Frugal Fun: Make A Snowman Kit

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

12 Feb 2007 03:07 PM

Everyone here in Pennsylvania is gearing up for a major snowstorm. It is predicted to sneak in sometime late tomorrow night and continue through Wednesday, closing school, causing delays and making havoc. Fortunately, I still have a good stockpile, so I won't have to join the throngs of folks at the grocery store, buying up all of the eggs, milk and bread.

The kids are looking forward to the snow, especially my oldest, Andrew. Lots of snow means a day off of school and the chance to build a snowman.

And so, tomorrow I will be assembling a snowman kit. Did you know that you can buy a snowman kit in the stores? It comes with plastic Mr-Potato-Head-like pieces, such as a plastic hat, a plastic nose and plastic coal. I've seen the kits retail anywhere from $9.99 to $19.99. It is a cute idea with great organizational benefits. No more scrambling for a dried out carrot in the back of the crisper drawer, or a hat that someone is willing to give up. But, I really can't see spending money for a snowman kit when we have plenty of items around the house to use. And whatever we don't have can be picked up pretty cheaply at our local thrift store.

Here are some of the items I'm putting into our kit:

• A red baby hat and scarf
• Gold buttons left over from a costume I created (I played an eccentric world traveller at a friend's murder mystery party).
• An old whisk broom
• An old men's felt hat donated by pop-pop
• A few long dowels that we salvaged from a broken hamper and can use for arms
• Some outgrown and mismatched mittens
• Some plastic food donated from my daughter's kitchen set (our snow-people will have hot dog and banana noses in addition to a carrot nose).

I'm still searching around for something to use as snowman eyes. I could raid my son's rock collection, but what do you think? Do you have any ideas for my frugal snowman kit?

Related Articles:

Frugal Fun: Make Your Own Snow Paint

Frugal Winter Wonderland: Ice Candles

Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

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