Kids love having a snack before school, after school, when they’re bored, when they’re hungry, basically any time. My boys typically love to eat crunchy snacks or breakfast so we have a never-ending supply of Cheez-Its and Mickey Mouse waffles. Yes, Kellogg’s® Eggo® Mickey Mouse Waffles are a thing and you can get them as well as the Cheez-It® Variety Caddy Packs at good ole Target. These caddy packs are perfect for on the go!

Don’t let those purchases go to waste. Sign up for the Kelloggs® Family Rewards! Starting now, For every purchase you make, you can earn points towards free Scholastic books! That means 1 box = 1 book until 9/30/2018. There are so many items you may purchase already and not even realize they’re by Kelloggs. For example, Frosted Flakes, Froot Loops, Pop-Tarts, Pringles, Fruit Snacks, and more. See how quickly your child can earn those points?

Here’s how you earn your points:

• Set up your account. You can do that here.
• Keep an eye out on all the products you purchase that are marked with the Kelloggs Family Rewards logo. You can stock up on these points until 9/30/2018.
• Submit every receipt with those product purchases online within 30 days of purchase. You do have to enter each receipt separately.
• Once your points have been added to your account you will receive an email notification.
• Log back into your account and redeem the credits for a book of your choice. You can choose to keep the book for yourself or donate it. You do have to redeem by 12/18/18 BUT you can earn up to 10 books for free!

Growing your child’s book collection may seem difficult on a budget but there are options out there. These are just a few of the things I’ve done to grow my kid’s book collections for free while aiding in their love of learning.