Where to Get Cheap or Free Kids Books

Kids books are so expensive that you wonder why you haven’t written an 8 page book with 20 words in it to sell for $14.99.

And of course, your child will read it once and toss it to the side or just completely destroy it.

Even if your kid loves books, she’ll keep wanting more and more. So how do you afford all of these kids books?

Well, friend, you get thrifty and find ways of getting free or cheap kids books. Here are some good places to start.

{This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link.}

Garage Sales

I love garage sale season.

Try to find a family that has kids who are a few years older than yours and swoop! They’re exiting a stage of childhood that your kid is just entering.

If you can find a box of kids books marked at a couple dollars per book or less, you’re golden.

Grab anything that sounds decent and is good shape.

Even if your kid is still a toddler and there are cheap chapter books, grab those too.

I’ve had a stash of Goosebumps books for Toot since she was a year old.

The Library Store

Yes, you can borrow books from the library. But does your library have a store, too?

Our library recently added one to sell off extra copies of books and to make room for newer books.

We only have a small section of kids books available to buy but they’re only 50 cents each.  

Toot has already torn up a Big Bird Popup Book, but I’m not too terribly upset. It was only 50 cents!

If your library doesn’t have a store, check your surrounding areas. They’ll usually let you buy books even if you don’t have a card with them.

Goodwill

The Goodwills in our area have a huge selection of books. But you have to get lucky when it comes to kids books.

They’re very in demand because people usually buy more books for their kids than themselves and everyone is looking for cheap books.

Hence, why you’re here! So find out if there’s a specific time the books are stocked and try to get there right after fresh books are added.

Facebook Buy/Sell/Trade Groups

People usually sell kids clothes and toys.

You probably don’t see a whole lot of kids books, but there’s usually an option to ask for items.

ISO is short for “in search of.” So if you can’t find any already on the group, try posting “ISO kids books” and list any specifics like your child’s age or if you need board books.

eBay

Remember how I said to try a library store? Well, if you can’t find any, guess what! There’s some big ones that sell their extra books on eBay!

You can buy individual books for about $2 to $4.

But the best deals are book lots. When people like me want to get rid of a bunch of things at once but are too lazy to sell individually, they group them together in lots.

It’s much easier to sell everything to one person. So yeah, it’s a little more expensive to buy 20 books than two or three.

But if you buy in bulk, you pay less per book. I found a set of 12 Eric Carle books for $10 on eBay!

So search eBay for book lots and you can narrow it down to board books or age range if you need to.

Trade with a Friend

Does your kid have a stack of books she won’t touch or is just bored with?

Find a friend who has the same problem (and a little one about the same age) and trade your books!

The books your toddler doesn’t like may be your friend’s son’s favorites!

I discovered BookOutlet before Toot was born because I loved owning books even though I never actually read them.

I’m an audiobook person, but those don’t really look pretty on shelves.

They have books that are heavily discounted. Some may have imperfections and scratches, but that just makes them cheaper.

They only have a limited number of each book because they’re extras that other retailers couldn’t sell.

They do charge shipping, but it’s worth it if you buy a bunch of books.

Some of the kids books are as low as 49 cents!

Consignment Sales and Stores

I’ve talked about selling at consignment sales and stores before, but we’re going to talk about buying now!

I love buying cheap things especially when it comes to baby or toddler stuff. It’s all so expensive and I JUST WANT ALL OF IT.

The big consignment sale in our area has a huge selection of kids books. Last year, I walked away with 15 for under $20.

Check your community events or google consignment sale and your location.

Even if you’re not selling, they’re great places to buy stuff cheaply.

Your Mom’s House

This sounds like a Yo Momma joke but it’s not.

My mom kept a whole bunch of books from my childhood that Toot has been able to read and play with.

(Also my sister’s childhood books which she may or may not get back in decent condition for her future kids, but whatever!)

Ask your parents if they still have some of your old books. Or even a friend or relative that has a kid who has grown out of them.

