Activities Archives

Kid’s Library Essentials

Posted on August 16, 2024August 15, 2024 by Nichole Day

Reading and storytelling are fundamental to a child’s development. Studies show that children who are read to and have open access to books develop superior language and literacy skills. Building your home library has never been easier, thanks to Kid to Kid! Discover how to enrich your child’s reading journey without breaking the bank!

Empower Their Choices and Interests

It’s important to remember that kids learn faster when it’s a subject they are interested in. When choosing books make sure to cater to their interests, but don’t be afraid to give them a bit of variety. Choosing age-appropriate books and letting them read at their own pace will help foster great reading habits. Here are some book examples that are perfect for certain age groups between 0-12 years.

Infants & toddlers (Ages 0-3)

Kids at this stage require simple and durable books with cardboard and fabric being the most popular materials. Many of these books have very simple wording if any, bright colors, and engaging textures. Some well-read classic books for this age are Goodnight Moon, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Where’s Spot, and Guess How Much I Love You. Kids at this age greatly benefit from being read to, and these are great moments to share with your child!

Preschoolers (Ages 3-5)

At this stage, it is important to start encouraging early literacy as this is the time studies have shown that their brains grow the most. Try interactive books with repetitive phrases, engaging picture books, and rhyming. Classic books for their age group are Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, If You Give A Mouse A Cookie, Green Eggs And Ham, and Corduroy.

Early Readers (Ages 6-8)

At this age, children have started school and are getting the basics down of reading. For early readers, you can begin introducing series specifically made for their age group. It’s also important to start reading chapters to help build concentration and reading stamina for later in life. Remember since they are still mastering reading to keep it simple, fun, and engaging. Try classic titles such as Freckle Juice, The Magic Tree House series, Junie B. Jones series, and Frog And Toad series.

Middle Grade (Ages 9-12)

If your kid has mastered early reading and is looking for a challenge this is the age group to give them books with more complicated vocabulary and longer chapters. These books are going to help establish critical thinking, how to overcome challenges, and how to develop empathy. Pay attention to the reading level as YA or young adult is not recommended for younger audiences and even some books geared toward middle grade may have sensitive topics. Some series to read are The Black Stallion series, The Secret Garden, The Wind In the Willows, Wings of Fire series, and The Hardy Boys series.

Expanding Your Library on a Budget

Now that we have the basics for age groups, the question now is how do you grow their library and keep expanding their minds through books? The answer is resale! At Kid to Kid, we buy and sell gently used books which means not only do we have a variety your kid is sure to love, you’ll also see the savings. And when they outgrow them, you can sell their old books to us and earn cash for new ones! So what are you waiting for? Stop into your local store today and get your library started!

Growing Up Green: Sports Gear

Posted on May 6, 2024 by Nichole Day

Does your kid love sports? Maybe they recently started playing, need some extra gear to practice at home, or you want to find fun interests to keep them active? At Kid to Kid, we’re here to help and give a deep dive into some popular kid’s sports and all the fun and equipment that comes with it!

Why Sports?

Sports can be incredibly beneficial for children. They offer a chance to learn important values such as teamwork, communication, and leadership while also helping to develop motor skills and boost confidence. Participating in sports can also be a healthy break from electronic screens and provide an opportunity for fresh air and exercise. However, the most important aspect of sports is that it allows children to have fun in a positive and supportive atmosphere.

Basketball

This game was first invented in 1891 as a way to play indoor sports during winter, and contained rubber ball and peach baskets. It has changed little but gained much popularity and is great to play both indoors and out. We have basketballs, shoes, and clothes so they can shoot hoops in comfort. Because of the quick and fast-paced movements, practice clothes should be breathable, comfortable, and well-fitting to avoid injury. Shoes should be either specifically made for basketball or provide lots of ankle support.

Football

Is your kid in the works to be a star quarterback? Whether it’s peewee, juniors, or flag, football is much loved by boys and girls alike. We carry jerseys, cleats, socks, and footballs! Check with your team coach to have a comprehensive list of all you will need as different age groups and types of football require different kinds of essential equipment. For light or indoor play look for foam and smaller rubber footballs to keep the game going on days when the weather is not ideal!

Baseball

Are they ready to hit a home run? Baseball is an engaging outdoor field sport where anything can happen! It’s called America’s national pastime and has its own unofficial anthem ‘Take Me Out To The Ballgame’. We have cleats, socks, jerseys, t-shirts, bats, mitts, and baseballs! Check with your coach about what you will need for practice.

Soccer

This endurance sport is much loved around the world. The challenging part is getting the ball to the goal without using your hands and an average game could mean running back and forth around 6 miles or more! This sport promotes teamwork, communication skills, agility, and strategy. Look for jerseys, t-shirts, shorts, cleats, soccer balls, goalie gloves, and socks. Don’t forget to also provide them with shin guards and some practice cones!

Budget-Friendly Options

At Kid to Kid, we strongly believe that every child should have the opportunity to enjoy and participate in sports. That’s why we offer a wide range of affordable sporting equipment to help you stay within budget while ensuring your child has everything they need to play and stay safe. We update our inventory frequently, so be sure to check back often to see what’s in stock. And when your child outgrows their equipment, you can sell it back to us and earn cash for new gear! So why wait? Visit your local store today and discover what we have to offer.

Kids’ Libraries Don’t Need To Be Expensive

Posted on July 10, 2023July 22, 2023 by Nichole Day

Books are an important part of a kid’s life. Studies have shown reading increases your child’s use of language and cognitive development. Buying books can sometimes really add up especially when you want a home library collection just for them. At Kid to Kid, building your kids’ library is convenient and you can stay within your budget. Here are tips to build their library.

Think of the age group

While reading to a child or infant at any age is beneficial, make sure the book seems right for their age group. Many books for infants and toddlers are made to be durable with either fabric or stiff cardboard and are relatively short and simple. Chapter and story books are for more advanced readers, with parents reading aloud or older children by themselves.

Have a variety of book genres

Whether it’s sharing, friendship, colors, math, or fairy tales, having a variety of books will broaden their minds and keep them interested. Studies show that the more variety of types of books, the more your kids will develop a greater vocabulary and positively experience the world around them without having to leave the comfort of home.

Have them help!

Involve them in the process. Take them to your local Kid to Kid and let them pick the books they’re interested in, it will keep their love of reading strong and encourage them to pursue their interests and the topics they may be curious about. Also, listening to bedtime stories read aloud is always a favorite pass time among children, and letting them help pick the stories will make bedtime a fun experience.

Sell books to us

At Kid to Kid, we buy gently used books that your child no longer reads and you can earn cash for new ones. Also, stop by often to see what books we have in stock so your kids’ library can grow!

Building your kids’ library can be inexpensive and beneficial to their development as they grow. Shop at your nearest Kid to Kid and build your own home library for a fraction of the cost of new books!

What To Do With Your Extra Savings

Posted on June 19, 2023June 19, 2023 by Nichole Day

Are you looking to do something fun with your kids but want to save some money? At Kid to Kid we buy and sell gently used name brand clothes, shoes, books, toys, maternity, baby and sports gear at a fraction of the cost of department stores. So bring all of your kids gently used stuff they’ve outgrown and earn cash! Here are some ideas you can do with all your savings!

Picnic in the Park

Spend a day with your kids at the park. Grab a comfy blanket and some tasty food, then sit and have lunch in the warm outdoor sunshine! Then enjoy spending the rest afternoon with them as they play. Stop by Kid to Kid and pick up some outdoor toys like buckets, shovels, and bouncy balls they can play with in the park!

Take some classes!

Whether it’s art, dance, karate, or cooking participate with your kid and have some fun. Classes are a great way to bond with your children. There’s sure to be a lot of laughs and you can let your inner child shine. Pick up the gear they may need at our store!

Take a Trip!

Whether it’s to an amusement park, to visit the zoo, or a get-away beach destination a trip is a great idea to make lasting memories with your children. Take lots of pictures and Make sure to stop by your local Kid to Kid for any last-minute outfits or swimwear. Don’t forget the sunscreen!

Don’t Forget To Stop By!

By buying and selling with us you can save a lot of money and earn a little too! With all the extra cash you have, think of something fun to do with your kids. Spending time with them creates lasting memories and strengthens your family bonds. Stop by your local Kid to Kid for anything you need for your plans and see what we have in stock!