Hand-me-downs are free and still just as good.

Amazon

I’ve been able to find some pretty good deals on Amazon for kids books especially with free Prime shipping.

(If you’re not a Prime member, you totally should be. I live my life by the Prime! lol)

You can get new board books for as low as $3.

If there’s a book that you really want but it’s like $15, try buying it used. I think the lowest the used ones go is about $4 to cover the cost of shipping.

Most of the used ones don’t have free shipping, but they’re still cheaper by comparison.

Free Ebooks

If your little one can deal with not having a physical copy of a book, excellent. Some ebooks are free!

Toot, however, is not so thrilled that she can’t flip pages. I’m sure she’ll learn to love the digital versions eventually.

Amazon has a good selection of free ebooks for kids that you can download and read.

You can also borrow ebooks from your library if they have that capability.

Amazon also has Kindle Unlimited which will let you borrow as many ebooks as you want for a monthly cost.

And if you’re a Prime member like me, you can borrow 10 ebooks at a time in the Prime reading section.

They have kids books available, but I’m selfish and borrow books for myself! lol.

Scholastic Book Orders

Our preschool does a scholastic book order every month.

Some of the books aren’t cheap but there are quite a few you can get for under $4.

I search on the website rather than look through the order form that comes home in her bag. That way I can sort by price.

If your child is in school, check to see if they do Scholastic book orders.

The cheap books are really flimsy paperbacks so if you’re into the aesthetic of the beautiful hardcovers, you’ll probably want to save up for the nicer books.

But if you just want cheap books for your child, they are great options. They have a lot of the most popular books for kids.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

Dolly Parton has a program where they send your child a free paperback book in the mail every month until they turn five years old.

Availability varies based on your location. Some areas don’t have a local chapter of it.

And if you do have a local charity that does work with the Imagination Library, you might be waitlisted. So apply as soon as possible.

I applied the week Toot was born, and we didn’t start receiving books until she was two years old.

The books we get are great. And they have special helpful instructions in each book to encourage learning.

Each book has a “starting up,” “reading the story,” and “after the story” prompts for parents.

They’re the best quality free books you can get if you’re lucky enough to get on the list.

You can apply here.

Where do you find the cheapest kids books or free books?

I’m always on the lookout for new books for Toot.

She’s not picky when it comes to books. She just wants as many as she can get her hands on.

Luckily, I’ve been able to get cheap ones at garage sales, online, and even in my mom’s basement!

Let me know in the comments below where you get your books!

You can also check out these must have board books for toddlers.

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Remember when you had disposable income? Now you have a baby, and this innocent little creature has somehow ravaged your credit card statement. It’s no secret that infants are expensive, what with the mass amounts of baby gear they require: diapers and carriers and clothes they won’t stop outgrowing. But there are plenty of ways to cut down on your spending so you can save up for your first vacation with baby or a family photo shoot. These smart, money-saving tips will help you stay on budget during that first (very expensive!) year.

1. Join Your Local Buy/Sell/Trade Groups

Join a Facebook Buy/Sell/Trade group and a Buy Nothing group in your area to find big-ticket items like cribs. You’ll also be able to sell any items that your kid outgrows or didn’t like to begin with. And be sure to check out Rebelstork, a resale website exclusively for baby goods, where you can find name-brand items at great prices. Upcycle your own items, and buy the resold, overstock or open-box gear you need for low prices.

2. Choose Baby Gear That Grows with Your Child

Some high chairs convert into seats for toddlers and older kids. Some cribs can be turned into toddler beds. And some car seats convert from infant all the way to backless boosters. When you’re searching, look for products called 2-in-1 or 3-in-1 to get the most life out of your goods. Here are some products that grow with kids.

3. Borrow, Don’t Buy

Never buy anything until you’ve asked all your friends with older kids if they have the items you need. Lots of parents save gear like bassinets and gliders if they plan to have another child, but they may not be using them at the moment. Maintain what you borrow (and the friendship!) and your friends might just lend you other pricey items, like balance bikes, as your baby gets older.

4. Ask Parents What You Really Need

If you straight talk with other parents before buying the items on your baby list you’ll probably be able to cross off more than a few items. The wipes warmer is a notoriously regretted purchase, and lots of people wish they hadn’t bought fancy baby food makers or baby swings their kid ended up hating (try it before you buy it!). Others discover they prefer the flexibility of a lightweight changing pad over lugging baby over to a changing table for every new diaper. Buy the must-haves and skip the nice-to-haves until you figure out whether your child would actually benefit from them.

Related: Baby Gear You’ll Use Well Beyond the First Year

5. Be Realistic About Your Lifestyle

You’re not likely to drastically change your lifestyle once you have a baby, so if you weren’t an off-road jogger before you probably won’t need a high-tech, pricey jogging stroller. A less expensive traditional stroller should work just great for your walks and errands. If you do decide to take a walk on uneven or unpaved ground, just put your baby in a carrier instead of a stroller, and you’re on your way.

6. Set Up Swaps with Friends

Set up clothing and gear swaps with your mom friends and mom-to-be buddies. Meet up at a local park where you can lay out all the items you’re giving away, or upload photos to a private Facebook group if you can’t all get together. Your pregnant friend might love your baby bathtub, maternity tops and newborn clothes, and you can snap up toys and clothes in your baby’s current size. Meet up a few times a year as seasons and kids’ needs change.

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7. Request Group Gifts

For holidays and birthdays, ask family and friends to pitch in for big-ticket items, like a stroller, rather than buying toys or clothes you don’t need.

photo: Ridofranz via iStock

8. Swap Babysitting Duties with a Friend

A free babysitter for date night? Sign us up! Here’s how it works: Ask a couple you know and trust if they’d like to take turns babysitting with you. You babysit your friends’ kid(s) at their house while your partner stays home with your own kid(s) and the other couple gets a night out. Then they return the favor when you want a date night.

9. Sample Different Diapers Before You Buy

Ask moms for the best diaper and wipes and be prepared to get lots of different answers, depending on their babies’ body types, skin sensitivity, and other factors. To find out which ones work best for you, ask friends who use different brands to swap a few (five of each) so you can all test out multiple brands and see which work best for your child.

10. Buy Necessities in Bulk

Once you’ve determined your favorite brands, buying necessities like diapers, wipes and formula in bulk. Signing up for automatic deliveries can also save you lots of money in the long run.

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Related: Baby Gear That’s Better to Borrow Than Buy

11. Test Items Before You Invest

They may not be able to talk, but babies have opinions, so don’t stock up on items like bottles and pacifiers until you’ve tested a few. These little ones are known for having strong preferences and changing their minds with no warning. Welcome to parenthood.

12. Stock Up on Clothing Basics in Larger Sizes

If the clothing you like is on major sale, buy items in sizes larger than what your child wears. Stick to items kids can wear year-round, like leggings and socks, rather than guessing what size your child might be in bathing suits and snowpants for next summer or winter.

13. Get Secondhand Special-Occasion Outfits

Hit up Poshmark, consignment shops or yard sales for special-occasion outfits, like holiday-themed baby clothes and fancy dresses. Many have only been worn once or twice and look brand new.

14. Keep Clothes Shopping Simple

We know baby clothes are adorable, but think about what you’ll really use before you splurge. The first few months, babies will mostly be sleeping and lounging at home with you, so onesies are the main thing you need. Babies can wear them on their own, under their clothes and to sleep in, so they’re worth buying in cost-saving multipacks. But you won’t need things like baby shoes until your child is walking outdoors. And if you plan to visit a climate that’s colder or warmer than yours, ask friends if you can borrow weather-appropriate gear instead of investing in something you’ll only wear a few times.

15. Less Is More with Nursery Decor

Once your baby gets mobile, you risk that tiny terror knocking down the glass snow globe before you can stop them. A wipeable playmat, soft pillows to sit and lay on, and baskets to hold toys and stuffies may be all the decor you need until baby gets older.

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16. Keep Nursery Style Timeless

It’s so tempting to choose a theme for your nursery and do it up big. But sticking to fewer baby-specific colors and decor items means not having to buy all new stuff in a few years. And the more you can DIY, the cheaper it will be. Try these 16 ways to DIY your nursery on a budget.

17. Babyproof on a Budget

Babyproofing gadgets and services can be really pricey. But there’s a lot you can DIY for cheap, using items you may already own. Consider these 14 DIY ways to make your home safer for baby.

18. Find Free Local Fun

Explore your area for free spots you and your child can visit, from parks and walking trails to your local farmer’s market. A shady outdoor spot or a weekly free night at the museum gets you out of your home without an entrance fee.

19. Check Out Your Local Library

The library can be tons of fun for babies. Many libraries offer storytime and kids’ activities, so check the website or ask a librarian for a schedule of upcoming events. And you can save a lot of money borrowing baby books instead of buying them.

photo: iStock

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20. Go Minimalist with Baby Toys

You know the old joke about babies liking the bag the gift comes in more than the gift. Well it tracks. Aside from a comforting lovie, sensory ball, mobile and stuffed animal, babies don’t need lots of store-bought toys. They’re interested in colors, fabrics, textures and noises, so household objects and even your purse or diaper bag hold their attention as well as toys do. And, in fact, interacting with you can provide most of their entertainment. From singing to imitating each other’s sounds and expressions to blowing bubbles and playing peekaboo, there are lots of free, fun ways to entertain your baby and have quality bonding time, which is your child’s all-time favorite thing. When you need a break from the action, give your baby some wooden spoons or plastic measuring cups from the kitchen and watch them have a ball all on their own. Here are 16 baby games you can play together.

21. Create Your Own Baby Classes

Instead of signing up for baby music classes and baby gyms, invite local moms to meet at a local park or other baby-friendly area. Bring small balls and noisemakers and have your own baby class. If you’re not sure what activities to try, YouTube is an amazing resource for free videos of baby gym class, baby music class, baby yoga and more. Watch a few and tailor a class to your kiddos.

22. Start a Mom Workout Group

Stroller workout groups are a great way to prioritize exercise while spending time with your baby and fellow new moms. But just as with the baby classes, ask friends or post on a local Facebook moms group to see who’s interested in meeting up weekly to take a stroller walk and then do a quick workout or stretching session. Again, YouTube is your best friend when it comes to finding high-quality free workouts at all skill levels, and geared to postpartum needs.

23. Don’t Fall for Baby Marketing

No, you don’t need infant Tylenol (cash grab!) or a special baby laundry detergent. Switch to a fragrance-free gentle detergent and you can wash the whole family’s clothes at the same time. The same goes for soap and body lotion. Choose a gentle, fragrance-free brand like Vanicream for baby’s sensitive skin and you can all use the same products.

24. Call Your Pediatrician Before Scheduling a Visit

Every baby concern may not require a doctor’s appointment and the co-pay that goes along with it. Call the nurses’ line first to see if they can help without you coming into the office. Take photos of any rashes or bumps and make detailed notes about your concerns and your child’s symptoms (like what time you noticed the fever and how high it was) to make it easier for them to help you.

25. Skip the Jarred Baby Food

Do you need to buy expensive jars of baby food? Not necessarily. Consider baby-led weaning, in which babies six months and up gnaw on finger foods instead of purees. If you’re not comfortable with that, make your own baby food in bulk from leftovers or fruits and veggies you bought on sale, and store it in your freezer. Freeze the purees you make in ice cube containers. Once frozen, transfer them to plastic bags. Each will be a one-ounce serving you can thaw out and heat up when it’s mealtime.

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